Perspective Chapter: The Impact of Climate Changes and Opportunities for Adaptation on Pastoral Livestock Husbandry – A Study of Mongolian Pastoralism

Mongolia is a nomadic pastoral country. There are many findings that five species of livestock sheep, goats, horses, cattle (yaks) and camels were used in Mongolia for their livelihood 4500–5000 years ago. Mongolia is located in the central part of Asia and has an extreme continental climate. In this harsh natural-climatic environment, the traditional nomadic pastoralism has developed as a result of centuries of experience in herding. It is believed the traditional nomadic culture includes the nomadic people’s respect for nature, preserving its pristine appearance and its biological diversity, ecological balance. Their methods that have been used consistently for centuries are to move around and graze throughout all four seasons of the year. Nomadic pastoralism is one of the few cultures in the world that has retained its traditional form. Therefore, in this chapter, we will examine the impact of climate change on traditional nomadic livestock, opportunities for adaptation, and also present the research findings on traditional Mongolian methods and experiences that preserve and restore biodiversity through the balanced and seasonal use of pastures.