There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
Tracking Gobi Grizzlies.
A handsome man in his fifties, Miji showed up freshly scrubbed and wearing a suit jacket. He sat in sharp contrast to our gang of rumpled travelers, but I knew from Harry that this man speaking to us in a soft voice with a direct gaze was as capable in the field and as passionate about Gobi bears as anybody in the room.
In between his other responsibilities at this remote outpost, Miji had been making forays to gather information about mazaalai for three decades. More often than not, he was the only biologist in the world paying any real attention to Gobi bears. He also made a special effort to survey wild Bactrian camels. Only about 800 of these double-humped giants ( Camelus ferus ) were left on Earth. Some roamed China's portion of the Gobi. "But the majority of the species now relies mainly on habitats within this reserve," he said, with Odko translating. "This is a stronghold for khulan ( wild ass ) too - maybe 800 to 1,000. About 600 argali, 500 ibex. And maybe a 1,000 black-tailed gazelles."
Bears of the Himalayan Mountains
