Because of its remoteness and position at the meeting points of mountains, steppes, desert and forest, it is a globally important natural reserve for biodiversity.

The park was formally established in 2010–2012, with a particular purpose of protecting the vulnerable Altai argali mountain sheep and the endangered Snow leopard.

While ecotourism has a stated role, visits to the territory currently require special passes from park administration, and activities are limited to roads and trails.

Overall, the Altai are a high mountain plateau that is deeply dissected by river valleys; in places this takes the appearance of rolling hills or steppe.

The rivers and streams of the area have high flow rates and rapids that keep out the migratory fish of lower regions.

[6] In the southern sections (Saylyugem and Ulandryk) have vegetation reflecting the type of dry western-Mongolian steppe and desert-steppe habitat found.

Sylyugemsky is the central breeding area of the Siberian mountain goat, with groups of cross-border argali number 500-550 individuals.

[3] The ridge is also a breeding area for the endangered Saker falcon, whose numbers have declined in recent years due to poaching.