The Large Herbivore Initiative: An Eurasian conservation and restoration programme for a key species group in ecosystems (Europe, Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia)

Abstract

A description is given of the programme of the WWF-founded Large Herbivore Initiative (LHI). The LHI is a network organization, for which the WWF acts as facilitator. In the programme large herbivores are considered not just as species as such, but also as essential elements in ecosystems and thus as promoters of ecosystem conservation. The scope, motivations, objectives, activities and projects of the programme are discussed. Some examples from Mongolia are given to illustrate the programme.