Association GOVIIN KHULAN

- Khulan Conservation organization -

Long-term khulan conservation partnership in the Gobi

We are a long-term khulan conservation partner working alongside communities in the southeastern and southern Gobi, actively engaging local community members in co-creating conservation solutions that bridge traditional ecological knowledge and science.

Group of khulans observed in the southeast Gobi in 2008.

Association GOVIIN KHULAN is a pioneering organization dedicated to the conservation of the Mongolian wild ass / khulan (Equus hemionus hemionus) in Mongolia. Since 2008, it has implemented long-term, community-based programs in the southeastern and southern regions of the Gobi Desert, with a particular focus on Dornogobi province, building strong partnerships with local communities to protect this iconic species and its fragile ecosystem.

We work closely with local communities, protected area administrations, and other stakeholders to safeguard the khulan, key Gobi species, and the broader desert ecosystem — ensuring the well-being of both people and wildlife.

"Goviin khulan" means in Mongolian: The Khulan of the Gobi.

Founded in November 2007, the association is a French non-profit organization co-founded by Anne-Camille Souris, a wildlife biologist studying the behavioural ecology of Mongolian wild equids since 2003. She has been a member of the IUCN SSC Equid Specialist Group since 2007 and is a National Geographic Explorer.

In recognition of her conservation work:

In 2013, she received an award from the Mongolian Foundation for Protection of Animal Rights.
In 2019, she received the “Best Worker of the Year / Тэргүүний ажилтан” distinction from the Ministry of Environment of Mongolia for her sustained contribution to khulan conservation since 2008.

Anne-Camille Souris — Founder & Conservation Director
[LinkedIn profile]

Current status of the Khulan

The Khulan is currently listed in the IUCN Red List as 'Near Threatened' but it has been listed as "Vulnerable" until 2015. The Khulan is one of the sub-species of the Asiatic Wild Ass and represents about 80% of the global population of this species.

The main threats affecting the Khulan and the Gobi Desert ecosystem are: climate change, illegal activities, and habitat fragmentation, loss and degradation from human development.

Our project areas

We have been active since 2008 in the south and southeast regions of Mongolia's Gobi Desert, with a focus on Dornogobi province since the beginning (including Khatanbulag sum, Mandakh sum Husvgul sum, Saikhandulaan sum and more).

Together for Long-Term, Community-Led Conservation

Conservation in the Gobi requires long-term presence and trusted local partnerships.

Since 2009, we have worked continuously with one community in the southeastern Gobi, beginning with awareness-raising activities and wildlife observations, and gradually building trust and shared understanding around khulan conservation.

In 2013, this collaboration evolved into community-based wildlife monitoring, with trained local members actively contributing to conservation data collection and stewardship. Our work remains grounded in respect for traditional ecological knowledge, ethical engagement, and co-created conservation solutions that bridge local knowledge and science.

Learn more about our conservation approach

GOVIIN KHULAN In the Press

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