Dalinor National Nature Reserve

　　The Dalinor Nature Reserve is situated in the western part of Hexigten Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, about 90 kilometers from Jingpeng Town, the seat of the Hexigten Banner People's Government. The reserve spans three sumus (administrative subdivisions): Dalainuori, Darhanwula, and Aqiwula. Its northwestern border adjoins the Xilingol Grassland Nature Reserve of Inner Mongolia, while its southern edge lies along the eastern section of the Little Tengger Desert. To the west, it borders the boundary between Xilingol League and Chifeng City, and to the east, it is about 80 kilometers from the Baiyin Aobao National Nature Reserve. The geographical coordinates of the reserve are between 116°22′–117°00′ east longitude and 43°11′–43°27′ north latitude, covering a total area of 119,413.55 hectares.

　　The Dalinor National Nature Reserve is an important migratory route and one of the key gathering areas for migratory birds in northern China. As such, it is a comprehensive nature reserve primarily dedicated to protecting rare bird species and their diverse ecosystems, including lakes, wetlands, sand dunes, grasslands, and woodlands. The unique natural and geographical conditions have nurtured the renowned inland lake ecosystem on the Inner Mongolian Plateau. Lakes, rivers, marshes, and wet meadows scattered throughout the reserve constitute a vital wetland ecosystem that accounts for 35.8% of the total area, playing a dominant role in maintaining ecological balance and stability in the region. The basalt plateau and lacustrine plains in the northwest of the reserve feature vast, open grasslands where the most representative chestnut soil steppe of the Inner Mongolian Plateau thrives. In the southern part of the reserve, the Little Tengger Desert hosts a distinctive elm sparse-forest grassland landscape, a relatively unique type within steppe regions. Meanwhile, in the undulating sand dunes of the southeast, sandy mound vegetation and wetland vegetation intermingle, forming a ring-like distribution of sparse forests, shrubs, meadows, and marsh vegetation. This creates a representative sand dune grassland landscape.

　　To date, 160 bird species from 36 families and 16 orders have been identified in the Dalinor Nature Reserve. Among the nationally protected animals in the reserve, those listed under Priority Sequence A-1 for avian species diversity conservation in China’s Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan include: the black stork, red-crowned crane, white-naped crane, great bustard, Pallas’s fish eagle, and Chinese egret, totaling six species. Those in Priority Sequence A-2 include: the common crane, demoiselle crane, and whooper swan, totaling three species. Species endemic to China under Priority Sequence B include: the tundra swan, black kite, Eurasian sparrowhawk, northern goshawk, hen harrier, merlin, Eurasian hobby, Amur falcon, and long-eared owl, totaling 11 species.

　　Wading and waterfowl species make up the vast majority of the rare birds in the reserve. During spring and autumn migrations, thousands of whooper swans and hundreds of white-naped cranes, common cranes, and demoiselle cranes can be found here, along with dozens of great bustards that breed and inhabit the area.

　　The reserve boasts diverse ecosystems and abundant rare species. In terms of landscape ecosystems, it features a sequence from basalt plateaus to lacustrine plains, then to lake basin lowlands and finally wind-formed sand dunes, stretching from north to south. Correspondingly, there is an orderly distribution of vegetation types, including plateau and lacustrine plain vegetation, low-wetland vegetation, and sand dune sparse-forest grassland vegetation. Additionally, the lake group centered around Dalinor, along with the mountain landscapes formed by Dahan Mountain and Zhanzi Mountain, provide varied ecological environments for the rich species. To date, 160 bird species, 15 rodent species, 21 fish species, 72 phytoplankton species, 36 zooplankton species, over 20 benthic animal species, and approximately 434 species of higher plants have been identified in the reserve. There are also several small mammal species within the protected area.

　　With its unique natural landscapes and diverse species, the reserve attracts numerous scholars, experts, and nature enthusiasts from both China and abroad for research, visits, and tourism. It leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. The reserve serves not only as an important base for scientific research but also as an ideal location for eco-tourism. Everywhere you look, there are picturesque scenes, allowing visitors to fully experience the boundless charm of nature.