Telmen lake

Surface area: 24.175ha
Elevation: 1.789-2.305m

Protection status: Unprotected.

Site description: The mineral lake formed by tectonic movements, Telmen is located on the border between Numrug and Telmen soums. There are many small tributaries flow into the lake and major one is Khooloi River. The northern and southern shores have horns and peninsulas, while the eastern and western shores are relatively flat with salty marshes and sand dunes formed by river flow. The lake has 3 small islands in its center, where migratory birds gather in vast numbers. The major use of Telmen Lake’s surrounding area is animal husbandry.  

Importance for birds: Globally threatened bird species such as Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides), Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), Lesser Kestrel (F.naumanni) are breed at the site, while Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus) occurred during migration. Therefore, the migratory bird, Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) gather in vast numbers. The site also supports bird species of the Eurasian steppe and dessert biome.

Special flora and fauna: There is no specific information about the other flora and fauna.