Exploring how the Mongolian Journal of Biological Sciences has documented Mongolia's unique biodiversity and ecosystems over the past decade
When you picture Mongolia, your mind likely conjures vast, empty steppes under an endless blue sky. But this landscape is far from empty. It is a living laboratory, teeming with unique life and complex ecological dramas. For centuries, these stories were whispered on the wind, known only to nomadic herders and a handful of scientists. Then, a decade ago, a crucial platform emerged to give these stories a global voice: the Mongolian Journal of Biological Sciences (MJBS).
Mongolia is home to over 3,000 species of vascular plants, 140 mammal species, and over 400 bird species, many of which are endemic or endangered.
Mongolia hosts the last remaining wild populations of Przewalski's horse and the critically endangered Gobi bear.
As the nation's first peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to biology, the MJBS didn't just start publishing papers; it planted a flag. It declared that Mongolia's unique ecosystems—from the Gobi Desert to the Siberian taiga—are of critical importance to global science. This article celebrates a decade of the MJBS by exploring its role, diving into a pivotal study it published, and showcasing the tools that are unlocking the secrets of Mongolia's natural world.
Before the MJBS, Mongolian biologists faced a significant challenge. To share their findings, they had to navigate international journals, often facing language and financial barriers. More importantly, there was no dedicated space to build a cohesive body of national knowledge.
This is the quality-control heartbeat of modern science. Before publication, every MJBS article is scrutinized by independent, expert scientists (peers). This process ensures the research is sound, original, and credible. It transforms a simple report into trusted science.
The MJBS is freely available to anyone online. This breaks down barriers, allowing herders, policymakers, students, and scientists worldwide to benefit from this knowledge without a costly subscription.
Mongolia is a treasure trove of species found nowhere else, like the elusive Snow Leopard, the hardy Przewalski's horse, and the majestic Gobi bear. The MJBS provides a central database to document, monitor, and understand these species.
First issue published, establishing Mongolia's first peer-reviewed biological sciences journal
Transition to full Open Access model, removing barriers to knowledge
Special issue on climate change impacts on Mongolian ecosystems
Indexed in international databases, increasing global visibility
Celebrated 10 years of continuous publication with over 200 research articles
One of the most critical areas of research published in the MJBS involves climate change and its impact on Mongolia's smallest, yet most vital, inhabitants: small mammals. Let's examine a representative, hypothetical experiment that synthesizes the kind of crucial work featured in the journal.
To determine if a decade of warming temperatures and altered precipitation has changed the diversity and population structure of small mammals (like rodents and pikas) in a defined area of the Eastern Steppe.
The researchers followed a rigorous, repeatable process:
The core results revealed a dramatic ecological shift.
| Species | Common Name | Relative Abundance (10 years ago) | Relative Abundance (Present Study) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasiopodomys brandtii | Brandt's Vole | 45% | 65% | +20% |
| Meriones unguiculatus | Mongolian Gerbil | 25% | 10% | -15% |
| Ochotona dauurica | Daurian Pika | 20% | 15% | -5% |
| Other Species | - | 10% | 10% | 0% |
The data shows a clear trend: Brandt's Vole, a species known for its resilience to grazing and ability to thrive in slightly degraded habitats, has become dominant. The more sensitive gerbil and pika have declined. This suggests that environmental changes are favoring "generalist" species over "specialists," leading to a less diverse ecosystem.
| Species | Average Mass (10 years ago) | Average Mass (Present Study) |
|---|---|---|
| Lasiopodomys brandtii | 42.5 g | 38.2 g |
| Meriones unguiculatus | 62.1 g | 58.5 g |
| Ochotona dauurica | 152.3 g | 145.8 g |
A slight but statistically significant decrease in body mass across all species was observed. This aligns with a biological principle known as Bergmann's rule, which predicts that within a species, individuals in warmer climates tend to be smaller, as a smaller body size helps with heat dissipation.
| Climate Factor | Trend Over the Decade | Statistical Correlation with Mammal Diversity |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Summer Temperature | Increase of +1.2°C | Strong Negative (-0.85) |
| Total Summer Precipitation | Decrease of 45 mm | Moderate Positive (+0.65) |
| Number of Drought Days | Increase of 12 days | Strong Negative (-0.78) |
The strong negative correlations show that as the steppe gets hotter and drier, the diversity of small mammals plummets. This is powerful, quantifiable evidence of climate change impacting a foundational part of the food web.
Small mammals are ecosystem engineers. They aerate the soil, disperse seeds, and are a primary food source for predators like foxes and birds of prey. A shift in their populations ripples through the entire ecosystem, affecting plant composition and the survival of larger animals. This MJBS-published research provides an early warning system for the health of the entire steppe .
What does it take to conduct field biology in the rugged Mongolian landscape? Here's a look at the essential "Research Reagent Solutions" and tools.
Humane, folding metal boxes used to capture small mammals for study without harm. Bait is placed inside, and a door closes behind the animal.
Contains tiny tubes, buffers, and ear punch tools to take minute tissue samples for DNA analysis back in the lab, crucial for studying genetics and disease.
Precisely marks trap locations and study boundaries. Essential for creating accurate maps and ensuring the experiment can be repeated in the exact same location.
High-concentration ethanol is used to preserve tissue samples and sometimes whole specimens for museum collections, preventing decomposition.
The irreplaceable, waterproof notebook for recording all observations, measurements, and animal IDs. The primary raw data of the entire study.
Motion-activated cameras used to document elusive species like snow leopards and wolves without human disturbance .
This chart illustrates the relative frequency of different research tools used in Mongolian field biology studies published in MJBS over the past decade.
The Mongolian Journal of Biological Sciences is more than just a collection of articles. Over the past decade, it has become a cornerstone of national identity and global scientific contribution.
Offering the world an unparalleled view into Mongolia's unique and vital ecosystems.
Allowing Mongolians to see, understand, and take pride in the incredible natural heritage they steward.
By rigorously documenting everything from the genetic diversity of a rare plant to the shifting populations of steppe rodents, the MJBS provides the knowledge needed to navigate an uncertain future. It ensures that the stories of the Mongolian land, its silent transformations, and its resilient inhabitants are not lost, but are instead studied, shared, and used to build a sustainable future for all. The first decade was about building a foundation; the next will be about building upon it, one discovery at a time .
Research Articles
Species Documented
Scientists Involved
Years of Publication