Dalainor Biosphere Reserve

The Dalainor biosphere reserve (Khulun-Bier) was founded in the province of Inner Mongolia on the Mongolian plateau in the neighborhood of Lake Dalainor for combined protection of rare birds, wetlands and steppe ecosystems. The reserve includes the large Dalainor lake and some middle-sized water bodies (New Dalainor, Ulan-Noor, a part of Buir-Noor and others) and the Orshun-Gol river. A special importance the reserve has for birds’ conservation. Functionally Dalainor is closely connected with the Torey lakes. These wetlands important for rest and feeding are situated within one migration corridor. That is why many migrant birds (swans, geese, ducks, gulls, snipes and other birds) during their journey visit both water bodies in turn and form many-thousand gatherings there. Especially attractive is Dalainor for Whooper swans, thanks to this fact poets call it “a swan lake”. At the place are also situated the largest in China fall gatherings of Swan geese before migration. The reserve is not less important as a nesting area and summer residence of birds.

For birds breeding of special importance is Lake Ulan-Noor located to the south of Lake Dalainor and comprising the vast marshy shallow waters of the Orshun-Gol river. There Japanese cranes, Swan geese, a lot of herons and other birds make their nests. Ulan-Noor (as well as the Torey lakes) is one of the world` s most important sites of Swan geese moulting. Specially for changing feathers geese and ducks gather there from the huge territory of Eastern Asia. Swan geese gatherings on Ulan-Noor reach 2,500 individuals (about 5% of the world population of the species).

The lake plains and depressions are the most significant wetlands of Inner Mongolia, which are given the status of wetlands of international importance.

By now in the reserve are registered 653 species of higher plants, 284 species of birds, 38 species of mammals. 55 species of vertebrates are put into the national Red Data Book, and some species (such as cranes, Great Bustard, Swan Goose) are globally endangered.

At present the reserve plays a special role as a center of international monitoring. Having no common boundaries with the Russian and Mongolian parts of the Dauria international protected area, the reserve is bound to them with the community of flora, fauna, with importance for conservation of migrant birds. That is why in the reserve area annual counts of waterfowl are held with participation of the Russian and Mongolian specialists.

Besides wonderful biodiversity, the reserve“ s area is famous for its rich history. People lived on the shores of the Dalainor more than 10,000 years ago. Their main occupation was fishing. Fishing has preserved its importance for the life in the province till nowadays. Strangely enough, the most fish is caught in winter, somewhat less in summer. The annual catch is about 10,000 tons.

The Dalainor is by right called a pearl of the northern China. Picturesque landscapes, rich wildlife and plant world, diverse ecosystems are a perfect basis for the development of ecotourism in the reserve. Today two tourist zones are allocated in the reserve with visit-centres for visitors, they have become favorite rest places for residents of Manzhouly and other cities.

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