UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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Location | Altai Republic, Russia |
Includes |
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Criteria | Natural: (x) |
Reference | 768rev |
Inscription | 1998 (22nd Session) |
Area | 1,611,457 ha (6,221.87 sq mi) |
Coordinates | 50°28′N 86°00′E / 50.467°N 86.000°E |
Golden Mountains of Altai is the name of an UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of the Altai and Katun Natural Reserves, Lake Teletskoye, Belukha Mountain, and the Ukok Plateau. As stated in the UNESCO description of the site, "the region represents the most complete sequence of altitudinal vegetation zones in central Siberia, from steppe, forest-steppe, mixed forest, subalpine vegetation to alpine vegetation".[1] While making its decision, UNESCO also cited Russian Altai's importance for preservation of the globally endangered mammals, such as Snow leopard, Altai argali, and Siberian ibex. The site covers a vast area of 16,178 km2 (6,246 sq mi).[2]