From Horseman to Ranger

How One Mongolian Native Found His Calling on the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve

By Gana Wingard, Mongolia Field Conservation Program Director

Developing countries often establish protected areas before they have the capacity to adequately manage those areas. Effective wildlife conservation requires inspiring local communities as well as hiring rangers to actively enforce laws and regulations, create and implement management plans, and directly engage local people. Since 1997, Denver Zoo’s Mongolia Conservation Program has connected and empowered community involvement in conservation by providing environmental exploration and hands-on life experiences that promote positive attitudes and behaviors towards wildlife. As an example of Denver Zoo’s community-based conservation approach, we’d like to share an inspiring story about one of our key partners.

Anand, a 15-year-old horseman, who was born and raised at Ikh Nart, came in 2001 to help us capture argali sheep and ibex for radio collaring and population monitoring. Inspired by Denver Zoo’s conservation and research efforts, a few years later, Anand become a volunteer ranger. Soon after, he was hired as a ranger at Ikh Nart, and while he continued to work with us as park staff he also completed undergraduate and master’s degrees, ultimately becoming a park enforcement officer.