Mongolian Aquatic Insect Survey
Selenge River Basin Survey | Capacity Building
The Mongolian Aquatic Insect Survey is a multi-year research initiative to document aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity and relate that diversity to patterns in evolution, ecology and water quality. The Survey has also helped develop Mongolian research infrastructure and train Mongolian students. The principle investigators are the Academy's Dr. Jon Gelhaus, Dr. John Morse (Clemson University), and Dr. Barbara Hayford (Chadron State College).
Additional information can be found at the Survey's research website, clade.ansp.org/entomology/mongolia/.
Selenge River Basin Survey
The Selenge River Basin, Mongolia
The Selenge River Basin, which occupies more than 300,000 sq. km in north central Mongolia, is the most important watershed in the country. The capitol (Ulaanbaatar), as well as most of the population, agriculture and industry, lie within its boundries. Its streams are becoming increasingly stressed by population growth, untreated waste, agriculture, mining, overgrazing, and climate change. The watershed also connects Lake Hövsgöl, one of the world's most pristine ancient lakes, with Lake Baikal, the world's oldest and most biologically diverse lake. (Lake Baikal is located in Siberia.)
Since the beginning of field work in 2002, the survey has sampled more than 200 sites for aquatic macroinvertebrates (insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other animals). Most of these sites are in rivers or streams, but some are in freshwater and saltwater lakes, hot and cold springs, and marsh wetlands.
In addition to providing biodiversity data for environmental monitoring, the survey has yielded numerous new species and hundreds of new geographic records for know species in Mongolia. Over 20 publications from American, Mongolian, and European colleagues have now been published. More papers are in preparation.
A list of the papers published and presentations given by MAIS participants can be found at clade.ansp.org/mongolia/mais_research.html
Capacity Building
The Mongolian Aquatic Insect Survey is involved in the development of scientific research infrastructure and the training of students (i.e., capacity building). It has, in collaboration with the Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, built the first research laboratory in Mongolia dedicated to the study of aquatic invertebrates. The survey has also helped train nine Mongolian students in field work. Five of these have received additional training in the United States and are either currently enrolled in or have completed advanced degree programs. (More information on scientific infrastructure and research training can be found at the Mongolian Aquatic Insect Survey research website, clade.ansp.org/mongolia/mais_about.html.)
In addition to assisting Mongolian students, the Survey has afforded American students with exceptional research and learning opportunities. Two graduate students have participated in the survey, and the Academy's Research Experience for Undergraduates Fellowships (REU) program has sponsored Mongolia field work for four undergraduates.