The Central Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe ecoregion (WWF ID:PA1002) covers the high alpine plateau that stretches over across the Tibetan Plateau to Qinghai Lake in China. Because of the high altitude—much it over —the region is a cold, arid desert that is only 20% covered with steppe and meadow vegetation. The area has been relatively free from human development due to the hostile climate and unsuitability for agriculture. The ecosystem is relatively intact, and supports herds of wild antelope, sheep, deer, and gazelles.