Mongol Daguur is an extensive steppe wetland landscape in eastern Mongolia, covering approximately 556,600 hectares across Dornod aimag near the international border with the Russian Federation. The site forms part of the transboundary Daurian ecoregion and includes grasslands, marshes, riverine wetlands, and shallow lakes within the Ulz River basin. As part of the Amur River catchment and located along the East Asian Australasian Flyway, the site supports globally significant populations of migratory waterbirds, including White-naped Crane, Hooded Crane, Swan Goose, and Common Pochard. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Landscapes of Dauria,” highlighting its global ecological importance. 

 

The Mongol Daguur wetlands provide essential ecosystem services, including freshwater supply, climate regulation, water flow regulation, and fire regulation across a largely intact steppe ecosystem. While human population density is low, increasing pressures from grazing, fire, illegal hunting, and climate-driven changes in water availability are affecting site integrity. Cross-border fires, unsustainable livestock practices, and declining water levels pose significant risks to biodiversity and ecosystem function. Strengthening site management and zonation, improving fire management, enhancing biodiversity monitoring, restoring grasslands, and expanding nature-based tourism and transboundary cooperation present key opportunities to sustain ecological values and support local livelihoods.