It covers about 14,000 square kilometres (5,400 sq mi) was established in 1984[1] mainly to protect the rare Marco Polo sheep and Tibetan argali.

[2] The reserve is situated in westernmost China in the border area to Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan.

Trees are only present in some valleys below 3,400 m.[3] The reserve is home to three wild ungulate species.

Large predators are represented by snow leopard, wolf and brown bear.

[3] During 2011–2013, the Tien Shan dholes (Cuon alpinus hesperius) have been spotted by the local people in the reserve.