Animals of the Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert is the largest desert in Asia and the fourth largest in the world. The Gobi Desert covers more then 500,000 square miles of modern day Mongolia and China. The desert gets its name from the Mongolian term "very large and dry." There is a large diversity of animal life in the Gobi despite the extreme temperature ranges and limited rainfall.

  1. Jerboa

    • Jerboa, a mouse-like rodent, use their rear legs to jump as much as 10 feet in a single hop. Their long tail is used to maintain balance much like a kangaroo. Jerboa are the main prey for Golden Eagles.

    Golden Eagles

    • The Golden Eagles are large, powerful raptors that can reach a weight of 13 lbs. in the wild. These eagles are known to live 18 years on average. In the Gobi, they feed mostly on jerboa. Golden eagles have been trained by humans to hunt.

    Snow Leopards

    • A large member of the cat family, snow leopards have been on the decline in Mongolia for many years. This beautiful and elusive animal is on the Endangered Species list with an estimated 500 to 1700 individuals inhabiting Mongolia. The Snow leopard is losing habitat due to a growing human population.

    Gobi Bear

    • The Gobi bear is one of the most endangered animals on the planet, with only around 50 left. Their home range is now heavily protected and feeding programs have been initiated to help preserve this rare and beautiful animal.

    Plate Tailed Gecko

    • This gecko is a small nocturnal lizard that lives in the sandy regions of the Gobi. Feeding primarily on insects these lizards are an important part of the food chain in the Gobi.

    Other Animals

    • There are many other animals found in the Gobi Desert that call other areas of the world home. Camels, ibex, musk ox and wolves can be found the world over and add to the diversity of the Gobi.