This is not surprising with the country's remote and isolated geographic location in Central Asia. Even the origin of the Mongol people is largely unknown and still today, about half of Mongolia's people are semi-nomadic and move seasonally by horse and camel, herding sheep, goats, and cattle. These pastoral nomads are dependent on seasonal cycles and grazing for their herds and must move accordingly. Their daily lives continue to have a strong association with traditions, and a dependance on nature remains. Ecologically, Mongolia is the joining place for several Central Asian environments and the last place many species still occur on the continent.
Environments vary greatly from high mountains with glaciers to deserts.
Much of the country's natural beauty and environments remain mostly unchanged by human actions, but development driven by the country's needs and desires are now, more than ever, changing the cultural and natural systems. To preserve Mongolia's past traditions and nature will require a careful balance of planning and actions, particularly during the early part of the 21st century. The Peregrine Fund is working with, and in support of, Mongolian biologists and conservationists toward helping to achieve that balance. Within Mongolia there are believed to occur about 52 species of raptors. Limited knowledge about most of these species exists within Mongolia.