Which animals make up most livestock herds in the Gobi Desert?

In the Gobi Desert, livestock raising is the primary economic activity for the local population. The herds are composed primarily of sheep and goats, which together constitute more than half of the total livestock population.1

Other animals found in these herds include:

• Large-horned cattle: These are the next most important livestock after sheep and goats and are concentrated in the lusher semidesert regions of the southeast.1
• Bactrian camels: A significant number of these two-humped camels are kept as livestock and are still utilized for transportation in certain areas of the desert.1
• Horses: These make up a smaller percentage of the total herds and are also primarily found in the southeastern semidesert areas.1

The practice of livestock raising in the Gobi is largely nomadic, with herds migrating seasonally to access necessary pasturage.1