The National Statistical Office of Mongolia (NSO) reported on Thursday that more than 26,300 animals died in January due to a harsh winter known as dzud, which affected the western aimags of Uvs, Bayan-Ölgii, Zavkhan, and the central aimag of Övörkhangai.
According to the NSO, 11 out of 21 aimags in Mongolia are experiencing the consequences of dzud.
The term "dzud" refers to an extremely cold winter during which a significant number of livestock perish due to frost or snow cover.
Animal husbandry is a key sector of Mongolia's economy, providing livelihoods for about 40% of the nomadic population.
However, due to prolonged and severe winters, many nomadic herders face livestock losses every year.
As of the end of 2025, Mongolia had registered 58.1 million head of livestock, according to the National Statistical Office.
