due to its location on the cusp of the siberian and central asian-mongolian terrains, the flora and fauna of the hollow exhibit a high biodiversity for mid-latitudes. animal species that inhabit both mountains and tundra, such as the siberian roe deer, and altai snowcock, flourish here. the endangered snow leopard is also present, as well as taiga dwellers such as the caspian red deer, lynx and wolverine. steppe dwellers include the mongolian lark, demoiselle crane and long-tailed siberian squirrel. desert inhabitants include the bustard and midday gerbil. the bird species alone number some 359. since the hollow is a protected area, many ancient species extinct in other regions have found refuge here.