Who is Zhut?
A zud, dzud (Mongolian: зуд) of dzhut, zhut, djut, jut (Kazakh: жұт, Kyrgyz: жут, Russian: джут) 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".
