Mongolia Studies
The Academy of Natural Sciences has been involved in biodiversity and ecological studies in Mongolia since 1994. Early research concentrated on surveying the biodiversity of Lake Hövsgöl, a large, deep, ancient, and remarkably pristine lake located in the far north of the country. (The findings of this early work is presented in The Geology, Biodiveristy and Ecology of Lake Hövsgöl (Mongolia). Backhuys Publishers BV).
Since then, research by the Academy has diversified in geography and scope. The Institute of Mongolian Biodiversity and Ecological Studies (IMBES) continues to operate at Hövsgöl, but its programs now includes applied studies involving climate change, ecosytem modelling, environmental monitoring and sustainable livestock practices. In addition to conducting research at Hövsgöl, IMBES serves as an umbrella organization for other scientists and experts who conduct research in Mongolia.
The Academy's other main research intiative is the Mongolian Aquatic Insect Survey. This program is currently documenting the biodiversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates in Mongolia's most important watershed, the Selenge drainage.
Since the beginning, the Academy has contributed to the training of Mongolian scientists and the development of the local research infrastructure through both the institute and aquatic insect survey. The Academy has also been involved with a fish collecting expedition to eastern Mongolia, and a country-wide survey of rotifers and other microscopic invertebrates.
Select More about Mongolia for a primer on its geography, environment and history.
In addition to what's presented here, information on IMBES and MAIS can be found at the following research sites:
- Hovsgol Ecology - Global Environment Facility (IMBES) (www.hovsgolecology.org/)
- Mongolian Aquatic Insect Survey
(clade.ansp.org/entomology/mongolia/)