Sustainable Steppes: Mongolia’s 2025 Livestock Census and the Future of Nomadic Heritage

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. As the snow settles across the vast Mongolian plains, the National Statistics Office has released the preliminary results of the 2025 livestock census. For travelers planning their journey to the "Land of Eternal Blue Sky," these numbers tell a story of resilience, tradition, and a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Heartbeat of the Nomadic Way of Life

Mongolia’s livestock population has reached 58.1 million heads, a steady 0.8% increase from last year. For our guests, this means the iconic sight of "The Five Snouts" (Five Jewels) grazing freely across the horizon remains the defining characteristic of the Mongolian landscape.

The Current Breakdown:

Sheep: 23.9 million

Goats: 23.3 million

Cattle: 5.4 million

Horses: 5.1 million

Camels: 501,300

When converted to the traditional "Sheep Unit" measurement, a system used for centuries to balance grazing impact, the total herd size is equivalent to 125.7 million sheep.

Why Water Management is Our Priority

To sustain this massive population and protect the delicate ecosystem, water management has become the most critical concern in the countryside. Our livestock requires approximately 128 million m³ of water annually, more than double the annual consumption of Ulaanbaatar city. To ensure the survival of both the herds and the ancient nomadic tradition, the Mongolian government and local communities are championing initiatives like the "#333 Lakes: One Sum, One Lake" program. This project aims to build a lake in every district (sum), ensuring that water resources are evenly distributed and that the steppes remain green and vibrant for generations.

What This Means for Your Tour

At Jamogrand, we believe that tourism should support the land it explores. Understanding the balance between livestock, water resources, and climate change is essential to being a responsible traveler.

Better Pastures: Enhancing water supply helps reduce overgrazing and desertification, resulting in more beautiful, lush landscapes for your photography and treks.

Thriving Culture: By supporting sustainable herding practices, we ensure that the nomadic families you visit can continue their way of life, offering you an authentic glimpse into a culture that has endured for millennia.

Expanding the Map: As new wells and water sources are established (adding to the current 47,000 rural wells), we can explore even more remote and untouched corners of the Gobi and the northern taiga.

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