Mongolian Wild Ass Nature Reserve

Mongolian Wild Ass Nature Reserve

The Urad Saxaul Forest - Mongolian Wild Ass Nature Reserve is located in Bayanhanggai Sumu, Baoyintu Sumu, Gerile Aodeng Sumu, and Bayanqiandamen Sumu in the northern parts of Urad Middle Banner and Urad Rear Banner, Bayannur League, Inner Mongolia. It borders the China-Mongolia border to the north and is 124 kilometers from Hailar Town. The reserve spans 140 kilometers from east to west and 22 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 131,800 square kilometers. The reserve is home to the nationally protected plant species saxaul, along with 96 species of wild plants, 37 species of birds, and 31 species of mammals, including 7 species under national protection. In August 2000, over 20,000 Mongolian wild asses migrated from Mongolia, making it a first-class nationally protected animal. In 2001, it was approved by the State Council as a national nature reserve.

The Mongolian wild ass is a typical plateau cold-desert animal belonging to the horse family. It mostly inhabits highland sub-frigid zones, open grasslands, and cold semi-desert areas at altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 meters, feeding on grass. The Mongolian wild ass possesses exceptional endurance, being resistant to both cold and heat, as well as hunger and thirst, and has keen vision, hearing, and smell. Generally yellowish-brown in color with a large body and long build, it features a striking black mane running from head to tail along its back. They often move in groups of three to five or travel together, are adept at running, and their running posture closely resembles that of wild horses, reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. When running, they often form neat, single-file lines, creating a spectacular sight.