Coexistence of wolves and herders within Mongolia’s ancient pastoral traditions

Mongolia's deep-rooted tradition of pastoralism, tracing back over 5,500 years, reflects a resilient bond with its vast landscapes and wildlife.This connection plays a critical role in the coexistence of livestock and predators, shaping strategies to protect herds from threats across Mongolia's expansive steppe.As of 2024, Mongolia's population of 3.5 million supports approximately 64 million livestock, with herding sustaining over a third of the nation's workforce.Wolves, which account for an estimated 15,000 livestock losses each year, are classified as near-threatened in Mongolia due to overharvest, often related to international trade.However, they present a major challenge for rural communities.Distinct from other regions, Mongolia has no formal compensation programs for depredation losses, pressing herders to rely on self-devised methods of prevention.