A zud, dzud () of dzhut, zhut, djut, jut (, , ) is a disaster in steppe, semi-desert and desert regions in Mongolia and Central Asia 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, in summer it may happen due to drought. One-third of Mongolia's population depends entirely on pastoral farming for its livelihood, and harsh zuds can cause economic crises and food security issues in the country. Zud (djut) is a severe periodical disaster in all countries of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. The literal translation of the Kazakh word 'жұт' is "devourer". Description In Mongolia, the following types of zud are recognized: tsagaan (white) zud results from high snowfall that prevents livestock from reaching the grass. It is a frequent and serious disaster that has caused a great number of deaths. khar (black) zud results from a lack of snowfall in grazing areas, leading to both livestock and humans lacking water. This type of zud does not occur every year, nor does it affect large areas. It mostly happens in the Gobi Desert region. tumur (iron) zud results from a short wintertime warming, followed by a return to sub-freezing temperatures. The snow melts and then freezes again, producing an impenetrable ice-cover that prevents livestock from grazing. huiten (cold) zud occurs when the temperature drops to very low levels for several days. The cold temperature and the strong winds prevent livestock from grazing; the animals have to use most of their energy to keep warm. havsarsin (combined) zud is a combination of at least two of the above types of zud. In Kazakhstan there is a proverb "Djut has seven relatives" (жұт жеты агайынды). When interpreted, seven severe natural conditions are mentioned (not always the same), e.g., summer drought, grass drying out, early winter, deep snow, winter rains, ice crust, blizzard. Man-made factors Human factors worsen the situation caused by the harsh winters. Under the communist regime, the state regulated the size of the herds to prevent overgrazing. The 1990s saw a deregulation of Mongolia's economy and a simultaneous growth in worldwide demand for cashmere wool, which is made from goat hair. As a result, the number of goats