The reserve thus protects a large section of the wooded, mountainous territory above the reservoir created by the Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam, the largest power plant in Russia.

[4][5] The Sayano Reserve experiences not only climate differences based on altitude, but across the line of the ranges: the north slope is wet (1000–1500 mm/year of precipitation), while the southern steppe side averages only 400 mm/year.

This leads to plant zones that contain species that reflect the influence of human actions, and are a primary focus of scientists in the reserve.

[6][2] The most common mammals in the reserve are those that are widespread in Siberia: sable, squirrel, elk, wolf, wolverine, lynx and others.

In steppe region are more Mongolian-representative species: Siberian mountain goat, Pallas's cat, long-tailed hamster and the grey marmot.

The bearded partridge is typical of the rocky steppe areas, and birds of prey such as ospreys, falcons and eagles are common throughout.