Into Wild Mongolia

by George B. Schaller

Overview

Explore the wonders of wild Mongolia through the eyes of a distinguished field biologist
 
Mongolia became a satellite of the Soviet Union in the mid-1920s, and for nearly seven decades it effectively closed its doors to the outside world. Biologist George Schaller, who first visited the country in 1989, was one of the first Western scientists allowed to study and assess the conservation status of Mongolia’s many unique, native wildlife species. Schaller made a number of trips from 1989 to 2018 in collaboration with Mongolian and American scientists, witnessing Mongolia’s recovery and transition to a market economy after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
 
This informative and fascinating new book provides a firsthand account of Schaller’s time in this little-known and remote country, where he studied and helped develop conservation initiatives for the snow leopard, Gobi bear, wild camel, and Mongolian gazelle, among other species. Featuring magnificent photographs from his travels, the book offers a critical, at times inspiring contribution for those who treasure wildlife, as well as a fresh perspective on the natural beauty of the region, which encompasses steppes, mountains, and the Gobi Desert.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780300246179
Publisher:	Yale University Press
Publication date:	02/18/2020
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	619,668
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

George B. Schaller is a field biologist who is considered one of the founders of contemporary wildlife conservation, known for his research on tigers, mountain gorillas, and giant pandas. He is a senior conservationist with the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the author of more than a dozen books, including the National Book Award winner The Serengeti Lion.

Table of Contents

A Note on Weights and Measures ix

Introduction 1

1 Wild Camels of the Gobi 13

2 Tracking the Golden Bear 47

3 Spirit Cats 70

4 Foreign Relations 102

5 Slaughter on the Steppe 132

6 Nomrog 146

7 Among Mongolian Gazelles 155

8 A Return to Great Father Sky 176

Appendix: Scientific Names of Species Referenced 189

Selected References 193

Acknowledgments 199

Index 201

Color plates follow page 82

Editorial Reviews

Schaller is driven by his vision of what must be done if wild spaces and rare species are to persist. . . . He is eloquent in his condemnation of what he deems gross mismanagement by the nation’s current political leaders, who allow oil drilling, mining and road-building in crucial protected areas.”—Tom McCarthy, Nature

“George Schaller’s genius has been to bring the style of the best nineteenth-century natural histories together with solid present-day science. Into Wild Mongolia is a superb example of this combination.”—Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University

“With great dedication to wildlife in all of its manifestations, George Schaller explores the vast steppes and other habitats of Mongolia. His revelatory explorations will undoubtedly aid the conservation of this unique ecosystem.”—Frans de Waal, author of Mama’s Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves

“Traveling in remote and unpredictable regions, George Schaller conveys the thrill of sitting near snow leopards, the beauty of vast glowing grasses, and the discovery of thousands of wandering gazelles.”—Amy Vedder, author of In the Kingdom of Gorillas: The Quest to Save Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas

“Luminously written, Into Wild Mongolia introduces us to remote, often cold, and desolate landscapes, animals such as the Bactrian camel, and local characters, richly rendered. We learn to read the wordless movements of elusive creatures like the snow leopard, communicated in the oldest writing on earth, their footprints in soil and snow. George Schaller is an icon; for his dedication to conservation and his love of biodiversity we can only be grateful.”—James Prosek, author of Trout of the World and Eels.

“George Schaller, a true giant, is essentially the original field biologist. His words are living history. This astonishing, vivid book describes a region that has changed, but must never be forgotten.”—Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel

From the Publisher

04/24/2020

Schaller's (The Serengeti Lion; Tibet Wild) eminence in his field is irrefutable and well deserved, with over 50 years experience in global, scientific wildlife observation and conservation. However, this recent offering might not land with a general audience. Schaller and his team journey to and from Mongolia, with specific animal research in mind, over the course of a handful of trips spanning approximately 30 years. This is only glancingly established, leaving readers to wonder about the precise time period in which these research excursions took place. There is not enough clear chronological comparison for readers to accurately gauge the evolution of the region. And despite Schaller's comprehension of the Mongolia's history, he does not consistently extend that understanding to the individual Mongolians themselves, or his place as "other" among them. His disdain in portraying locals contracted to work with him who exhibit what he characterizes as less than adequate enthusiasm and support strikes a discordant note. Nonetheless, included are detailed and delightful field notes and findings from his wildlife work. VERDICT Recommended for biologists and travelers interested in the region.—Jewell Anderson, Savannah Country Day Sch. Lib., GA

Library Journal