Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/42904

The objective of this paper is to clarify factors of reducing damage to livestock caused by devastating snow disasters "Dzud" which occurred during 2000-2001 in Mongolia. We studied traditional measures taken by pastoralists during the period and their effects. The study was conducted in Bayantsagaan soum of Tuv aimag, on a typical steppe region in Mongolia. "Otor", which is a temporary evacuation from pastures covered by heavy snow, was the most effective method for reducing horse loss, since horses can be moved quickly to less snowy areas. However, otor requires the following conditions which is; Domestically, to have at least one young man in order to herd the horses, a positive attitude and the financial capacity for otor. There needs to be a small group of local young people in order to form an otor team and to have transportation means, to be able to obtain the area information to head for otor, and to improve the system for pastoralists to consign their horses for the otor team. For reducing loss of cows, sheep and goats, on the other hand, the following measures are needed ; Evacuating only the physically strong livestock by households with enough labor, changing grazing methods, owning a good shelter to protect livestock from snowstorms, and purchasing small amounts of fodder by some pastoralists. Pastoralists who consistently take the measures mentioned above especially succeeded on reducing loss. However, fodder reservation and individual purchasing were difficult for them with their moving based nomadic life, and high price of fodder. From these findings, we suggested that the government's role in coordinating pasture use, shelter improvement and fodder provision is necessary for pastoralists to reduce dzud damage during the dzud period.