Ulan Bator: Severe winter weather, known as "dzud," has taken a devastating toll on Mongolia’s livestock this season, with approximately 7,500 animals reported dead due to extreme cold, according to the State Emergency Commission (SEC). The SEC indicated this alarming statistic reflects the harsh conditions gripping the country.
According to the agency, nearly 80% of Mongolia's territory is currently blanketed with snow, with depths reaching up to 60 cm. The term dzud describes a catastrophic winter defined by freezing conditions and heavy snowfall, which prevent nomadic livestock from accessing food. These harsh winter seasons are heavily influenced by the Siberian high-pressure system, noted the National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring.
The impact of the dzud is sprawling, affecting at least 30 soums, or administrative subdivisions, across 10 provinces. An additional 55 soums are experiencing near-dzud conditions. "Nearly 7,500 head of livestock have so far perished due to the dzud across the country," the SEC stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
This year marked an extreme cold winter, with Ulan Bator experiencing its coldest night at -37 degrees Celsius. Just earlier this month, temperatures plunged even lower, hitting -44.4 degrees Celsius in Otgon soum of Zavkhan province—reported as the lowest temperature nationwide this winter. These dangerously low levels of cold contribute to the difficulties faced by herders, who rely on their livestock for the majority of their income.
Historically, Mongolia is known for its harsh winters, and last winter saw one of the worst dzuds on record. The national disaster claimed the lives of millions of livestock, devastating the livelihoods of countless nomadic herders and significantly impacting the rural economy. Last winter's dzud was the hardest hit since 1975, with snowfall reaching depths of up to 100 cm across roughly 90% of the country.
The government is taking steps to mitigate the effects of the dzud. Reports state there are plans to stockpile at least 10,000 tonnes of livestock meat to help sustain the capital's residents during the harsh spring of 2025 when food security traditionally becomes more precarious. According to the government spokesperson, "We have decided to stockpile at least 10,000 tonnes of livestock meat to sustain residents during the spring season of 2025," emphasizing the proactive measures being taken to address potential shortages.
Livestock meat is the primary food consumed by Mongolians, particularly in Ulan Bator, which houses about half of the country's 3.5 million population. The anticipated shortages of meat during the spring, when nomadic livestock are lean and herders have limited animals left to sell, create rising prices and challenge food accessibility.
To add to the significance of these weather events, it is worth noting the cultural aspect of Mongolia as one of the last remaining nomadic nations. At the end of 2024, Mongolia boasted around 57.6 million livestock, which highlights just how important animal husbandry is to the nation’s traditional lifestyle and economy.
While the current winter continues to inflict pain on Mongolia's pastoral communities, it serves as a stark reminder of the precarious balance between nature and livelihood for herders relying solely on their cattle and livestock to survive. The coming months will test the resilience of these communities as they face the dual challenges of extreme weather and the economic repercussions of livestock loss.
The ramifications of the dzud reach far beyond just the immediate demise of livestock. They threaten traditional ways of life and, coupled with unpredictable weather patterns, serve as harbingers of shifting climate realities. Facing such challenges, Mongolia’s herders will need support and innovative strategies to navigate the winter and prepare for the future.