In early November 2015, a conservation ranger Lkhagvasumberel (Sumbee) Tumursukh, was found dead at Lake Hovsgol. Sumbee worked with the Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation, a partner of the international Snow Leopard Trust. He was a highly conscientious and effective individual enforcing the laws and guidelines for protected areas of Mongolia. His death was ruled to be a suicide by drowning. This appears to be extremely unlikely. Sumbee was a young (27 years old), very energetic individual who was very enthusiastic about his work, and highly respected for his efforts. He was also planning to study in England in January.
Sumbee had been attacked on at least three occasions during the past two years by individuals who were very alarmed over what we suspect to be Sumbee’s attempt to enforce protected area laws and the protection of threatened and endangered species. Sumbee apparently had been warned by these individuals to leave the Gobi and not to return. When he continued his work in the Gobi, he was assaulted and stabbed with a knife but managed to escape his captors.
This site is dedicated to achieving a full and transparent investigation of Sumbee's death.
Sumbee had been attacked on at least three occasions during the past two years by individuals who were very alarmed over what we suspect to be Sumbee’s attempt to enforce protected area laws and the protection of threatened and endangered species. Sumbee apparently had been warned by these individuals to leave the Gobi and not to return. When he continued his work in the Gobi, he was assaulted and stabbed with a knife but managed to escape his captors.
This site is dedicated to achieving a full and transparent investigation of Sumbee's death.