Nature Reserve, Buffer Zone. The Russian portion of an extensive coastline, a transborder freshwater lake (with China), and adjacent floodplains, subject to periodic fluctuations. A diverse aquatic and marsh vegetation is supported, as are several relict plant species surviving since the Tertiary era. An important area for breeding, feeding and staging birds, including globally threatened and endemic species. Large numbers of Anatidae (ducks, geese, swans, etc.) occur during migration periods. Rice is the principal crop in the surrounding area. Human activities include hay production, livestock grazing, and hunting of birds and fur-bearing mammals.