English: Lammergeier,  Bearded Vulture, Ossifrage
Russian: Бородач
German: Bartgeier
French: Gypaete barbu
Mongolian: Ооч ёл
Japanese: ヒゲワシ (Hige-washi)

Body Length:  94-125 cm
Wing span: 231-283 cm

Resident breeder
Breeding season: February-August

Egg number: 1-2
Egg colour: Whitish with brown and purple blotches and spots.
Brood: 1 per year

Food:  Scavenger, feeding mostly on the carcasses of dead animals.

Status: Rare species. According to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the species evaluated as – Vulnerable.

Distribution and Range: In Mongolia, G.B.Hemachalanus distributed in high mountains massifs subspecies in the Mongol Altai, Govi-Altai mountain ranges, Siilkhem, Kharkhiraa, Turgen, Aj Bogd, Jargalant Khairkhan, Altan Khokhii, Baitag Bogd, Takhiin Shar Nuruu Mountains, Atas-Chinggis, Edrengiin range, Altain Mountain, Nemegt, Servee, Tost, Gurvan Saikhan, Khurkh mountain, Khangain Khovchiin mountain range, until the Khordil Saridag. A nest on a cliff of a pair with a chick was recorded in the Baga gazriin chuluu, Zorgol Khairkhan, Khustai Nuruu. In the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, Khorgo volcano a nest with 2 chicks were recorded in 30 Julym 2007. Solitary individuals were observed in Choiryn Bogd, Ikh Sansar, Yazaar mountain, Kherlen toono recorded in 2013, Darkhan Uul, Bayankhutag, Monkhkhaan, Batkhaan, Khognokhaan Mountains, Altain Mountain and its surrounding areas in Erdenesant Soum 2013 other Solitary individuals were sighted.

Habitat: Resident specie in Mongolia. High cliffs and ledges, large rock pillars of high mountain massif and rocky mountains, their foothills in mountain and forest steppe.

Population and Threats: Population not assessed for Mongolia, however population abundance considered as stable. By 1993 globally in 29 zooparks and captive breeding sites there are 97 individuals in existence. In recent years, Mongolia has been attracting temporary visitors of this species in larger than expected numbers becoming a main competitor for nesting areas with Griffons, by taking over their old nests. This has caused decle in Griffons populations in some mountains of Govi-Altai.

Conservation Measures: Hunting of the species is prohibited since 1953. Included as Rare animal in the Annex to the Mongolian Government Resolution #7 (2012), Included in the Annex II CITES, and the Annex I CMS. Some parts of the distribution area is included within the NSPAN.

Further Actions: In places such as the Khangai range; Govi Gurvan Saikhan, Great Gobi Strictly PA, Khar Us Lake (Jargalan Khairkhan) Khokh Serkh, Altai Tavan Bogd, Otgon Tenger, Tsagaan Shuvuut, Turgen Mountain, Khan Khokhii, there is a need to create a conservation management plan for endangered rare and very rare birds, improve conservation measures in the Suman River, Chuluut cliffs. Prohibit the species use for decorative purposes, and traditional medicine, improve on the public awareness programs.