The wetlands of Central Asia, including many of high ecological value, are poorly studied and poorly represented in international conservation activities. The Sorokaoziorki (“Forty Lakelets”) complex of wetlands, located in the arid Koibalskaya steppe (Republic of Khakassia, Russian Federation), falls into this category. We documented the origin of the complex’s wetlands, patterns of land use and economic activities, and use of the area by multiple bird, mammal, and fish species. The “lakelets” of the Sorokaoziorki originated from a dried river bed that refilled relatively recently with water introduced from irrigation activities. The resultant wetlands and surrounding wet grasslands within the Sorokaoziorki complex represent a refuge for wildlife, while the surrounding steppe has been turned to pasture. Located at a crossroads of bird flyways, at least 140 bird species use the Sorokaoziorki complex to nest or as a stop-over point during migration. Additionally, we documented the occurrence of seven fish, one lamprey, and seven mammal (including three bat) species within the complex. The planting of sea-buckthorn (Hippophaё rhamnoides) and the restriction of grazing around the edges of the wetlands in the Sorokaoziorki wetland complex has contributed to the conservation of this ecologically important area.