62764 WILDLIFE SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION CENTER OF MONGOLIA Houbara Bustard and Saker Falcon surveys in Galba Gobi IBA, southern Mongolia Preliminary technical report to the World Bank and BirdLife International Nyambayar Batbayar, Bayarjargal Batsukh Wildlife Science and Conservation Center of Mongolia Jonathan Stacey Birdlife International and Axel Bräunlich consultant 11/09/2009 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 1 Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Biodiversity issues in Mongolia’s South Gobi region .................................................................................. 3 Two globally threatened species under focus ............................................................................................... 4 Project aim .................................................................................................................................................... 5 Outputs .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Schedule of activities .................................................................................................................................... 6 Basic outline of Methods .............................................................................................................................. 7 Overview of activities carried out from January to September 2009 ............................................................ 9 Survey results .............................................................................................................................................. 13 Satellite tracking of Saker Falcons.............................................................................................................. 16 Vegetation survey ....................................................................................................................................... 20 GIS layers and initial GIS exercises ........................................................................................................... 21 References ................................................................................................................................................... 23 Appendices.................................................................................................................................................. 24 Introduction Mongolia is currently witnessing unprecedented levels of economic growth, in large part driven by growth in the mining, oil, and gas industries. Especially, the southern frontier region of Mongolia is known worldwide for its rich mineral resources such as gold, copper, and coal and is becoming a particular focus for the extractive industries. Several world class mining projects are already in place and some are under development. Such examples include the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold deposit, yet to be developed, and the existing Tavan Tolgoi coal mining area (BirdLife Asia, 2009). Today, the South Gobi region in Mongolia is at a very important transition period to develop and export its natural resources to the world and bring wealth and prosperity to the country and its people. As Mongolia prepares to take a large step towards this historical moment, it is clear that sustainable and effective use of these minerals in domestic and international markets will require large scale economic and infrastructural development within the region. At the same time there are increasing concerns on the ecological importance and conservation of wildlife resources of the region. Without effective environmental safeguard measures, these sectors have the potential to cause major negative impacts on Mongolia’s natural habitats and wildlife populations - both direct (mine construction, tailings disposal, etc.) and indirect (road and rail development, construction of high voltage power lines, etc.) (BirdLife Asia, 2009; Warlters et al., 2009). Reliable and efficient transportation road and railway networks connecting mines in Mongolia and buyers and markets in China are in great demand in this infrastructure deprived region. For this reason, constructions of 80 kms of vehicle roads and 290 kms of railways have been proposed by the developers 2 in different parts of the South Gobi region and are encouraged by the Government of Mongolia. In addition, major construction of power lines to facilitate regional development and export of surplus electricity are expected. These development projects will potentially cause secondary impacts associated with the increased human activity in the area and near the international (Mongolia–China) border. Consequently, there is a need to study the conservation needs of wildlife and their habitats in this area. Addressing above mentioned various needs, a Regional Development Plan for the South Gobi is being developed jointly by various stakeholders with the support of World Bank (Warlters et al., 2009). Figure 1. Overview map of the Galba Gobi study area in Mongolia's South Gobi. Insert: location within Mongolia. Biodiversity issues in Mongolia’s South Gobi region During 2007 and 2008, the World Bank supported BirdLife International and the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center (WSCC) of Mongolia to identify and map important areas of critical natural habitat in Mongolia. Several important areas of natural habitat were identified in Omnogobi aimag (South Gobi Province), including the Galba Gobi Important Bird Area (IBA MN048). This area, which stretches between, and partly overlaps with, the Small Gobi A and Small Gobi B Special Protected Areas, supports 3 two globally threatened mammals, Asian Wild Ass or Khulan Equus hemionus (Endangered) and Goitered or Black-tailed Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa (Vulnerable), and important breeding populations of three globally threatened bird species (Saker Falcon, Houbara Bustard and the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, the later considered Vulnerable) (Nyambayar and Tseveenmyadag 2009, BirdLife Asia 2009, Kaczensky 2006). The development of powerlines and transport infrastructure have been identified as particular threats to Houbara Bustard and Saker Falcons in this area, both in terms of the disturbance they can cause to breeding birds, but also in terms of the potential to facilitate hunting and trapping in remote areas (Bevanger, 1994; Janss, 2000; TRAFFIC, 2008). As part of the World Bank-supported Regional Development Plan for the South Gobi, a number of routing options are being considered for road and rail corridors (and, potentially, powerlines) through Galba Gobi IBA, linking the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold deposit and other mineral deposits to infrastructure in China. While these developments are potentially compatible with maintenance of the biodiversity values of this area, this is contingent on the availability of detailed data on the distribution of species and habitats of high conservation concern, and the application of such information through analysis and strategic action. In particular, there is a need for detailed data on the nesting distribution and seasonal movements of Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard within the IBA. Such data would enable a full assessment of the environmental impacts of different routing options for transport and power infrastructure, and facilitate the selection of alignment options that minimize impacts on nesting birds. Two globally threatened species under focus Houbara Bustard The Asian subspecies macqueenii of Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata is sometimes considered a separate species, McQueen’s Bustard. Its plumage is brown above and white below, with a black stripe down the sides of the neck. In flight, the long wings show large areas of black, white and brown. Like other bustards, it has a spectacular display, raising the white feathers of the head and throat and withdrawing the head. The range of C. u. macqueenii extends from the Arabian Peninsula across Central Asia to Mongolia. Houbara Bustards are polygynous and exhibit a lek mating system. A lek is a place where males gather to conduct a competitive mating display (Hingrat et al., 2007). The Houbara Bustard is considered globally threatened (Red List Category: Vulnerable), with the main causes for decline loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat and hunting pressure by falconers at migration stop-over sites and on the wintering grounds (BirdLife International 2009a). Houbara Bustard is dependent on shrub- lands in desert and semi-desert area (Gaucher et al., 1996; Tourenq et al., 2004a; Tourenq et al., 2004b). The Mongolian Gobi constitutes the easternmost part of its global breeding range. As of today, compared to other range countries, Mongolia is the only country where Houbara Bustard is not formally hunted. However, there is some evidence of illegal hunting. Saker Falcon The Saker Falcon Falco cherrug occurs across a wide area ranging from eastern Europe to north-eastern China. It is a large falcon with 115 cm wing span and 840–1100 g body weight. It nests in trees, rock crevices, ledges, using nests of other birds such as Upland Buzzards, Common Ravens and others. Saker 4 Falcon also uses nests located on artificial structures such as electric poles, buildings, bridges and towers. The globally threatened (Red List Category: Endangered) Saker Falcon is declining due to loss, fragmentation and degradation of its habitat, factors which are causing a decline in key prey species. The off take for falconry is a significant and major problem, which has caused sharp declines and local extinction in many range countries, including Mongolia. Mongolia officially exports up to 300 birds annually to Arab countries in Middle East region (BirdLife International 2009b). Project aim The project aims to determine the size, distribution pattern and seasonal movements of the Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard populations in Galba Gobi IBA and to formulate recommendations that enable the routing and design of infrastructure that avoids significant impacts on these two species. The project is co-funded by the World Bank’s Netherlands-Mongolia Trust Fund for Environmental Reform and the BirdLife International’s Rio Tinto – BirdLife International Programme, and is supported by the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism of Mongolia. Outputs 1. GIS data layers showing environmentally sensitive areas within Galba Gobi IBA with respect to critical nesting and feeding areas and migration routes of Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard, and areas where development of transport and power infrastructure would have a relatively low impact. 2. A Technical report placing the significance of Galba Gobi IBA for the conservation of Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard into a global context, and recommending mitigation measures with regard to the development of transport and power supply infrastructure. 3. Budgeted proposals for positive conservation actions that could be taken to maintain or increase the populations of the two species, to compensate for any losses due to infrastructure development (e.g. construction of artificial nests, establishment of local protected areas, etc.). 5 Schedule of activities The project has two parts. The first part is mainly on preparation, data collection and executing field works. The second part focuses on data analysis and preparation of GIS layers. Phase 1: January–September 2009 January–March 2009 Procurement and testing of GPS/PTT satellite transmitters. April 2009 Reconnaissance survey to identify breeding areas of Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard. April–May 2009 Trapping of Saker Falcons and Houbara Bustards to attach satellite transmitters. May 2009 Detailed survey to map distribution of nesting habitats, and monitor nesting success at selected nest sites. June–July 2009 Monitoring of Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard nest sites, to check nest fidelity and collect additional data on nesting success. June–December 2009 Satellite tracking of birds, from the breeding season until end of the migration season July–August 2009 Vegetation surveys in feeding areas of Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard. August 2009 Preparation of GIS data layers showing environmentally sensitive areas with regard to critical nesting habitats of the two species. September 2009 Preparation of preliminary technical report on breeding survey data and analysis. 30 September 2009 Submission of GIS data layers and preliminary technical report to the World Bank and BirdLife International. Phase 2: February–March 2010 February 2010 Preparation of GIS data layers showing environmentally sensitive areas with respect to critical nesting and feeding areas and migration routes of the two species. March 2010 Preparation of final technical report and formulation of budgeted proposals for positive conservation actions for the two species. Provision of initial analysis- based recommendations for mitigation of transport infrastructure options, with respect to Saker Falcons, Houbara Bustards and migratory mammals. 30 March 2010 Submission of GIS data layers, final technical report and budgeted proposals to the World Bank, and BirdLife International. 6 Basic outline of Methods Extensive field survey to obtain critical Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard nesting, feeding, and movement areas. Because Houbara Bustard is very secretive and difficult to study, a thorough search was needed. We estimated a 4-month survey (covering post-migration, nesting and post-breeding, and pre-migration periods) to be sufficient to obtain the data needed for making an baseline assessment. Locations of Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard sightings were recorded using GPS in the field. Line transect survey method was used to obtain data necessary for estimating Houbara Bustard and large ungulates density in the Galba Gobi. The Galba Gobi IBA covers a very large area – over 8,000 km2 – and has very little infrastructure (few dirt roads/tracks). This makes it generally difficult for the team to survey it completely. For example, trees (potential Saker nesting sites) grow often along dry watercourses with shrubs, soft gravel or sandy banks, which are very difficult to drive along. In this case, we walked along dry beds searching for nests. We usually drove at speed of 30 km per hour during the spring and summer survey transects. Transect routes followed mainly regular and irregular used tracks and also off roads whenever terrain allows us. One transect line was usually less than 10 km in length and observers watched 250 meters on both sides. Once a houbara bustard was spotted the location was recorded together with information on behaviour, sex, age, and group size. 10x40 binoculars and telescopes were used for identification. We used Distance 5.2 program for density estimation. It provides an analysis of distance sampling data to estimate density and abundance of a population. During Houbara Bustard line transects the car had to make stops at every 4 to 6 km. At each stop point researchers walked around the location to search for houbara egg, nests, chicks, feathers, droppings, and tracks. Minimum direct distance from car to the observer was 250 meters. Researchers were walking in zig-zag manner during searches. Time and distance covered during each search was more or less equal. Nesting territories were be used to estimate density of Saker Falcon in the Galba Gobi. Incidental locations of other wildlife species such as Khulan, Goitered Gazelle, Long-eared Jerboa and Lesser Kestrel were also recorded during the study. In order to assess breeding success of raptors, at least 3 visits to a nest site is recommended. Therefore nests were visited and checked at least three times during the breeding season. Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard movement and migration data will be obtained by deploying satellite transmitters on 3 individuals of each species. Satellite tracking is useful because high quality data can be obtained. A “Houbara location� is a point where researchers found nests, egg, chicks, feathers, droppings, and tracks. A Display area is an area where Houbara Bustards were displaying during breeding season. More than one feather or droppings or tracks within few meters radius at same location may also indicate a display activity that has occurred. Nest point is a point where actual nest is found during spring survey. If fragments of houbara bustard egg shell are found in what it looks like a nest bowl in summer, then it could be considered as nest point as well. 7 Vegetation data was collected at houbara observation and random locations. Random points were selected using ArcView 3.2 GIS program. There were 70 random locations. Data from these locations will be used to compare random and houbara locations. Data was collected using Quadrate method and Line-intercept method. These are widely used and suitable techniques to estimating plant cover and capture important plant diversity information. Line- intercept method was used to estimate shrub cover and height within study area. Ten meters square frame was used to establish a vegetation sampling plot. Within each plot three sub sample plots were randomly established and 1x1 m2 wooden frames were laid out to record plant species. Relevant GIS shapefiles of the project area including existing and planned roads, infrastructure facilities, available wildlife distribution and ecosystem etc. were obtained. Infrastructure, mine and road distribution information was related with Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard nesting and habitat use data collected in the field using ArcView GIS and an analysis to assess whether existing roads and mining related activities have impacts on these species distribution and nesting success was conducted. Recommendations based on the above analysis and prepared GIS data layers showing environmentally sensitive areas within Galba Gobi IBA with respect to critical nesting and feeding areas and migration routes of Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard, and areas where development of transport and power infrastructure would have a relatively low impact, are being prepared. Figure 2.Finding Houbara Bustards is very difficult and requires many hours of careful observation 8 Overview of activities carried out from January to September 2009 GIS data acquisition and preparation Activity Timing Action taken Obtain available historical Jan 1–present - We did extensive search for available distribution distribution data and records and publications. We have collected over 70 published materials about papers, including many peer reviewed articles and two species under study distribution notes, on ecology and biology of Houbara Bustards from various sources. Articles on Saker Falcons were already available at WSCC library. Hard and electronic copies of important papers were obtained by directly communicating with authors or people holding copies. - Houbara Bustard and Saker Falcon distribution and occurrence data were obtained from Dr. Batsaikhan of National University of Mongolia. - A CD-Rom with reading materials on Saker Falcon, Houbara Bustard, and electrocution (compiled by Axel Bräunlich) was received by project staff. Obtain latest overlay of Apr 1–Sep 15 - We made an initial request to OT environmental planned road between OT department in April for digital data. In September, we and Gashuun Sukhait at received a CAD file with existing and planned roads. the international border We converted the file into ArcGIS file and made it available for the study team. Obtain overlay of water Apr 1–Aug 10 - We obtained water point data in hard formats from points, existing roads, and Khanbogd soum government and extracted data relevant herders locations to the study area. - GIS file of existing roads was obtained from National Geoinformation Centre for Natural Resource Management project and from several individual GIS experts. - Location data of herders living in Galba Gobi was only available in printed maps without useful geographic information. There was no justification of good use of these maps for GIS exercise, thus we used them for description of study area. Prepare distribution maps Aug 15–Sep 20 - Constructed dotted Houbara Bustard and Saker Falcon of two species distribution maps from available published and unpublished sources. - Initial distribution contour map prepared Prepare GIS data layers Sep 15–Oct 1 - Initial GIS data layers was prepared based on data showing environmentally collected during field work and GIS data obtained from 9 sensitive areas with regard various sources to critical nesting habitats of the two species Procurement, testing, deploying GPS/PTT transmitters, and satellite data retrieval Activity Timing Action taken Order and procure the Nov 22 – Apr 10 - Communicated with bird borne transmitter satellite transmitters manufacturers and made selection of transmitters - An order to purchase 3 GPS PTTs from Microwave Telemetry Inc, Maryland, USA was placed on November 29, 2008 with the purpose of giving plenty time for manufacturing. Order was delayed by almost one and half months because funding arrived late due to Ivanhoe Mines Inc.’s withdrawal from the project. As a result, order had to be restarted which delayed the transmitter shipment date and resulted in missing the April-May window for marking Saker Falcons. Instead the tags were deployed in June and July. - Communicated with Houbara Bustard experts and researchers at National Avian Research Center in Abu Dhabi, UAE to obtain experts advices and requested logistical and technical support. NARC agreed to provide three GPS PTT transmitters and to train Mongolian biologists in bustard survey techniques by bringing them at no cost to one of its study sites in Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, due to lack of communication from Kazakhstan the field trip did not happen. May 25–Jun 5 - Received PTT transmitters and prepared for field deployment Preparation for trapping Houbara - Searched online sources and studied bustard trapping Bustards: techniques, because none of the researchers had previous expertise on trapping this species - Consulted with bustards experts at NARC and Nyambayar received hands-on training at NARC facility in April on handling and capture techniques and to deploy satellite transmitters on bustards. - Consulted with Mimi Kessler and received advice on handling and capture techniques using spot light. She is a PhD candidate from Arizona State University and has been conducting a Great Bustard research project in northern Mongolia. 10 - Consulted with BirdLife and German conservation biologist Axel Bräunlich about capturing Houbara bustards. AB later came to Mongolia as BirdLife’s expert and provided valuable ornithological support during field work. - After consultation with Axel Bräunlich, we made a Houbara decoy using paper scraps and clay. The decoy was painted and sandgrouse feathers to mimic a female bustard. - Another alternative to invite a falconer from an Arab country with a trained falcon was considered but timing and logistics were unfeasible to put this idea into practice. Saker Falcons: - Researchers had sufficient previous experiences to trap Saker Falcons. - We made several different new traps such as clap net, bow net, bal chatri, and purchased mist nets, dho gaza net, and net support poles. Trapping June 2–Jun 22 - Trapped two adult Saker Falcons in June and one juvenile Saker Falcon in July and fitted them with July 23–Aug 4 satellite transmitters. - Attempted several times to trap Houbara Bustards with no success. We used leg snares and spot lighting techniques. Bustard decoy was used with no success partially because ravens vandalized it. Data retrieval via ARGOS end of June– - We regularly download satellite data every 3–7 days system present directly from the ARGOS website. - Data are inspected and combined into a single Excel file for further use. Survey to identify breeding locations and concentrations, habitat and vegetation documentation Activity Timing Action taken Field surveys Apr 10–Aug 04 We organized three major trips to Galba Gobi IBA. Spring trip Apr 10–May 22 - Just next day after Nyambayar returned from UAE, the team headed out to Galba Gobi for first time on April 10. - The field work started with intensive search for Houbara Bustard and Saker Falcon nests and display 11 sites by car and on foot. - BirdLife sent Axel Bräunlich to Mongolia. He arrived in Mongolia on April 20th and returned to Ulaanbaatar with Nyambayar on May 2nd. - After Nyambayar and Axel left, the team continued search for Saker Falcon nests and Houbara Bustard display sites until May 22. - 11 Saker Falcon nests and 35 Houbara sign locations were recorded during this trip. - Scouting for vegetation survey. - Met with local families and herders for information related to bustards and falcons. - Documented saxual forest fire - Visited two border posts and headquarter in Dalanzadgad; informed about the study Summer trip May 31–Jun 22 - Team came back to Galba Gobi after taking a break. - Search for Houbara Bustard and Saker Falcon nests and display sites by car and on foot continued. - Trapped two adult Saker Falcons. - Attempted to trap Houbara Bustards, no success. - 42 Houbara sign locations were recorded during this trip. - Vegetation survey continued and sample collection. - Met with local families and herders for information related to bustards and falcons. Fall trip Jul 23–Aug 04 - Search for Houbara bustard signs continued. - Trapped one Saker Falcon. - Attempted to trap Houbara Bustards, no success. - 5 Houbara sign locations were recorded during this trip. - Vegetation sampling from 21 Houbara Bustard related locations and 42 random plots. - Digital photographs taken during field trips were re- organized and plant photos were put in separate folders. - Copies of all photos taken by the field team remain at WSCC office in Ulaanbaatar. 12 Survey results Although it was only a survey of one year, it yielded significant amount of information on two focus species and on the biodiversity of Galba Gobi IBA in general. The preliminary survey results show that this particular IBA is a very important place for biodiversity conservation in the South Gobi region. During the survey activities which we carried out from mid-April to early August, we recorded a total of 106 signs of Houbara Bustards. This includes direct observations of 41 live birds, dozens of feathers, droppings, tracks, and communications from local people, and notes from border guards or mine workers who happen to see bustards in this area. We estimated population densities for four survey periods. Density estimates ranged from a maximum of 0.22 houbara bustards per km2, during June and to a minimum of 0.03 birds/km2 in April (Table 1). According to local people, the Houbara Bustard is sighted infrequently in this area. Also, in recent years, Arabs from Qatar started hunting expeditions to this area and one of their camp sites from last year was located during the survey. Nobody knows what they hunt. It is very likely that Houbara Bustard is one of their main target game species. Table 1. Population density estimates, 95% confidence intervals, coefficients of variation from car transect survey for Houbara Bustards in the Galba Gobi IBA. Population Effective strip width Lower Upper Coefficient Months AIC Density or detection radius 95% CI 95% CI of Variation April 0.030 134.52 250 0.016 0.058 0.329 May 0.187 46.17 250 0.057 0.615 0.551 June 0.218 145.56 250 0.054 0.874 0.732 Jul & Aug 0.082 24.09 250 0.002 4.259 0.755 In total, 11 nests of Saker Falcons were located. All were in elm trees found in long valleys in the middle of desert. We monitored 30 nestlings and collected morphological measurements. Almost all nests, except one, successfully produced at least one chick that reached fledgling age. Their nesting was very much associated with woodland patches that are commonly found in Galba Gobi. In fact, different species of birds of prey that are using same woodland patch were observed quite common. It is an indication of the importance of those woodland patches and also indication of lack of suitable nesting sites. Satellite tracking data shows that the hunting range of a female falcon that bred at Sukhain Toiruu overlaps with the exiting road and planned road (Figure 2). A total of 77 species of birds were recorded, including four globally threatened and one near-threatened species. GPS coordinates for all observations were taken by the team, and are stored in the expedition’s log (Appendix 1). During the survey, the team discovered and photographed a male Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis at Ikh Bologijn Am near Khanbogd Sum on 12 April 2009. This observation constitutes a first record for Mongolia. 14 mammal species have been recorded during the survey in Galba Gobi IBA, including two globally threatened species Khulan (Asian Wild Ass) Equus hemionus (ENDANGERED) and Goitered Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa (VULNERABLE). It further highlights the importance of Galba Gobi IBA. More research is needed to clarify the status of these species. In addition, the team collected important data on distribution and number of Khulans and Goitered Gazelles inhabiting in the Galba Gobi (Figure 3, Appendix 2). 13 Figure 3. Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard locations observed during the survey 14 Figure 4. Distribution map of three threatened species that occur in Galba Gobi IBA, Lesser Kestrel, Wild Ass, and Goitered Gazelle. Dot size indicates the flock or herd size. 15 Satellite tracking of Saker Falcons We used the Argos satellite tracking system. Satellite tags were 30 g solar powered GPS PTT (Platform Transmitter Terminals) manufactured by Microwave Telemetry, Inc., Columbia, Maryland, USA. These transmitters have built in sensor with Microwave’s Satellite-in-view SiV™ technology which activates the PTTs when there is a satellite in view above the horizon (Microwave Telemetry, Inc. 2006). Transmitters were programmed to obtain up to 9 location fixes at every one or two hours each day, and data were uploaded every second day from April to October or every fourth day from October to April to the Argos satellite tracking system. One female, one male, and one juvenile Saker Falcons were satellite tagged in June and July 2009. It was not our intention to selectively catch different sexes and ages, but the capture ended up with good combinations of these. The tag was attached to falcon’s back using a double-looped body harness made of Teflon ribbon. This harnessing technique is used in many similar birds of prey research programs worldwide. Birds were measured, weighed and released as close to capture locations as possible, typically within one hour of capture (Figure 4). Figure 5. Gobi – an adult male Saker Falcon with a GPS satellite transmitter backpack. The photo was taken just before the release Since June, we have obtained over 1170 GPS fixes from all three birds with average of 391 locations per bird and 83 locations per month (Table 2). These fixes are accurate to less than 7 meters. Satellite tracking data from these falcons will help us to assess the potential impacts on breeding birds and their hunting areas. 16 Table 2. Data on satellite marked birds and locations received from mid-June to early October Number of GPS fixes Trapping Bird ID Bird name Sex Age obtained Total date Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 93546 Galba Female Adult 6/6/2009 47 118 83 75 63 386 93547 Gobi Male Adult 6/9/2009 48 144 110 123 24 449 93548 Zaluu Female Juvenile 7/24/2009 0 22 110 125 83 340 Satellite tracking data shows that individual birds varied a great deal in their hunting and migration behavior. After nesting season, all birds moved to the north in varying distances. Southward migration started in September but only young Saker Falcon migrated to wintering areas on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Once all birds arrive on the wintering grounds and return to breeding ground, the chronology of breeding, post-breeding, fall migration, and wintering periods for Saker Falcons will be calculated in detail. In September, juvenile Saker Falcon started long distance migration and arrived at the wintering sites on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, China, whereas two adults made shorter distance movements within Mongolia. Adults are behaving like sedentary birds. Currently, we do not fully understand the reasons for this individual variation but it is likely to be related to age and sex differences between birds, differing external environmental influences such as food supply and weather conditions. Figure 6. . Map of seasonal movements and locations of Saker Falcons from Galba Gobi IBA. 17 Brief information of each bird’s movement is given below: Name “Galba�, PTT ID 93546: An adult female was captured in Sukhain Toirom on 6th June 2009. Her nest was in elm tree and there were four chicks. 9–30 June 2009: During the last half of June Galba ranged over an area of 155 km2 around her nest site. 01–31 July 2009: During July Galba continued to range around her breeding site but also made numerous forays to the south, traveling up to 50 km and crossing the border into China. 01–31 August 2009: In early August Galba dispersed from her breeding area moving ca. 125 km northwest to an area in the Ih Shanhyn Mountains where she remained until the end of August. On the 27th August she returned back to her breeding territory and remained there until the end of the month. 01–30 September 2009: She stayed in breeding area until September 21st, then moved to north some 90 km and remained there for a week, then returned back again to the breeding area on October 1st. 01–30 October 2009: She did not move far until October 5th, then started flying to south for 70 km crossing China border and made a loop to west and returned to the breeding area on October 7th, but did not stay there for long. She continued her flight to northeast and arrived near Ondor Shil Mountain in Dornogobi aimag. She remained there at border area between three aimags until middle of October. Name “Gobi�, PTT ID 93547: An adult male was captured at the nest in Baga Modnii Khudag on 9th June 2009. Nest in elm tree had two live and four dead chicks. 01–30 June 2009: In June Gobi ranged over an area of 35 km2 around his nest site. 01–31 July 2009: Up to the 19th July Gobi ranged over an area of 135 km2 around his nest site. On 19th July he moved 160 km northeast where he stayed until 21st July before moving a further 110 km north to settle near Ondershil, Dundgobi aimag until the end of the month. 01–31 August 2009: Gobi remained in the Ondershil area until 22nd August and then made the 250 km journey southeast back to his breeding area where he remained until the end of the month. 01–30 September 2009: He remained in the breeding area until middle of September, then moved to northeast and arrived at Khavtsgain Khondii, Dornogobi aimag. He made two trips to this area until end of September. 01–30 October 2009: He made a southwest loop between October 1st and October 6th. Then flew to east some 500 km and arrived near Bayan Ondor Mountain in Sukhbaatar aimag, not far from Mongolia-China border. Soon after the transmitter stopped sending data. 18 Figure 7. Saker Falcon nest locations and general area use of two adult Saker Falcons nested near the road to the Mongolia–Chinese border 19 Name “Zaluu�, PTT ID 93548: One of two juveniles at the nest in Baga Modnii Khudag. She was trapped and satellite tagged on 24th July 2009. It was a healthy female bird. 26–31 July 2009: Zaluu stayed close to her nest site until the end of the month. 01–31 August 2009: Zaluu stayed in her natal area until 9th August, when she embarked on a looping dispersal movement first heading southeast into China then west and north back into Mongolia eventually to reach a point ca. 345 km north of her natal area by the 12th August. Zaluu remained in this area near Deren, Dundgovi aimag until the end of the month. 01–30 September 2009: She did not move until September 26th. Then started moving little bit back and forth to southwest. On September 29th she started the migrating to southwest. By the end of month she was right at the border. 01–16 October 2009: She continues her migration. She passes by the Qinghai Lake in Tibetan Plateau on October 2nd. Her migration stopped when she almost reached northern foothills of Himalayan Mountain. Vegetation survey Vegetation in the study area was characterized by a mixture of species that occur semi-desert steppe, desert steppe, and true desert habitats. Galba Gobi IBA itself has no major mountains, and only a few small mountain ranges are found. Elevations in the study area ranged from 750 to 1,900 meters. The area has a short growing season and growth of vegetation depends on rainfall. We collected vegetation data from 21 Houbara Bustard observation sites and 42 random locations. A total of 32 plant species that belong to 14 families and 29 genera were recorded. Of them 39% were shrubs, 43% forbs, and 18% were grasses (Figure 2). Following plant species were recorded as dominant throughout the survey area: Anabasis brevifolia, Artemisia scoparia, Ajania achilleoides, Peganum nigellastrum, Reaumuria soongorica, Salsola passerina, Stipa gobica "glariosa", and Nitraria sibirica. These species formed the main plant associations at various locations. Vegetation cover was relatively low. It was 2.9% on average per sample plot. Shrubs with average height of 26 cm were common at sampling plots. Thirty two plant species were recorded from houbara locations and 27 from random locations. We used Mann-Whitney (U-test) to find differences between vegetation variables of two types of habitat. We did not find significant differences in plant species richness (z= -1.714, p>0.086), vegetation cover (z= - 0.74116, p>0.4586), density (z= -0,52923, p>0.5966), frequency (z= 1.72746, p>0.0841), shrub coverage (z= -1,44499, p>0.1485), max height of shrubs ( z= -0.23214, p>0.8164), and coverage of shrubs with >30 cm height ( z= -0.2191, p>0.8261) at random and observation locations. Houbara habitat in Galba Gobi was characterized by sparsely vegetated arid desert with low species diversity. It is similar to what was observed in Mori Desert, Xinjiang region, in northern China (Yang et al., 2003). Species richness index in our study area was 4.2 at houbara locations and 3.6 at random locations. According to Yang et al. (2003) the species richness index in Mori Desert was 4.4 at houbara 20 locations and 6.49 at random locations. Functional groups and frequency of plan species recorded at random and houbara locations is given in Appendix 5. We observed tendency of vegetation cover degradation near water points and along vehicle roads in Galba Gobi. We documented saxual forest fire evidence at Daichingiin Zag (one of Saker Falcon nests was found at this location) and apparently it was caused by people passing through this area. Saxual fire has not been reported previously in this country. In Mongolia, it should be a big concern because saxual tree and forest provide extremely important hiding and nesting places for many birds and mammal species. GIS layers and initial GIS exercises We are using similar methods as described in Horton et al. 2009. They developed a spatially based planning tool which was designed to reduce negative effects of development on the Lesser Prairie-chicken Tympanuchus pallidicinctus in Oklahoma, USA. In general sense, not exclusively, their target species and habitat is somewhat similar to situation in our study species and area. The Lesser Prairie-chicken (LEPC) is a species of prairie grouse endemic to the southern high plains of the United States. They do establish lek and display during breeding season. They are threatened by oil, gas, and wind energy development, conversion of habitat to cultivated agriculture, excessive livestock grazing, fire suppression, collision mortality, hybridization, and fragmentation of habitat. The Lesser Prairie-chicken is an umbrella species for wildlife conservation with targeted management actions benefiting many other species that occur within the range of the species. The LEPC model is a conceptual spatial model that ranks land relative to its importance for LEPC conservation. The LEPC model produces a spatial grid spanning the historical range of the LEPC in Oklahoma in which each 30 x 30 m pixel is numerically ranked (1 to 8). The higher the rank, the more valuable that pixel is to the LEPC. Ranks are determined by comparing each pixel in the grid against a set of eight criteria addressing LEPC occurrence, habitat requirements and threats. Each rank value is associated with a dollar value reflecting the cost of replacing that land if it were destroyed or degraded. The model can be used to evaluate any type of potentially detrimental development (e.g. wind energy farm, road construction, oil and gas wells, and transmission line) (Horton et al. 2009). In this LEPC example, they used eight binary ranking factors in the model shown in Table 4. We will modify some pixel criteria in our case. For example, we will add current known lest locations. Also we will treat the all range as current since we don’t know historical range of Houbara Bustards in this area and we will treat Saker Falcon nest sites same as lek site. A result of such initial GIS exercise is shown in Figure 8. We are continuing to improve the data and GIS analysis in our case. Table 3. Binary ranking factors and associated criteria, category, and values to be used in our study Pixel Value Ranking Factor Pixel Criteria Category True False 1. Historical Range Within 10-miles of boundary Occurrence 1 0 2. Current Known Nest Within boundary Occurrence 1 0 3. Leks Within 5-mile radius Occurrence 1 0 21 4. Habitat Suitability Suitable or Potentially Suitable Habitat 1 0 5. Core Habitat Patch Within core patch Habitat 1 0 6. Core Buffer Habitat Within core buffer Habitat 1 0 7. Managed/Protected Land Within 2-km buffer of boundary Habitat 1 0 8. Avoided Structures Outside all avoidance buffers Threats 1 0 Figure 8. 1 km pixel grid map of Houbara Bustards and important areas for this species in Galba Gobi. (The darker the pixels, the more valuable that pixel is to the Houbara Bustards. Houbara Bustard data was used only.) 22 References Asian Development Bank. 2007. National Transport Strategy for Mongolia. Ministry of Road, Transport and Tourism of Mongolia and Asian Development Bank, Ulaanbaatar Asian Development Bank. 2009. Private Sector Assessment for Mongolia. Asian Development Bank, Ulaanbaatar Bevanger K. (1994) Bird interactions with utility structures: collision and electrocution, causes and mitigation measures. Ibis 136:412-425. BirdLife Asia. (2009) Safeguarding Important Areas of Natural Habitat alongside Economic Development. Mongolia Discussion Papers. East Asia and Pacific Region Sustainable Development Department, World Bank, Washington, DC. BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Chlamydotis undulata. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 30/10/2009 BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Falco cherrug. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 30/10/2009 Gaucher P., Paillat P., Chappius C., Jalme M.S., Lotfikhah F., Wink M. (1996) Taxonomy of the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata subspecies considered on the basis of sexual display and genetic divergence. Ibis 138:273-282. Hingrat Y., Saint Jalme M., Ysnel F., Le Nuz E., Lacroix F. (2007) Habitat use and mating system of the houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) in a semi-desertic area of North Africa: implications for conservation. Journal of Ornithology 148:39-52. Horton, R., L. Bell, et al. (2009) A spatially-based planning tool designed to reduce negative effects of development on the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in Oklahoma: A multi- entity collaboration to promote Lesser Prairie-Chicken voluntary habitat conservation and prioritized management actions. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 79pp. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. 2009. Oyu Tolgoi Gold and Copper Project, Southern Mongolia, accessed http://www.ivanhoemines.com/ Janss G.F.E. (2000) Avian mortality from power lines: a morphologic approach of a species-specific mortality. Biological Conservation 95:353-359. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. 2009. Oyu Tolgoi Gold and Copper Project, Southern Mongolia, accessed http://www.ivanhoemines.com on 30/10/2009 Kaczensky, P., D.P. Sheehy, D.E. Johnson, C. Walzer, D. Lhkagvasuren, and C.M. Sheehy. 2006. Room to roam? The threat to khulan (Wild Ass) from human intrusion. Mongolia Discussion Papers, East Asia and Pacific Environment and Social Development Departure. Washington, D.C., World Bank. Microwave Telemetry, Inc. 2006. Argos/GPS PTT-100 Field Manual. Columbia, MD. Tourenq C., Combreau O., Lawrence N., Launay F. (2004a) Migration pattern of four Asian Houbara Chlamydotis macqueenii wintering in the Cholistan Desert, Punjab, Pakistan. Bird Conservation International 14:1-10. Tourenq C., Combreau O., Lawrence M., Pole S.B., Spalton A., Xinji G., Baidani M.A., Launay F. (2004b) Alarming houbara bustard population trends in Asia. Biological Conservation 121(2005):1-8. TRAFFIC. (2008) “What’s Driving the Wildlife Trade? A Review of Expert Opinion on Economic and Social Drivers of the Wildlife Trade and Trade Control Efforts in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR and Vietnam�. East Asia and Pacific Region Sustainable Development Discussion Papers. East Asia and Pacific Region Sustainable Development Department, World Bank, Washington, DC. Warlters M., Reichert J., Whitten T., Tsevegmid T., Hancock G., Khaminwa A. (2009) Southern Mongolia Infrastructure Strategy: Discussion Draft, April 2009, The World Bank, Ulaanbaatar. World Bank. 2004. Mongolia Mining Sector, Managing the Future, World Bank Report, Ulaanbaatar Yang W.-k., Qiao J.-f., Combreau O., Gao X., Zhong W.-Q. (2003) Breeding Habitat Selection by the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis [undulata] macqueenii in Mori, Xingjiang, China. Zoological Studies 42(3):470-475. 23 Appendices. Appendix 1. List of birds recorded during survey in April and May If not otherwise mentioned e.g. Khanbogd sum or Dalanzadgad, all observations are made within Galba Gobi IBA. Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope One pair at a small stream not far from Oyu Tolgoi mine on 27 April. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos A pair at a small temporary pond on 24 April. Northern Pintail Anas acuta One male at a small temporary pond on 24 April. Common Teal Anas crecca Two males at a small temporary pond on 24 April, and one female at a small stream not far from Oyu Tolgoi mine on 27 April. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni VULNERABLE A small colony (5+ pairs?) at Um Dai Valley on 25 April, and a pair apparently at a nest site in a single elm tree on 26 April. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Surprisingly only one observation: 2 near Khanbogd sum on 22 April. Saker Falcon Falco cherrug ENDANGERED One on the way from Dalanzadgad to Khanbogd sum on 21 April, and one occupied nest in a stand of elms on 28 April. Osprey Pandion haliaetus One resting in the desert, far away from any water on 26 April. Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus Surprisingly only two observations: One occupied nest in a stand of elms on 28 April, and one resting in the stadium in Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus Two adults near their large nest on the way from Dalanzadgad to Khan Bogd sum on 21 April. Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis One not far from Oyu Tolgoi mine on 27 April. Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus Near-Threatened On 24 April 3 dead birds (2+1) were found (poisoned?). A group of 5 and 2 near Oyu Tolgoi mine on 27 April. Additionally one occupied nest was found. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus On 30 April and 1 May at least 6 resting/hunting in Dalanzadgad. Recorded prey: White’s Thrush (2x). 24 Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis One free-flying immature with jesses in Dalanzadgad on 30 April was most likely a bird escaped from a Chinese falconer. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo One “Steppe Buzzard� B. b. vulpinus on 24 April. Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus One coming to roost in the stadium in Dalanzadgad on 30 April, still there on the morning of 1 May. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus One on 26 April. Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius One near a small temporary pond on 24 April. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus One dark morph bird near a small temporary pond on 24 April. Great Bustard Otis tarda VULNERABLE One observation of a very shy bird (sex not determined), taking flight at a great distance to the approaching car on 28 April. Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata VULNERABLE During the trip 3 birds were encountered, on 22, 25, and 18 April. Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo One circling over a small temporary pond on 24 April. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus One together with Pied Avocets at a small temporary pond on 24 April. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta A flock of five at a small temporary pond on 24 April. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Two at a small temporary pond on 24 April. Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus One at a small temporary pond on 24 April. Jack Snipe has probably been recorded less than 10 times in Mongolia (N. Tseveenmyadag pers. comm.). Ruff Philomachus pugnax One at a small temporary pond on 24 April. Pallas’s Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus Common in Galba Gobi IBA, with quite many nest and several small chicks found (details documented in expedition’s log). Rock Dove Columba livia 25 Small numbers of Feral Pigeons C. l. forma domestica were seen regularly in Dalanzadgad and in the sum centres. Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris Four in abandoned buildings at a border post on 28 April. Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis One S. o. orientalis resting in the planted green strip of Dalanzadgad’s main road on 30 April. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Three in Ikh Bologijn am near Khan Bogd sum and two in Khan Bogd sum on 22 April, one at Tsagaan Chuluu (coal dump site) on 28 April, and one in Dalanzadgad on 1 May. Little Owl Athene noctua One calling from rock outcrops on 26 April. Long-eared Owl Asio otus One calling from a stand of saxaul on 23 April, and one resting in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Common Hoopoe Upupa epops Two observations of single birds (25 and 26 April) in Galba Gobi IBA. One in Bayan Ovoo sum on 27 April, and two in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major One at Ikh Bologijn am near Khan Bogd sum on 22 April. Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis “Saxaul Shrike� L. (m.) pallidirostris breeds in Galba Gobi IBA. Singles were seen on 25 and on 28 April, and two together on 27 April. One occupied nest was found on 26 April: nest at 2.5 m above ground in the lowest branches of an elm tree, female breeding on 4 eggs, male sitting in top of same tree singing. Common Magpie Pica pica Breeding regularly in stands of elm in Galba Gobi IBA. Mongolian Ground Jay Podoces hendersoni Several territorial birds/pairs were encountered, mainly in stands of saxaul, but also in wild almond. On 26 April a nest with 4 eggs was found. It was located in a saxaul bush (lower edge of nest 65 cm above ground, upper edge 83 cm above ground, outer diameter of nest 25 cm, inner diameter 10 cm, outer part of nest coarse twigs, inner lower part a neat bowl made of fine twigs lined with gazelle hairs, plant fibres and Pallas’s Sandgrouse feathers). unidentified Jackdaw Corvus cf. dauuricus Brief views of three birds near yurts on 25 April were probably of Daurian Jackdaw C.dauuricus. Common Raven Corvus corax Two were at Ikh Bologijn am near Khan Bogd sum on 22 April. Occupied nests were found in Galba Gobi IBA on 22 April (in saxaul) and on 28 April (in elm). Several more sightings, including a group of 17 near yurts on 28 April. 26 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris A flock of three over a small stream not far from Oyu Tolgoi mine on 27 April. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Two in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 20/21 April. Asian Short-toed Lark Calandrella cheleensis The commonest breeding bird in the study area, often the only singing bird encountered over large areas. Crested Lark Galerida cristata Three (including 2 singing) near a border post on 28 April. Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris A common breeding bird in Galba Gobi IBA, regularly encountered. Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus One at Ikh Bologijn am near Khan Bogd sum one 22 April, and one in the planted green strip of Dalanzadgad’s main road on 1 May. Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus One in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis A few days before A. Bräunlich arrived in the South Gobi, on 12 April 2009, B. Nyambayar discovered and photographed a Rufous-faced Warbler at Ikh Bologijn am in Khanbogd Sum, South Gobi aimag. This observation constitutes a new record for Mongolia. See: http://birdsmongolia.blogspot.com/2009/05/rufous-faced-warbler-new-species-for.html#links Asian Desert Warbler Sylvia nana Single singing birds on 22 April (1 bird) and 25 April (2 birds). White’s Thrush Zoothera aurea One resting in Galba Gobi IBA during fierce dust storm on 23 April. Two (one killed by Eurasian Sparrowhawk) in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April, and another killed by a Eurasian Sparrowhawk the same day in the stadium in Dalanzadgad. Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis Two in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 21 April, and one female in the stadium in Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Red-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis In Dalanzadgad, two were seen on 21 Aril, and 3 on 30 April. One in Khanbogd sum on 22 April. In Galba Gobi IBA several resting birds, including two flocks of 8 birds each, on 26 and on 28 April. Two flocks of unidentified thrushes on 30 April, 12 birds in Dalanzadgad and c.25 birds in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad, consisted probably mainly of T. ruficollis. Naumann’s Thrush Turdus naumanni One in the planted green strip of Dalanzadgad’s main road on 30 April. Dusky Thrush Turdus eunomus 27 One in the planted green strip of Dalanzadgad’s main road and one in the stadium of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Orange-flanked Bluetail Luscinia cyanura One female in a stand of saxaul on 24 April. Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus Between 21 April and 1 May a total of 16 were seen, mainly in Dalanzadgad, but one each on 26 and on 27 April in Galba Gobi IBA. Five males were at Ikh Bologijn am near Khan Bogd sum on 22 April, and three males and one female in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Eastern Stonechat Saxicola maurus One male in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka Two males singing at Ikh Bologijn am near Khan Bogd sum on 22 April. Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Regularly in Galba Gobi IBA. An occupied nest in a broken-down elm tree on 26 April. Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla One male in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad and three males in Dalazadgad town on 30 April, and one male in Dalanzadgad on 1 May. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Two in Tsagaan Chuluu (coal dump site) on 28 April, and 10+ in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella One at Ikh Bologijn am near Khan Bogd sum on 22 April. White Wagtail Motacilla alba One each at Ikh Bologijn am near Khan Bogd sum on 22 April, at a spring near Bayan Ovoo on 27 April, and in Dalanzadgad town on 1 May. All observations were so brief that the subspecies involved couldn’t be determined. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola One male at a small temporary pond on 24 April. Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi One resting in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis One resting in a stand of saxaul on 24 April. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Six at Ikh Bologijn am near Khan Bogd sum on 22 April, flocks of 11 and 8 resting in Galba Gobi IBA on 26 April, 2+2+8 in Dalanzadgad and surroundings on 30 April. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Two in the planted green strip of Dalanzadgad’s main road on 21 April. 28 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs One male in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla A flock of four in the planted green strip of Dalanzadgad’s main road on 21 April, and a flock of six there on 30 April/1 May. Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus One in the planted green strip of Dalanzadgad’s main road on 30 April and 1 May. Mongolian Finch Bucanetes mongolicus A flock of 9 near a small stream on 27 April. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes A flock of three in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 21 April. Godlewski’s Bunting Emberiza godlewskii One in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad, and one in Dalanzadgad town on 30 April. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla A flock of five in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April, and four on the same date in Dalanzadgad town. Two there on 1 May, including one singing. Pallas’s Bunting Emberiza pallasi One female together with Little Buntings in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus Five near a small temporary pond on 24 April, and one in a plantation at the western edge of Dalanzadgad on 30 April. 29 Appendix 2. List of mammals recorded GPS coordinates for all observations were taken by the team, and are stored in the expedition’s log. Not every single observation made during the consultant’s stay is listed here all observations from the field period will be analyzed at the end of the project. Tolai Hare Lepus tolai Long-eared Hedgehog Hemiechinus auritus Midday Gerbil Meriones meridianus Great Gerbil Rhombomys opimus Desert Hamster Phodopus roborovskii Gobi Jerboa Alactaga bullata Siberian Jerboa Allactaga sibirica Long-eared jerboa Euchoreutes naso Commonly seen everywhere. Five-toed Pygmy Jerboa Cardiocranius paradoxus Northern Three-toed Jerboa Dipus sagitta Thick-tailed Pygmy Jerboa Salpingotus crassicauda Corsac Fox Vulpes corsac Red Fox Vulpes vulpes One each on 22 and on 28 April. Siberian Ibex Capra sibirica 18 on the way from Dalanzadgad to Khan Bogd sum on 21 April. A single ibex was observed in rocky area just outside Khan Bogd soum. Khulan (Asian Wild Ass) Equus hemionus ENDANGERED Regularly encountered, mainly in small numbers (groups of up to 5), and a larger group (distant observation, >100 individuals?) on 25 April. Goitered Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa VULNERABLE Rarely encountered, mainly in small numbers or groups of up to 8. Mongolian Gazelle Procapra gutturosa Outside Galba Gobi, we saw groups of Mongolian Gazelles on the way to from Nomgon sum to Dalanzadgad and 18 on the way from Dalanzadgad to Khan Bogd sum 30 Appendix 3. Functional groups and frequency of plan species recorded at random and houbara locations Houbara locations Random locations # Species Area, Functional Area, Functional 2 Freq. 2 Freq. m group m group 1 Ajania achilleoides 24 107 shrub 12 39 shrub 2 Allium mongolicum 2 2 forb 3 Anabasis brevifolia 281 665 shrub 202 474 shrub 4 Arnebia fimbriata 6 11 forb 2 2 forb 5 Arnebia guttata 9 18 forb 5 6 forb 6 Artemisia intricata 48 114 forb 7 Artemisia scoparia 67 210 forb 8 Asterothamnus centrali-asiaticus 2 4 forb 2 4 forb 9 Astragalus variabilis 4 6 forb 1 1 forb 10 Brachanthemum gobicum 5 8 shrub 11 Cleistogenes songorica 16 47 grass 7 11 grass 12 Convolvulvus Gortschakovii 17 47 shrub 5 7 shrub 13 Cynanchum pubescens 2 2 forb 2 2 forb 14 Echinops Gmelinii 1 1 forb 1 1 forb 15 Ephedra Przewalskii 6 52 shrub 6 52 shrub 16 Erodium tibetanum 3 4 forb 1 1 forb 17 Haloxylon ammodendron 1 1 shrub 18 Heteropappus hispidus 4 9 forb 3 8 forb 19 Iris bungei 3 4 forb 20 Kalidium gracile 1 1 grass 1 1 shrub 21 Nitraria sibirica 10 21 shrub 5 14 shrub 22 Oxytropis aciphylla 21 25 shrub 13 16 shrub 23 Peganum nigellastrum 94 458 forb 65 353 forb 24 Poaceae 6 8 grass 6 8 grass 25 Potaninia mongolica 2 9 shrub 2 9 shrub 26 Reaumuria soongorica 38 50 shrub 22 31 shrub 27 Salsola passerina 84 162 shrub 58 123 shrub 28 Scorzonera divaricata 1 2 forb 1 2 forb 29 Unidentified species 7 216 grass 30 Stipa glareosa 8 19 grass 3 5 grass 31 Stipa gobica 16 32 grass 10 17 grass 32 Sympegma Regelli 1 1 shrub 1 1 shrub 33 Zygophyllum xantoxylon 1 1 shrub 31 Appendix 4. Preliminary list of GIS layers resulted from this project Name Type Source Road from Oyutolgoi to Gashuun Sukhait, Line Ivanhoe Mines Inc planned and existing WSCC, 2009 Galba Point location of Lesser Kestrel, Khulan and Goitered Gazelle Points Gobi field survey WSCC, 2009 Galba Distribution map of Houbara Bustards Polygon Gobi field survey WSCC, 2009 Galba Distribution map of Saker Falcon Points Gobi field survey Unpaved roads in the South Gobi Line NGIC Grids & Sensitive areas WSCC polygons 32 Appendix 5. List of reports, presentations, and publications resulted from this project till October 2009 Nyambayar Batbayar and Bayarjargal Batsukh – Preliminary report to the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism, on the results and findings from Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard survey conducted in Galba Gobi IBA, southern Mongolia; in Mongolian, document file submitted to the vice minister of MNET; D.Enkhee, MNET - NEMO project; and Ms.Enkhtsetseg, World Bank - NEMO project. Badam Tomorbaatar, Bayarjargal Batsukh, Nyambayar Batbayar – Report on Vegetation Survey and Houbara Bustard Habitat Assessment in Galba Gobi IBA in southern Mongolia; in Mongolian, document file. Axel Bräunlich – Trip report: Technical support to surveys of the distribution and movements of Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard within Galba Gobi Important Bird Area, Omnogobi aimag, Mongolia, May 2009, WSCC and BirdLife International; in English, document file. Nyambayar Batbayar – Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard survey in Galba Gobi, southern Mongolia - in English, powerpoint presentation file, presented at the National Avian Research Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, April 8th, 2009. Nyambayar Batbayar and Bayarjargal Batsukh – Preliminary results and findings from Saker Falcon and Houbara Bustard surveys in Galba Gobi, southern Mongolia; in Mongolian, powerpoint presentation file presented to the MNET vice minister D.Idevkhten; D.Enkhee, MNET - NEMO project; and Ms.Enkhtsetseg, World Bank - NEMO project. A brochure that introduces importance of Galba Gobi IBA, the two focus species, and the project in Mongolian and English. Bayarjargal Batsukh gave a television interview on ecology and conservation needs of Houbara Bustards, which was aired on 31 September, 2009 by National Central Television. 33 Appendix 6. Photo report from the surveys Khulan near temporary pond, Galba Gobi IBA, April 2009. Mongolian Gazelle, South Gobi, April 2009. A truck loaded with coal in the background. 34 Inspecting an active Saker Falcon nest in a Siberian Elm, Galba Gobi IBA, April 2009. Site of an Arab hunting camp from 2008, South Gobi, April 2009. 35 Fresh Houbara Bustard tracks, South Gobi, April 2009. 36 Preparing snare lines. Part of a 8-metre snare line, set (test) to catch Houbara Bustard. 37 Shy: A Houbara Bustard flying away from the observers, South Gobi, April 2009… … the bustard landed here and could not be found again, despite an intensive search. 38 A female Houbara Bustard, South Gobi, April 2009. Habitat where the female Houbara Bustard from the previous photo “disappeared�. 39 Trucks with huge trails of dust, South Gobi, April 2009. 40 The coal dump site at Tsagaan Chuluu, South Gobi, April 2009. Littering near the coal dump site at Tsagaan Chuluu, South Gobi, April 2009. 41