The “Five Jewels” or “Five Snouts” of Mongolia are the five main types of livestock of the herders of Mongolia. Horses, sheep, goats, cows, and camels are incredibly important forms of livelihood across the steppes, desert, and mountains. Yaks are also often lumped in with cows as another “jewel” of Mongolia. All five species can be used for their meat but also milk and wool, as well as for transportation. These amazing animals are tough enough to survive the climate of Mongolia even as it shifts with global climate change. However, it is getting harder and harder for animals to make it through the winter without a really reliable winter pasture, especially with winter dzuds. Do any of you have stories about difficulties keeping animals alive or losses due to weather and/or predators? We’d love to hear them in the comments! [Photo credits to: Ryan Dunn (flickr: flyhighry), Søren Nielsen (flickr: sørennielsens), and Petra Elfström]