Chany Lakes. 13/09/94; Novosibirsk Oblast; 364,848 ha; 55°02'N 077°40'E. Federal Nature Reserve, Wildlife Refuge. A large lacustrine system, characteristic of the western Siberian forest-steppe. Lake Chany is an enclosed water body composed of freshwater and brackish areas. Vegetation is dominated by mire, meadow, and meadow-solonchak and includes meadow-forest associations, diverse steppe vegetation, and reedbeds. The site supports large (over 20,000) breeding and migrating populations of numerous species of waterbirds, some of which are rare or globally threatened. Human activities include agriculture, livestock grazing, hay harvesting, commercial and sport hunting and fishing. A field station is located in the area. Ramsar site no. 680. Most recent RIS information: 1997.