dzud

Definitions

An ecological crisis in the steppe-land of Mongolia and Central Asia causing loss of livestock, for example a drought, or a severe winter in which snow or ice block animals' access to the grass.

Equivalents

Examples

“But the country [Mongolia] is currently experiencing a "dzud" – when a summer drought followed by a severe winter decimates the grazing areas.”

“Because migration distances are increasingly limited, people are increasingly vulnerable to various kinds of harsh winter or zud […] that can devastate herd populations and herder livelihoods.”

CEFR level