The Mongolian Bankhar Project, from the Institute of Canine Biology
Mongolian Bankhar Project
Coordinator: Bruce Elfstrom MS (Nomadic Guardian’s Foundation), Douglas Lally (Scientific Field Coordinator),
REPORTS FROM THE FIELD
For hundreds of years, Mongolia’s nomadic herders have relied on a native dog, the Bankhar, to protect their livestock from predation by the Mongolian gray wolf and snow leopard. This ancient and effective way of guarding livestock was lost during the Soviet occupation. Since then, the nomads have turned by necessity to shooting and poisoning potential predators, which are now threatened by diminishing numbers.
Bruce has seen firsthand the devastation to the lives of a Nomadic family should a wolf or leopard take some of their stock. “…I was amazed, one evening a family lost 7 colt horses…”. In 2004, with his partners in Mongolia, Bruce launched The Nomadic Guardian’s Foundation with the goal of returning the Bankhar dog to its traditional role as protector of the livestock for the nomads, saving both the dogs and the wolves from extinction in an ecologically sound way. This is a Mongolian solution to a Mongolian problem based on ancient Mongolian tradition.
- locating Bankhar that are still being used as working dogs;
- gathering blood samples for molecular genetics;
- inspecting kennels at Hustai National Park for possible use;
- establishing breeding pairs in residence with sheep under the guidance of Dr Sundev Gombobaatar (Univ. of Mongolia).
From his trips to Mongolia over the years leading overland expeditions with his company, Overland Experts, Bruce has established relationships with many people and organizations that are coming together to help with the project. Bruce is committed to learning as much about the history and genetics of this rare breed as possible and is partnering with the Institute of Canine Biology to facilitate those efforts.
If you’ve never seen one of these dogs – or even if you have – check these out –
- Some wonderful photos
- Great video (check out the whelping box!)
- More vintage video
- Bankhar at a Mongolian dog show
- Stunning photography of Mongolia
- More gorgeous photography from one of project leader Bruce Elfstrom’s trips to Mongolia