Devel Island
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The area around Devel Island, located along the Usan Khooloi River flowing from Achit Lake and the Khovd River on the border of Bayan-Ölgii and Uvs provinces, was designated as a protected area by Resolution No. 29 of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia in 2000. The purpose of this protection is to conserve rare and endangered species found in Mongolia, including pheasants, wild boars, beavers, and wild sea buckthorn.
Devel Island is a wetland ecosystem situated near Achit Lake and is recognized as a unique natural area due to its distinctive ecological structure and rich biodiversity. As a result, it forms part of the Altai–Sayan Ecoregion, one of the 200 globally important ecoregions identified by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as requiring urgent conservation. It is also considered a major center of biodiversity within the temperate zone of Eurasia. The area is characterized primarily by meadow and marsh-meadow soils.
A total of 158 bird species have been recorded in and around Achit Lake and Devel Island. Rare bird species listed in the Mongolian Red Book include the Black Stork, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Swan Goose, White-tailed Eagle, Common Pheasant, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Asian Dowitcher, and Relict Gull. The waters of the area are home to fish species such as Altai Osman and Mongolian Grayling.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITORS
Waterproof Boots and Equipment:
Access to the island can become difficult when river water levels rise. Visitors are advised to bring waterproof boots or be prepared to use a boat when necessary.
Sea Buckthorn Groves and Shrublands:
The island is well known for its wild sea buckthorn forests and dense shrublands. Since the bushes are thorny, wearing thick trousers and long-sleeved clothing is recommended when exploring the area.
Best Season to Visit:
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Devel Island. During this season, the wild sea buckthorn berries ripen and the surrounding vegetation turns golden, creating spectacular natural scenery.
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