Tobol-Ishim Forest-steppe. 13/09/94; Tyumen Oblast; 1,217,000 ha; 55°27'N 069°00'E. State Nature Reserve, Temporary Wildlife Refuge, Nature Monument. A region of birch and aspen forests interspersed with wetlands consisting of freshwater lakes and rivers with marshy areas of meadow and steppe, most of which are ploughed. Vegetation includes reed and sedge beds, peatlands, and mosses. The hydrologic regime of the lakes is characterized by a 20- to 50-year inundation cycle determined by climate variations. These cycles cause dynamic changes in salinity levels and vegetative communities. The wetland mosaic supports a rich and significant diversity of habitats and species. At least 20 rare and endangered waterbird species occur. The area is situated on a major migration route used by millions of birds each spring and autumn, and is important for large concentrations of breeding and molting waterbirds and colonial shore birds. Ramsar site no. 679. Most recent RIS information: 1997.