Environment and Tourism Ministry, on Monday, reported that large herds of gazelles were spotted in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, making a stir on social media.

The ministry said in a statement “on Sunday, a herd of more than 200 gazelles was spotted in the Nalaikh District of Ulan Bator, while another herd of around 300 gazelles was spotted in the territory of the Khan-Uul District of the capital city.’’

The two herds of gazelles were driven into the pasture by local officials, the ministry added.

According to a census in 2000 cited by the World Wildlife Fund, over 2 million gazelles inhabited Mongolia’s Eastern Steppe.

The population of gazelles has been decreasing since then under the threats of poorer weather conditions, infectious diseases, steppe fires, human and livestock interference, among others.

NAN