Landscapes of Dauria

The Landscapes of Dauria are a transboundary natural landscape of steppe, grassland and wetland ecosystems in parts of eastern Mongolia and adjacent Russian territory. The area is noted for its intact steppe ecology and seasonal wetland complexes.

The landscape offers wide, open steppe and seasonal wetlands that are key habitats for migratory birds and for grazing livestock. Observers and researchers value the area for birdlife, wild ungulates and for its relatively undeveloped steppe environment.

The landscapes have long supported pastoralist land uses and seasonal migrations; they retain ecological processes characteristic of Eurasian steppe and wetland systems. Traditional grazing and seasonal use patterns have shaped the region’s cultural and natural character.

The Dauria landscapes occupy borderlands of eastern Mongolia and neighbouring Russian provinces, centred on plain and river-valley systems within the broader steppe zone of northeastern Asia.

• Ecological importance: The Dauria landscapes are important for steppe and wetland ecosystems that support migratory waterbirds and nomadic grazing economies.

• Plan your visit for late spring through summer (May-August) to experience peak bird migration and breeding activity across the Daurian wetlands and steppe.
• Prepare logistics in advance: the landscapes are remote with long unpaved roads, so arrange transport and local guides/rangers ahead of time-self-driving without proper 4x4 and local knowledge is often difficult.
• Focus visits on the wetland and floodplain reserves (the Mongol Daguur component) early in the day for wildlife and pastoral scenes; spending multiple days in different parts of the transboundary landscape reveals nomadic use and varied habitats that day-trippers typically miss.