Hunu App

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Science & Technology

Why in the news?

The Mongolian herders enlist new tech against harsher, drier climate.

Hunu app – It is a mobile tool designed to empower nomadic herders in Mongolia by helping them track livestock, monitor pasture conditions, and navigate extreme weather.
Developed by – a Mongolian, Bilgudei Gankhulug, he was inspired to help herders after a 2024 "dzud".
- Dzud – A severe winter characterised by extremely low temperatures as low as minus 45C and heavy snow; more than eight million livestock died.
Key Features
GPS-based livestock tracking – A solar-powered GPS device is attached to one animal per herd; since herds usually move together, tracking one animal helps monitor the entire group.
Weather and climate alerts – Provides real-time forecasts and AI-powered early warnings for severe weather, dust storms, blizzards and climate-related risks.
Environment mapping – Compiles maps showing snow depth, soil moisture, and wind direction to help herders decide where to move safely.
Emergency SOS – Features an emergency alert system that can transmit requests for help even when offline via SMS.

hunu app.upsc

Climate challenges facing Mongolia – Herders are among the most affected communities because they depend directly on grazing land and livestock.
Key Problems – Frequent droughts, extreme weather events, harsh winter conditions, rapid desertification, land degradation and overgrazing of grasslands.
According to Mongolian authorities, about 82% of the country's territory is affected by desertification and land degradation.
Importance of Mongolia's Rangelands – According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), around 80% of Mongolia consists of rangelands.
These grasslands are vital for nomadic livelihoods, livestock grazing and biodiversity conservation.
Global Significance – Mongolia recently hosted COP17 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), where countries discussed land restoration, drought resilience and financing for combating desertification.

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