The Altai steppe and semi-desert ecoregion (WWF ID: PA0802), as its name indicates, sits in a transition zine between steppe and semi-desert, supporting sparse grass and shrublands.

The Irtysh River runs along the northeast of the ecoregion, and the Tarbagatay Mountains along the south.

[4][5] The ground cover is grassland, shrubs, and bare rock.

Use of the land for livestock range is putting pressure on wildlife.

The Manrak ridge in the southeast of the region is an important area for birds, with 121 species identified.