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Daursky State nature biosphere reserve is located in the south of Chita region next to the Russian-Mongolian border. It was established in the place where the federal refuge Tsasucheisko-Toreisky had existed since 1981. Wetlands and steppes with hills are the typical landscapes of this protected area. The Barun-Torey Lake with its 10 islands makes the bigger portion of the reserve. The lake water level and the number of islands are not stable. The main wealth of the area is colonies of birds (gulls, terns, herons, cormorants, geese, etc.). The relict gull colony dwelling here is one of the four existing in the world. The Barun-Torey Lake makes one hydrological system with the Zun-Torey Lake. The both lakes and the lower reaches of the Imalka and Uldza rivers flowing into Lake Barun-Torey are included in the list of Ramsar wetlands. The ecosystems of the reserve, particularly shore areas, change depending on the lakes water level. |
The Daursky reserve unites a cluster of areas. The rocks of Adon-Chelon (from the Buryat language The Herd of Stone Horses) are quite different from the lake part of the reserve. The beautiful granite cliffs that resemble frozen running animals or sleeping giants, the richest diversity of grasslands, and swifts nesting in the rocks together create the fascination of this area. The nature reserve also includes an island pine stand, formed by the rarest subspecies of European common pine the Krylov pine, ideally adapted to the conditions of dry steppes of Transbaikalia.
The list of species present today in the reserve and its protective zone includes: 440 species of vascular plants with several endemics and over 20 rare species, 47 species of mammals, 317 species of birds, 3 species of reptiles, 2 species of amphibians. Four species of mammals and 42 species of birds are listed in the Red Data Book of Russia. Over 20 species of birds inhabiting the reserve are listed in the IUCN Red Data Book. The reserve and its neighborhood provide habitat for 6 species of cranes, of which four (white-naped, demoiselle, common, and red-crowned) nest here and two (Siberian and hooded) come here during migrations or for summering.
The Torey lowland is a very important place of feeding for many migrating birds. The abundance of Demoiselle crane only may reach there 30,000 birds. This area is also important for mammals, as it is the only place in Russia where Mongolian gazelles (dzerens) live.
The rich flora and fauna, scenic landscapes and milk-white beaches of the Torey lakes attract here many people. Today there are five excursion routes in the reserve buffer zone and two visit centers work for visitors. All tourist routes are combined for car and hike travel.
