Daurian forest steppe


The Daurian forest steppe ecoregion is a band of grassland, shrub terrain, and mixed forests in northeast Mongolia and the region of Siberia, Russia that follows the course of the Onon River and Ulz River. The region has been described as a “sea of grass that forms the best and most intact example of an undisturbed steppe ecosystem and is also one of the last areas in the Palearctic that still supports stable herds of larger vertebrates” in a semi-mountainous area.The area also has flat wetlands that are important to migratory birds. The ecoregion is in the Palearctic realm, with a Cold semi-arid climate. It covers.

Location and description

The ecoregion circles around half of the Khentii Mountains, then stretches over 1,000 kilometers east of Ulan Bator into northeasteastern Mongolia through the semi-arid region south and east of Chita, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia. A prominent feature is the Onon River flowing east through mid-sized mountains to the Amur River.

Climate

Because of its altitude and distance from the ocean, the ecoregion has a Subarctic climate. This indicates a continental climate characterized by short, cool summers, and very cold, long winters, with wide differences between day and night temperatures. This region is also heavily influenced by the high barometric pressures over Mongolia. Mean temperatures range from -30° C to +24° C. Average annual precipitation is 150 mm.

Flora and fauna

The steppe lands of the ecoregion are characterized by sedges and grasses, forming meadow steppe, herbs steppe and sandy saltmarsh steppe. Along the lake shores are salt-loving plants and reed beds. The forests of the area are mostly Asian black birch, Scots pine, and Siberian larch. Aspen groves are found in some mountain areas.
Herds of Mongolian Gazelle roam the grasslands of the region, which is at the northern edge of their territory. The broken terrain of mountains and ravines support small mammals, including the Lesser white-toothed shrew, Eurasian harvest mouse, and Maximowicz's vole. Predators include the wolf, polecat, Eurasian badger, and Pallas's cat.

Protections

The federally protected areas in the region are: