| Retzer, V; Nadrowski, K: Livestock and small mammal grazing in the Mountain Steppe of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park of Mongolia, In: Chuluun, T. & Ojima, D. (Hrsg.); Fundamental Issues Affecting Sustainability of the Mongolian Steppe. Ulaanbaatar, IISCN, 372 S., 192-197 (2002) | |
| Abstract: Mountain steppe vegetation in the Gobi-Gurvan-Saikhan National Park in South Gobi Aimag and it’s usage by two grazer types, the small mammal pika (Ochotona pallasi) and livestock was studied from autumn 2000 to summer 2001 including the winter months. Vegetation within exclosures was clipped, pika were life trapped and body condition of sheep and goats was scored. First results show that pikas consume a considerable amount of biomass and can be considered to be a competitor for livestock in areas of high pika density. The data also show the different feeding strategies of both groups of animals. Adult pika maintain constant weight all year round by feeding on hay supplies in winter. In contrast to this the condition of sheep and goats is changing with the availability of food. |
