The Site lies near the Tang-e Soulak Conservation Area and Forest Reserve, surrounded by the Zagros Mountain Range. It is a permanent brackish lake fed by natural water holes and gypsum pits; these features make the Site unique in the Zagros Mountains forest steppe ecoregion. Around 170 plant and animal species have been recorded in the Site and some 540 in the Forest Reserve. The Site provides refuge to many of the species in the Forest Reserve, especially during warmer seasons. The surrounding almond and oak trees, gypsum pits and lakeside plants provide critical nesting habitat for 17 species of birds and breeding habitat for some 5,000 individual waterbirds. Many of these birds are threatened, including the critically endangered sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius), and the endangered steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) and saker falcon (Falco cherrug). The Site is a stopover for many migratory birds, in particular ducks. It also provides spawning habitat for vulnerable species such as common carp (Cyprinus carpio), binni (Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi) and the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca). The local communities collect fodder and fish at the Site. There is also an education and ecotourism centre managed by the Department of Environment.