The Altai Mountains Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (hereafter referred to as the AMBCS), adopted by the aimag (provincial) Governments of Uvs, Khovd, Bayan Olgii and Gobi Altai, lists the three largest threats to the biodiversity of the region as Habitat Damage and Loss, Soil Erosion, and Over Harvesting, Hunting, and Fishing. According to the plan factors that contribute to these threats are Mining, Road Construction, Tourist Demand, Commercialization of Eagle Festival, Overgrazing, Ineffective Laws, Climate Change, and Increased Amounts of Livestock.
1.2 Female Golden Eagles Female Golden Eagles are larger and more adept hunters, able to catch larger prey. As a result of these size and hunting differences, traditional Kazakh eagle falconry uses only female eagles. Adult female Golden Eagles measure 66-90 cm in height, hold a 180-234 cm wingspan, and weigh approximately 5-7 kilograms weight (Gombobaatar and Usukhjargal). The Golden Eagles of Western Mongolia are said to be the largest Golden Eagles in the world, measuring up ton10% larger than other golden eagles across the world (Soma 2011). Golden Eagles nest in high places, such as trees, cliffs, telephone polls, and other tall human built structures. Nests are constructed with sticks and usually expand up to 2m in diameter (Ferguson-Lees and Christie, 2001). The breeding season lasts from March to August (Ferguson-Lees and Christie, 2001), however, eagle falconers generally believe that young eagles leave the nest around July 20th, and so if they are taking an eaglet from its nest, will do so around that date (Soma 2011). According to the Mongolian Redlist of Mammals, compiled by Clark and Javzansuren (2006), the diet of the Mongolian golden eagle consists of Brandt’s Vole (Lasiopodomys brandti), Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), Mongolian (or Siberian) Marmot (Marmota sibirica), Tolai Hare (Lepus tolai), Corsac Fox (Vulpes corsac), and Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). A variety of birds, such as young Saker Falcon, Daurian Partridge, Rock Dove, Chukar, and young Demoiselle Crane, in addition to snakes also help comprise the diet of this raptor. There have been reports that this eagle hunts young Goitered Gazelle or Blacktailed Gazelle (Gazelle subgutturoza), and Saiga Antelope (Saiga tatarica). They are also known to attack White-tailed Gazelle and Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturoza). 10 ! of 43 !
