6.3 million head of livestock have died in Mongolia due to adverse weather conditions.
“As of April 10, 6.3 million head of livestock have been lost in Mongolia, and 513,948 animal carcasses have been destroyed and buried. About 5% of the country's territory is still covered with snow. Meteorologists have also warned that from April 11 to 14, wet snow, snowstorms, and rain are expected in most regions. Wind speeds may reach 18–24 m/s,” the statement said.
Adverse weather conditions leading to feed shortages in Mongolia are known as dzuds. Black dzud is characterized by dry summers and cold winters, while white dzud occurs with heavy snowfall that makes it difficult for animals to access forage. When torrential rains are followed by severe frosts, an iron, or ice, dzud occurs.
In recent years, dzuds have occurred one after another and have taken on the characteristics of natural disasters. According to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry of Mongolia, by the end of 2023, the livestock population in the country has decreased by 9.1% to 64.7 million head.
