Toson Khulstai Nature Reserve

Toson Khulstai covers a large stretch of the eastern grassland including lakes, marsh and open steppe, and it was set aside particularly for the Mongolian gazelle, whose calving grounds lie within it: in June females gather in numbers and the calves are dropped over a short window, an event that concentrates thousands of animals in one area. Outside the calving period herds move across the reserve and beyond. The wetlands hold cranes including the white-naped and demoiselle, swan geese and a long list of steppe and water birds, and wolves, corsac fox and steppe polecat live on the grassland. There is no infrastructure, and visiting means camping with a guide and driving carefully to avoid disturbing the herds. It is among the least visited protected areas in a country that has many.

The landscape

• Gazelle calving grounds - large concentrations in June.
• Steppe wetlands - lakes and marsh with cranes and geese.
• Predators - wolves, corsac fox and polecat on the grassland.
• Open grassland - unbroken steppe with no settlement.

When to go

June for calving, which is the peak wildlife event; July to September for general herds and birds. Winter travel here is not sensible. Wind and exposure are constant factors.

What to expect

No facilities exist and camping is the only option. Driving must keep well clear of calving groups, since disturbance separates calves from mothers. Navigation is by GPS across trackless ground. Gazelle are wary and viewing is distant.

Nearby

Menen steppe lies east; Choibalsan is the provincial capital.