This ecoregion is characterized by fire tolerant meadows and Mongolian oak woodland, with high levels of species diversity and endemism.

This climate is characterized by large swings in temperature, both diurnally and seasonally, with mild summers and cold, snowy winters.

[4] The reserve covers many different floral habitats - meadow, swamp, steppe, lacustrine, and forest.

The steppe-type areas are grasslands at the feet of the ridges, with characteristic species being bent grass, wild onion, and horsetail.

The marshes, usually dominated locally by one type of reed grasses, are valued by the waterfowl for food and shelter.

In the shallow bays are thickets of pondweed, with floating patches of lilies and other surface cover.

Also, there are 'ecotourist' routes with bird observation towers for seasonal use by the public, but use requires permits to be obtained in advance and group size and numbers are limited.