thumb|250px|Goats that died as result of a "black" zud. Gobi Desert, March 2010. A zud, dzud (), dzhut, zhut, djut, or jut (, , ) is a periodic disaster in steppe, semi-desert and desert regions in Mongolia and Central Asia (including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) in which large numbers of livestock die, primarily due to starvation, being unable to graze due to particular severe climatic conditions. Various kinds of zud are recognized, depending on the particular type of climatic conditions. In winter it may be caused by an impenetrable ice crust, and in summer it may happen due to droug
Article
7 sectionsContents
- Description
- Man-made factors
- Mitigation
- Extent and history
- Social consequences
- Notes
- References
thumb|250px|Goats that died as result of a "black" zud. Gobi Desert, March 2010. A zud, dzud (), dzhut, zhut, djut, or jut (, , ) is a periodic disaster in steppe, semi-desert and desert regions in Mongolia and Central Asia (including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) in which large numbers of livestock die, primarily due to starvation, being unable to graze due to particular severe climatic conditions. Various kinds of zud are recognized, depending on the particular type of climatic conditions. In winter it may be caused by an impenetrable ice crust, and in summer it may happen due to drought.
One-third of Mongolia's population depends entirely on pastoral farming for its livelihood, which contributes to 80% of its agricultural output and 11% of the country's GDP. Harsh zuds can cause economic crises and food security issues in the country.