Meet the Rangers 2018

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia

Azamat Sharivhan

I was born at Sirgaali area of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, which I now patrol and protect as a ranger. My homeland is wreathed by breathtaking scenery of the glacier, mountain peaks, wildlife and forest. In the 1990s, when Mongolia transitioned to democracy and capitalism, people started ripping off the nature by poaching and engaging in illegal logging. As I watched, my heart broke. My older brother worked in conservation for 40 years and he had a huge impact in my life. I started working as a ranger in 2001. Being a ranger helps me to give back. I am happy because I know that my work inspires my children.

Gantulga Olonbayar

When I was growing up I always wanted to be a ranger, but I became a veterinarian. I went back to school to study environmental management so that I could pursue my childhood dream. I started working as a ranger in 2005 at the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. I patrol 74 thousand hectares (183 thousand acres) which covers the biggest glacier of Mongolia, Potanin Glacier, and Shiveet Mountains and White River areas.

Talgatbek Duan

I started working as a ranger when the government established the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park 22 years ago. The 74 thousand hectares (183 thousand acres) that I patrol are rich in cultural treasures such deer stones, funerary structures (Kheregsuur) and other archeological sites.

Erzat Pushatay

I have been working as a ranger for 22 years at the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park (ATBNP) since it was established by the 43^rd declaration of the State Great Hural (Parliament) in 1996. I patrol 74 thousand hectares (183 thousand acres) of the national park which covers Eki-Ashi, the headwaters and shorelines of the Eki-Asha river. I give the utmost significance in finding ways of promoting community participation in conservation of the glaciers and wildlife.

Batmunkh Hemjig

I patrol and protect 74 thousand hectares (183 thousand acres) of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. I have been working as a ranger since 2009. Alongside patrolling, protecting and promoting community participation, I contribute in biodiversity research and monitoring of the park.

Sarantuya Soninbayar

I have been working as a ranger since 2009. I patrol 74 thousand hectares (183 thousand acres) which covers Bayanzurkh Mountain, Jiren, Dood Khaalgat and shorelines of the Lake Hurgan.

Ahmet Shapey

I graduated from college with a degree in forestry and later studied environmental management at the Political Academy. I patrol 74 thousand hectares (183 thousand acres) of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. I love what I do as I contribute in preserving one of the most beautiful places.

Saldat Tahay

I worked as a veterinarian until 2001 in the area that I now patrol as a ranger. The Altai Tavan Bogd National Park was saved in 1996 when people started destroying its nature and beauty for their own greed. The director of the newly established park administration, A. Atai, offered me a job as a ranger so that we can contribute in protecting our homeland. Without looking back, I became a ranger. I work as a ranger so that our younger generation can enjoy and be inspired by my homeland.

Saldat Tahay

Prior to working as a ranger in 2015, I worked as a veterinarian. I graduated from the College of Agriculture in Hovd aimag. I patrol 74 thousand hectares (183 thousand acres) of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.

Marat Toley

My ancestors preserved this beautiful place so that I can enjoy it. To continue their legacy, I became a ranger in 2009. My job inspires me every day and I feel proud that I am a part of a big network of protected areas.

Tolegen Kaden

I’ve been a ranger at Siilkhem Mountain National Park since 2004. End of the 1990s, Mongolia’s natural resources were depleted by wrongdoers. The population of argali sheep and Altai marmot decreased rapidly. It was tragic. Fortunately, the government took the area under protection in 2000, and after some hard work, the population of argali sheep has grown to 1600-1800.

Khairat Amankeldy

I have been working as a ranger for 17 years since I graduated from the University of Agriculture. I live with my wife and four kids in Khuurait of Nogoon nuur (Green Lake) soum. I patrol the highest mountain area of the park, a critical site for snow leopard, black marmot, argali sheep, ibex, Altai eagle, and Altai snowcock.

Serikjan Gulstan

I graduated as a lawyer from the National University of Mongolia in 2015, but my passion has always been the mountains. I love to sing as I traverse the park. As a ranger, it is my excitement to see the increase in the population of wildlife.