Meet the Rangers

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.

Batmend Shiirev (Mend)

I patrol 28,910 hectares (~71,440 acres) around the south side of the Mount Otgontenger. I was born and grew up in the foothills of the Mount Otgontenger. When Otgontenger National Park was first established in 1996, I joined as a ranger and since then, I have been serving the park for 21 consecutive years. My duties as a park ranger include helping provide park services to over 3000 domestic and international visitors each year, ensuring their safety and interpreting Mongolian traditions of environmental stewardship, and preserving the State Worshipped Sacred Mountain of Otgontenger. I have many years of experience in wildlife conservation work, having completed numerous surveys on population, distribution and habitats of endangered animals and plants. During my career as a ranger, I have been named as the Best Officer in Environment and Tourism and have also received Certificates of Honor issued by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Government of Mongolia.

Altangerel Narantsetseg (Agy)

I patrol 43,900 hectares (~108,500 acres) of Otgontenger National Park, the north side of the Mount Otgontenger and the area around Bogd River. I graduated from college as a Tourism Manager in 2007 and joined the park in 2008. I have been working as a ranger for the 8^th year now.

Dashdemberel Choijiljav (Dembe)

I patrol 42,000 hectares (~103,800 acres) of Tarvagatai Nuruu National Park, the area around Ulaan Haalga side. I am an ecologist by training. Having served as a volunteer ranger in Aldarkhaan soum of Zavkhan aimag for a while, I joined Otgontenger National Park in 2004 and have been serving as a ranger since then for 13 consecutive years. As a ranger, I contribute in preserving the scenic natural beauty, wildlife and forests of my native land by improving local community participation in environmental stewardship and rehabilitation, through various measures taken to reduce soil erosion, such as forming groups of herder households to lessen pasture degradation and organizing workshops and trainings to introduce and explain about park mission, regulations and activities.

Naljirmaa Baljinnyam (Naljir)

I patrol 22,700 hectares (~56,000 acres) of Otgontenger National Park, the area around the Dayan Mountain. I am a landscape planning engineer by training. My uncle Davaadorj was a ranger here back in 2002-2008 and he used to patrol the area which I am currently responsible for. While helping him patrol and ensure that the Dayan Mountain was safe and free of garbage, I was inspired by his work ethic and developed a stronger sense of environmental stewardship. Years later when I retired, I applied to become a ranger and have been serving the park for 9 years now. I have been named as the Best Environmental Officer and I was awarded a Certificate of Honor by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

Sharavjamts Gombosuren (Sharav)

I patrol 70,300 hectares (173,800 acres) of Tarvagatai Nuruu National Park. I have been a ranger here for 17 consecutive years since 2000. During my career as a ranger, I have been awarded Ministry of Environment’s Certificate of Honor and been named as the Best Environmental Officer.

Altanginj Dugersuren (Ginj)

I patrol 50,700 hectares (~125,300 acres) of Tarvagatai Nuruu National Park. An ecologist by training, I have been working as a ranger for 5 years.

Bujinlkham Tumurbaatar (Bujin)

I patrol 43,700 hectares (~108,000 acres) of Tarvagatai Nuruu National Park. I am a lawyer by training. In 2013, I applied to become a ranger at Otgontenger National Park and have been serving for the 5^th year now. Although I lacked environmental background at first, I have always been proud of working in conservation. It’s because nature is a wonder itself. I am committed to continue working in conservation, helping others including my children realize our inherent duty to protect and love nature.

Rentsendorj Buriad (Rentsen)

I patrol 60,000 hectares (~148,300 acres) of Ulaagchny Har Nuur National Park. I have been a ranger for 3 years.

Ganbat Tsolmon

I patrol 98,000 hectares (~242,200 acres) of Ulaagchny Har Nuur National Park. I joined the protected areas administration three years ago. I am a vet by training and worked as one until 1997. While serving as the Head of Citizen’s Representative Assembly of Erdenekhairkhan soum of Zavkhan aimag in 2008-2012, I initiated the effort to take places of natural beauty and cultural heritage in the soum under local protection and ensured protective measures were taken. I joined the protected areas administration as a ranger 3 years ago.

Miiraa Urt

I patrol 95,300 hectares (~235,500 acres) of Ulaagchny Har Nuur National Park, the area around Santmargad soum. I am trained in ecology in and environmental conservation. Before becoming a ranger at the administration in 2014, I served as a State Environmental Inspector in Dorvoljin soum of Zavkhan aimag.

Tumursukh Jal

I’ve been working in conservation for more than 27 years. I was born and raised in Darkhad Valley at foothills of Horidal Saridag Mountains. When I turned 7, my father started taking him to the wilderness and we explored this infinite Taiga together. I have 10 siblings and very early in life, I learnt how to be independent and hardworking.
In 1987, after graduating college, I was under a review at the Ministry – waiting to be accepted for my new position with the government. The process took longer than I expected. The city life was overwhelming. I missed home; I missed my Taiga. One night, I heard a horse neigh and woke up next morning to find out that I was appointed to protect Lake Hovsgol. 27 years have passed and I am proud to be where I belong and doing what I love. Throughout these years, I covered 880,000km [547,000 miles] by car, 168,000km [104,400 miles] on a horseback, 32,000km [20,000 miles] on foot, 5,600km [3,500 miles] on my skates, 750km [470 miles] on a reindeer and to spend 5,400 days in wilderness patrolling the parks.

Zorig Chuluu

I was born and raised in Taiga. I am a reindeer herder (Tsaatan). I used to hunt and sell animal raw materials for living. I took the wilderness and wildlife for granted. As I got older, I realized the uniqueness of my culture, beauty of the wilderness and significance of wildlife. Therefore, I became a ranger. Tsaatan people used to live off of hunting and I knew I would face challenges to bring changes to the community. I kept on doing my best and in 2013, no poaching took place in Taiga.
But we had to deal with illegal artisanal miners. By 2008, there were 7000 of them digging for gold, but we were driven to chase them out in order to preserve one of the last pristine valleys of Taiga. We made history; we stopped them. I patrol 306,000 acres of Tengis Shishgid National Park.

Renchindavaa Samdan

I started hunting since I was 11 years old. I learnt from the best hunters in town. Years ago, a tragedy happened in Renchinlhumbe soum. A bear broke into a home and killed 3 family members. I got together with some members of the community and chased the bear. Prior to 1990, people hunted for their living. Since the transition to market economy, people started hunting for greed.
Nature has granted me with many blessings. It hurt my feelings to see people taking the nature for granted. I needed to take action. I formed a movement to fight against mining licenses and was able to chase them out of my people’s land. I’ve been working as a ranger for 19 years. Compare to 1990, the population of wildlife in my area have increased by 5 times. I patrol 38,500 hectares [95 thousand acres] of the protected area.

Otgonbayar Tudev

Before establishment of the Ulaan Taiga Specially Protected Areas Administration, there were 7000 artisanal miners in Ulaan Taiga (Red Taiga). I was a poacher and miner. But I started questioning the importance of life and value of nature. I’ve done so many things in life and realized I have never done anything to protect nature. It was time. I did not want my birthplace to disappear in front of my eyes and I did not want to regret. I needed a change. When the protected areas administration was established, I applied to become a ranger.
Our fellow rangers and I were successful in chasing out all the illegal miners and we are doing our best to stop poaching completely in Taiga. I patrol 124,000 hectares [over 306 thousand acres].

Odhuu Morh

Years ago, I was attacked by a bear while collecting berries in the forest. I fought for my survival and it spared my life. Since then, I praise “Mother Nature” and made a promise to preserve my country for future generations. Now as a ranger, I work with community members in introducing them to the significance of our work.
My aspiration is to expand the territory of our protected areas, so more places will be protected in the future. I patrol 124,000 hectares [over 306 thousand acres] of Tengis Shishgid National Park.

Nyamkhuu Tseveenjav

People know me as not being able to hurt a fly. I grew up with a deep passion for nature. I could never comprehend as my friends got into hunting games. I wanted to stop poaching. I simply followed my passion and became a ranger. I’ve been working as a ranger for 9 years. I patrol 38,000 hectares [94 thousand acres] of my beautiful country.

Nyam-Ochir Duujii

Four years ago, on September 9, I brought together 52 community members to stand against the Ider Murun mining company. Even though we succeeded, I knew it was not over. When the Ulaan Taiga Protected Areas Administration was established, I decided to become a ranger. I patrol 37,000 hectares [92 thousand acres] of the protected area and within a year, we decreased number of poaching dramatically and all 7 cases were caught.

Hishigbat Bayaraa

Growing up, I was told not to make the spirits of water angry by polluting the rivers and springs. The year that I graduated from secondary school, artisanal miners discovered gold in Altrag River, our main drinking water source. Before you know it, our river was turning into a black mud. That led me to organize a student movement to fight against illegal artisanal miners and it was a success.
Ever since then, I have devoted my life to become a ranger and I am proud to say that there is no miner left in Bayanzurkh soum. I patrol 60,000 hectares [over 148 thousand acres] of the protected area.

Ginjbold Purevjii

Just recently, some rich and powerful were illegally fishing Taimen, the biggest trout in the world. Once they saw me, they ran towards their helicopter. However, I was able to capture them on the spot. I used to be a herdsman but decided to become a ranger to contribute in preservation of my country.

Ganhuyag Tsagaanbandi

My nickname is “Citizen’s Registrar” because I happen to know full names and date of births of everyone in 4 soums of Darkhad Valley. I’d like to think that it helps me to do my job well. I was one of the first rangers to patrol the Horidal Saridag Strictly Protected Area. I patrol 62,000 hectares [~ 153,000 acres]. I am also very proud to be part of the team who reclaimed the territory from the artisanal miners.

Davaadalai Radnaa

I was inspired to become a ranger by trying to find ways to lessen a human impact on the environment. I am proud that I built my own ranger station in the mountains and I patrol 38,000 hectares [94 thousand acres] of Horidol Saridag Strictly Protected Area.

Dalaibayar Baasain

I wasted most of my young adulthood to drinking. When gold was discovered in Ulaan-Uul soum, I was one of the first “ninjas” to dig for gold. As a leader, I knew every “ninja” in the area. I cannot forget that day when I looked around and I could not recognize my country. It lost its beauty and I felt responsible. I quit drinking and promised to overcome my weaknesses. It was my time to give back. I am thankful that I was trusted to become a ranger and I strive to be a role model to our younger generation. Since I became a ranger, I was heavily involved in chasing out the “ninjas” out of the beautiful valley and led the reclamation initiative carried out by the administration. I am proud to patrol 63,000 hectares [over 155 thousand acres].

Note: “Ninja” is a nickname for illegal artisanal miners.

Chinbat Enebish

I used to be a famous hunter of our region. While studying in Moscow, Russia, I fell very ill, and returned back home. My parents were very spiritual. Upon my return, my parents asked a local shaman for the cause of my illness. They found out that the spirits of nature were angry that I’d hunted so many of its wild animals. It was an eye opening experience for me. Therefore, I’ve been working as a ranger since 2006.
As a ranger, I started an initiative to reintroduce marmot population and replantation of wild onions in the region. I patrol 63,000 hectares [over 155 thousand acres] of the protected area.

Byambaa Ornobish

My grandfather used to be a hunter. However, at the time, hunting was for sustenance. We used to see deer and elk wander around soum center and everywhere in the mountains. But when people started seeing wildlife as way of making money, it has dramatically affected its population. I’ve been working as a ranger for 16 years now. I patrol 37,400 hectares [92 thousand acres] of the protected area.

Boldbaatar Baljinnyam

I was concerned when the artisanal miners in Ulaan-Uul soum discovered gold and the deterioration of nature became so vivid. When the Ulaan Taiga Protected Areas Administration was established in 2012, the opportunity presented to me to become a ranger. There was no turning back. Now, as a ranger of my homeland, I patrol 61,000 hectares [~150,000 acres). Last year, I took part in chasing out the artisanal miners and started the reclamation process.

Bayarkhuu Huuhen

I started my career as a Cinema Mechanic. I traveled around showing and promoting international and national films, history, culture, religions, traditions and legends of people. It helped me to develop a deep passion for nature and connection to people. When Mongolia transitioned to market economy in 1990s, people started exploiting the nature and environment. I witnessed illegal logging, depletion of rivers and lakes, poaching and greediness of artisanal miners in our Taiga region. As the condition worsened, I wanted to strengthen my devotion to nature by becoming a ranger and promised to make a difference.

Bayarjargal Erelheg

When I was 10 years old, I won a competition on “Mother Nature”. This opportunity definitely motivated me to work in conservation. Now as a local ranger, I work with school children to increase their participation in environmental protection. I strongly believe in community-based conservation and work with local cooperatives. I patrol 63,000 hectares [over 155 thousand acres] of the protected area.

Battogtoh Tumur

Prior to joining the Tengis Shishged National Park, I spent 20 years herding livestock. I had a pleasure of seeing some of the most beautiful sceneries of nature and some of the rare species of flora and fauna of my birthplace. I’ve been working to raise awareness among local people by introducing alternatives to make a living without harming natural wonders. Although, it is very difficult to access our Tengis Shishged National Park, it is a beautiful place with high mountains and wide rivers and it’s home to 6 world-endangered species of animals. I am a proud ranger to patrol this beautiful place on a horseback, on foot and as well as on a back of a reindeer.

Batkhuu Bagvai

I was a local businessman. I used to buy endangered Taimen fish from my fellow community members by truckloads and resell them. It was not long before I realized I was hurting the nature. When the Tengis Shishgid National Park was established, I applied to become a ranger. Now, as a ranger, I strive to work with our local community members promoting community based conservation and sustainable tourism development. I patrol 124 thousand hectares (306 thousand acres) of Tengis-Shishged National Park.

Batdorj Byambasuren

I was born into a nomadic family and I was a herder. One time, I found an Argali sheep hidden amongst my herd of sheep. It was a very cold winter. I cared for the Argali until spring and let it go into the wild. Ever since, I was inspired to become a ranger and work to protect wildlife. I’ve been working as a ranger for 12 years now and I patrol 38,000 hectares [94 thousand acres] of Horidol Saridag Strictly Protected Area.

Amarbayasakh Byambatsogt

He has been working as a ranger for 3 years in Lake Hovsgol National Park Administration. Amarbayasgalan protects 30 thousand hectares of land and aquatic squire of Lake Hovsgol. It covers Nutsgen Tolgoi, Jankhai’s hill, Bridge of Eg River and Soma Mountain both sides of west and east of the lake.

Byambadalai Dandar

Byambadalai is a ranger in Khankh soum. He protects 18 thousand of aquatic squire and 157 thousand lands of Lake Hovsgol National Park. Byambadalai is an ecologist and working as a ranger for 4 years. He protects areas between Khongor Boosh’s river and Khavtsal’s hill at Khankh soum.

Dashdondov Chuluunbaatar

Dashdondov has been working for a ranger for 3 years and his protection area includes 63 thousand hectares both land and aquatic areas for Lake Hovsgol National Park includes from Nuurt’s hill to River of Kheeg Tsar.

Tsogtbayar Gombo

Tsogtbayar Gombo has been the chief ranger and environmental inspector of Lake Hovsgol National Park for 5 years.

Khurgaa Chuluun

Khurgaa works as a ranger for Lake Hovsgol National Park locates in Khankh. He has 6 years working experience for a ranger. His protecting land covers 64 thousand hectares including from Khavtsal’s hill to River of Taana.

Ukhnaa Gundjii

Ukhnaa is an ecologist. He has served for 20 years for Nation and 12 years as a Ranger. He protects 173 thousand hectares both land and aquatic areas which includes from Ol’s hill to Khongor Boosh’s River. His protecting areas is the bigger than other rangers.

Purevee Batsuren

Purevee works as a Ranger and Environmental Inspector for the Administration in Khanh soum. His major is Forest and Hunt Technician. He has served 24 years for Nation and 5 years as a Ranger. Purevee protects 92 thousand hectares of land for Lake Hovsgol National Park from River of Noyon to Bridge of Borsogo.

Otgonjargal Palam

Otgonjargal protects 68 thousand hectare of land includes areas of Baishint, Toi, Shivdeg, Taankh and Olon Nuur. He has served 10 years for Nation and 2 years as a ranger.

Enkhtaivan Demberel

He is a ranger and Environmental Inspector in the Administration. He has 32 years working experience in a nation and 11 years as a ranger for the Administration. He protects 52 thousand hectares of land and aquatic area including from Jankhai’s hill to Khokh Ovs (Blue Grass).

Batjargal Dorj

He is an Ecologist. He has 28 years working experience for Nation and 20 years as a Ranger. He protects 110 thousand hectares of land and aquatic areas including from River of Kheeg Tsar to Bridge of Eg River.

Davaajargal Sodnom

Davaajargal has worked for 2 years as a Ranger and protecting 77 thousand hectare of land. It includes from River of Khankh, Olon Nuur to Baishint.

Battsooj Erdensan

Battsooj works as a ranger and Environmental Inspector for Lake Hovsgol National Park at Tsagaan-Uur soum. He is an ecologist and has worked for 6 years as a ranger, protecting 31 thousand hectare land of Dayan Deerh Natural Monument.

Batkhishig Davaadorj

His major is an ecologist and conservationist. He has been working as a ranger for 3 years for the Administration. Batkhishig protects 80 thousand hectares both land and aquatic areas. It includes from Dalbain Ovoot to Ar Balchirganat at Khankh soum.

Nyamkhuu Chogdon

Nyamkhuu’s major is an Agricultural mechanist. He has 25 years working experience for the State and 8 years as a ranger. He protects 84 thousand hectares of land and aquatic areas for Lake Hovsgol National Park including from Khokh Ovs (Blue Grass) to Ol.

Bold Banzai

Bold’s major is an Ecologist. He has an experience for 12 years its 4 years he has been working as a Ranger at the Park Administration. Bold’s protecting land cover 140 thousand hectares both squire of land and aquatic areas. The lands cover River of Taana and River of Noyon.