Ulz river & Turgen tsagaan

Surface area: 8,877 ha
Elevation: 825-896 m

Protection status: Unprotected.

Site description: The site comprises Ulz river valley and Zegst, Tuulain Burd and Turgenii Tsagaan Lakes, located close to each other. The lakes surrounded by tall grassy steppes, mountains and hils. The surrounding areas used for livestock grazing and hay making. Herder families overwinter near the lakes. In recent years water levels of the lakes dropping due to drought and Zegst Lake is in danger to dry out.

Importance for birds: Globally threatened bird species such as White-naped Crane (Grus vipio), Siberian Crane (G.leucogeranus), Hooded Crane (G. monacha) and Great Bustard (Otis tarda) occur at the site. Populations of some duck species, which stopver here may reach 1% of the site’s flyway populations.

Special flora and fauna: Rare wildlife such as Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa), Siberian Marmot (Marmota sibirica), Pallas’s Cat (Felis manul) and Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), listed in Red Data Book of Mongolia, occur at the site. Mongolian Gazelle (Procapra gutturosa) has been introduced here successfully.