Lake Manych-Gudilo. 13/09/94; Kalmykia-Khalmg Tangch Republic & Rostov Oblast; 112,600 ha; 44°36'N 042°50'E. Nature Reserve, Federal Nature Reserve, State Nature Reserve. A chain of saline lakes with numerous islands located in a deep depression. Vegetation consists of grass and herb associations, extensive beds of submerged vegetation, reedbeds, semi-desert and steppe communities. The site is an important staging area for migrating populations of waterbirds, in particular geese (Anser albifrons, Branta ruficollis, Anser erythropus, and Anser anser). It is also an important breeding area for various colonial shore birds. The wetland supports populations of rare and threatened species of flora and fauna. Approximately 1.5 million ducks and 400,000 geese, including 8,000 B. ruficollis, pass through the area in spring, and approximately three million ducks and 500,000 geese, including 8,000-20,000 B. ruficollis, pass through in autumn. Presently, almost the entire world population of Branta ruficollis and a substantial proportion of Oxyura leucocephala migrate through the valley. Human activities include agriculture, livestock grazing, and small-scale fisheries. Ramsar site no. 673. Most recent RIS information: 1997.