For Munkhtenger, snow leopard conservation is a family matter, and his award honors his late brother’s legacy and his father’s guidance. His older brother was a bright, young and energetic researcher and conservationist working in the Gobi Desert – far away from where they both grew up in Khusvgul, near Mongolia’s largest lake. When asked how his brother went from the largest body of water in the country to one of the driest regions in the world, Munktenger replied, “People stay where they have given their hearts”.
Their father, Tumursukh, is the Director of Ulaan Taiga strictly protected area and. Despite going to college for accounting, Munkhtenger followed in the footsteps of his family. “I have been brought up by my father’s teachings and guidance since I was a kid”. Munktenger strongly emphasized family as the backbone of his growth as a conservationist.
During his acceptance speech, Munkhtenger mentioned, “My life is entwined with this organization (SLCF)”, and with over a decade of experience, his time spent away from home and patrolling Mongolia’s wilderness is staggering. Rangers typically spend 200-280 days of the year patrolling their respective areas. Munkhtenger himself spent 221 days last year patrolling the Khuvsgul forests. During this time, he detected, prevented or interfered with over 170 violations. He was awarded Best of the Best ranger for detecting illegal hunting of moose, a regionally endangered species, and preventing illegal fishing.
When asked about his future plans, Munkhtenger said, “It is probably on the minds of everyone working in conservation, to pass on their protected area to future generations as it was, with its wildlife and plants intact”. This family of conservationists has, with great commitment and sacrifice, worked tirelessly to preserve Mongolia’s natural beauty, keeping it intact and thriving.
World Ranger Day on July 31 recognizes the dedicated men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the planet’s natural resources and cultural heritage. These brave individuals are the proud guardians of wildlife treasures worldwide, including the elusive snow leopard. We celebrate these frontline defenders for their vital role in conservation and honor the sacrifices they make with annual award ceremonies that have, with your help, recently expanded from Kyrgyzstan to Mongolia and Pakistan.
You can help rangers like Munkhtenger working on the frontlines of snow leopard conservation by giving them the vital resources they need. Donate today.
Photo credits: SLCF-Mongolia