I. The Ustyurt Plateau and the Mangyshlak Peninsula
1. Econet elements in the Ustyurt-Mangyshlak zone:
- No. 104: a planned zapovednik reserve;
- No. 107: an existing zapovednik reserve;
- No. 105, 108: zakaznik reserves;
- No. 106: an existing zapovednik reserve;
- No. 103: a planned nature park with functional zones that includes a zapovednik reserve (No.
104, ‘Mountainous Mangyshlak’) and, generally, can be considered an ecological corridor
connecting all the other elements of this complex.
2. Compilers:
Plakhov, K.N. – The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science, senior
researcher, expert on theriofauna;
Rachkovskaya, E.I. - head of the project’s GIS group, expert on vegetation;
Rysakova, N.E. – a SPA expert;
Bragina, T.M. – the project’s regional coordinator, expert on biodiversity and SPA.
3. Protected zone area
Total area of existing SPA’s is 530,800 ha, including:
the Ustyurtsky state zapovednik reserve – 223,300 ha;
the Aktau-Buzachinsky zakaznik reserve – 170,000 ha;
the Karaghiye-Karakolsky zakaznik reserve – 137,500 ha.
The protected zone includes 1,201,000 ha of other lands.
4. Altitudes above sea level
Heights vary from -132 m a.s.l. (a depression) to 300 m above sea level. Marine plains, low-hill
terrains, plateau, depressions.
5. Justification of econet criteria
A diversity of natural ecosystems determines a richness of species composition of the biota.
A great diversity of desert landscapes with many unique vegetation communities, rare and
endemic plant species are characteristic of the area. Vegetation communities of southern deserts
that are rare for Kazakhstan can be found there.
The zone comprises habitats of many important, rare, and endangered species of animals. Great
numbers of various waterbirds and waders, including rare and endangered species (the Flamingo,
Whooper Swan), stage at the Caspian seashore during migration. Wintering occurrences of
swans have been registered. Desert areas are inhabited by numerous raptors (the Golden Eagle,
Imperial Eagle, Saker etc.) and Red-List species, such as the Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Houbara
Bustard, and Purple Gallinule.
The kulan, Asiatic wild ass, was introduced in the Aktau-Buzachinsky zakaznik reserve; the
Transcaspian urial can be found at chinki (plateau banks); sand deserts are habitats of the
goitered gazelle, caracal, sand cat, and the Ustyurt group of the saiga antelope.
Ustyurt possesses many unique paleontological, historical, cultural, and geological monuments.
The Karaghiye hollow (132 m below sea level) is the world’s third deepest land depression.
6. Suggested protection status
A system of protected areas of various statuses.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
The Ustyurt-Mangyshlak zone is a desert area with an arid desert climate and mean annual
precipitation between 100-130 mm and 150 mm. It includes the Mangyshlakskaya and
Ustryurtskaya physiographical provinces of South-West Kazakhstan. Most of the
Mangyshlakskaya province is occupied with the Mangyshlak upland that is bordered by two
plateaus – Mangyshlak and Kenderli-Kayasanskoye, of a rugged and contrast topography.
Mangyshlak belongs to the northern group of Central Asian deserts. Soils mainly fall into the
Turanskaya sub-province of calcareous grey-brown soils. The Ustyurt province is located in the
western part and at the northern extremity of the Ustyurt plateau between Mangyshlak and the
Aral Sea. The plateau is almost everywhere bordered by sheers called chinki. Clay deserts, claysolonchak deserts, and sometimes rock-debris clay deserts with solonchak and scarce saline lakes
are developed on the plateau. Karstic phenomena are widespread on Ustyurt. Zonal soils are a
grey-brown type.
8. Ecological overview
Characteristic of the area is a great diversity of natural ecosystems – marine plains, natural
complexes of various deserts, plateaus, chinki, low-hill terrains, solonchaks, and the CIS’s
deepest hollow of Karaghiye, which is the third deepest in the world.
Deserts of the northern portion of the area are true saxaul formations and sagebrush deserts
(Artemisia terrae-albae), mostly of a complex structure. Saltwort groves can be observed in the
low-hill terrain. Perennial saltwort deserts (Salsola gemmascens, Artemisia sp. in different
copmlexes) occur in the south. Rarely, wormwort (Artemisia gurganensis) associations can be
seen. There are fragments of sand deserts, solonchaks with saltwort vegetation. Rich oil deposits
were discovered on Mangyshlak; Ustyurt is mainly used as pastures and includes the zapovednik
reserve.
9. Important and protected objects
Rare for Kazakhstan are ecosystems of southern deserts and chinki. There are unique vegetation
communities, endemic and rare plant species (Salsola chiwensis, Crataegus аmbigua, Euphorbia
sp., Crambe edentatum, Malacocarpus sp. etc.) Stopover sites during migration and wintering
grounds of rare bird species – the Flamingo, Whooper Swan. Rare bird species include the
Golden Eagle, Saker, Short-toed Eagle, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Houbara
Bustard, and Purple Gallinule.
Mammals listed in the Red Data Book are the Transcaspian urial, goitered gazelle, kulan,
caracal, sand cat, probably the cheetah, marbled polecat, honey badger, and Brandt’s hedgehog.
The Saiga antelope, a valuable commercial game species, needs protection everywhere.
Unique paleontological findings and monuments of historical-cultural heritage were discovered
in the area.
10. Land tenure/ownership
There are SPA lands, private and collective property, leased land, and state reserve lands.
11. Current land use
Natural land plots are mainly used as pastures, but there are occasional oil and gas fields.
12. Threatening factors
Main threatening factors are illegal hunting and technical impacts, particularly exploration
drilling, oil and gas extraction. Numerous vehicles moving chaotically without any roads destroy
the extremely vulnerable desert cover. A proportion of anthropogenic landscapes under crops is
insignificant. Technical impacts are very destructive, especially oil and gas extraction, and busy
traffic on a poor road network.
13. Conservation measures taken
The Ustyurt-Mangyshlak zone includes a zapovednik reserve, 3 zakaznik reserves, and a
protected zone. The zapovednik and 2 zakaznik reserves are protected by their inspectorate staff.
However, there are too few inspectors to provide an effective protection.
14. Suggested conservation measures
The Ustyurt-Mangyshlak complex in the Econet is a zone of sustainable nature management with
two large protected core zones: the existing Ustyurtsky zapovednik reserve and a planned
zapovednik reserve in mountainous Mangyshlak. Existing nature reserves should be considerably
expanded. The nature park (No. 103) and the protected zone (106) should connect other
protected area with each other.
The protection plan:
- No. 107: to considerably expand borders of the existing Ustyurtsky zapovednik reserve;
- No. 104: to establish a zapovednik reserve in mountainous Mangyshlak;
- No. 105: to expand the area of the Karaghiye-Karakolsky zakaznik reserve;
- No. 108: to establish a new zakaznik reserve in southern Ustyurt (a claster tract of the
Ustyurtsky zapovednik reserve);
Ecological corridors:
- No. 106: the existing Kinderli-Kayasanskaya protected zone;
- No. 103: to establish a national nature park that will include the Aktau-Buzachinsky
zakaznik reserve. To divide its area to functional zones.
In addition to the inspectorate staff of zapovednik and zakaznik reserves, it would be reasonable
to organize an operative squad to control regime observance in all econet elements.
15. Social and economic overview
Population numbers are low. The economy is mainly based on oil and gas extraction.
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
Populations of wild ungulates, especially the saiga antelope, have been studied in the framework
of a governmental programme of the Forestry and Game Committee of the Kazakhstan’s
Ministry of Agriculture (2003-2007).
17. Scientific research
Data of botanical studies and ecosystem research are available. Recent data are given in:
Safronova, I.N. Deserts of Mangyshlak (vegetation sketch). St.Petersburg 1996. 210 p.
Safronova, I.N. Botanical geography of Kazakhstan and Central Asia (within the desert zone).
St. Petersburg 2003. 424 p.
Recent zoological studies are mostly associated with wild ungulates.
II. The Altyn-Dala – Turgai zone
1. Econet elements in the zone
The Altyn-Dala – Turgai zone comprises the Turgaiskaya and Sypsynagashskaya depressions,
North and South Turgai and includes the following econet elements:
- No. 18: Lake Kulykol;
- No. 19: The Tounsorsky zoological zakaznik reserve;
- No. 20: the Zharsor-Urkashsky complex natural zakaznik reserve (planned);
- No. 22: a protected zone in the northern portion of the Turgaiskaya depression;
- No. 23: the Karakamyssky zoological zakaznik reserve (planned);
- No. 24: the Kushmurunsky zoological zakaznik reserve (planned);
- No. 25: the Amankaragaisky forest zakaznik reserve (planned);
- No. 26: a buffer zone and a development zone of the planned Naurzum biosphere reserve;
- No. 27: the Naurzumsky zapovednik reserve;
- No. 28: the Tyuntyugursky zoological zakaznik reserve;
- No. 112: the Turgaiskaya protected zone with a limited regime of nature management;
- No. 113: the Sarykopa natural zakaznik reserve (to be later designated as a zapovednik
reserve);
- No. 114: a strictly protected (zapovednik) core zone of the planned Altyn-Dala nature
reserve;
- No. 115: the planned Irgiz-Turgaisky nature reserve that will include the existing
Turgaisky zakaznik reserve;
- No. 116: a strictly protected (zapovednik) core of the planned Altyn-Dala nature reserve.
2. Compilers
Bragina, T.M. – the project’s regional coordinator, expert on biodiversity and SPA;
Bragin, E.A. – the Naurzumsky zapovednik reserve, senior researcher, expert on fauna and SPA;
Grachov, Yu.A. - The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science, leading
researcher, expert on theriofauna;
Koval, I.A. – The Forestry and Game Committee (FGC), vice chairperson;
Vasilchishen, P.N. – The Kostanai Forestry and Game Department of the FGC;
3. Protected zone area
Total area of existing SPA’s is 627,200 ha, which is approximately 4.3% of the Altyn-Dala –
Turgai zone.
4. Altitudes above sea level
Altitudes vary between 120 and 270 m a.s.l.
5. Justification of econet criteria
The natural zone comprises patches of well-preserved southern steppe, desertificed steppe, semideserts, and margins of northern deserts, with a unique diversity of steppe flora and fauna, in
particular the important habitats of the Betpakdalinskaya population of the saiga antelope and
rare bird species (the Sociable Plover, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Tawny Eagle, Pallid
Harrier, Demoiselle Crane etc.) The full spectrum of vegetation formations of the southern
steppe has survived in the region. Island pine forests are inhabited by large populations of the
Saker, Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, and small falcons. Lake systems lie on
globally important migration routes of waterbirds and waders, including the White Siberian
Crane, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Red-breasted Goose; they are also used as breeding,
moulting, and staging sites of rare waterbirds, such as the White-headed Duck, White and
Dalmatian Pelicans, Whooper Swan etc.
6. Suggested conservation status
Nature reserves, zakaznik reserves, a protected zone, and zones of environment friendly nature
management.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
The natural region includes tracts of the Turgaiskoye Plateau, its slopes, and the YuzhnoTurgaiskaya plain. The center of the Turgai tableland is cut by a longitudinal depression - the
Tugaiskaya hollow - that connects the West-Siberian plain with the Turanskaya lowland. The
Turgaiskaya hollow is 100 to 160 m deep and has a flat bottom 15 to 20 km wide, slightly tilted
towards the north and the south from the latitudinal Aral-Irtysh watershed line. The central part
of the Turgaiskaya hollow is bordered by the Sypsynagashskaya latitudinal trough connected to
it with a terraced drop. The Turgaiskaya and Sypsynagashskaya lowlands are rich in lakes,
including large freshwater and brackish lake systems of Tengiz-Karakamys, Kushmurun, Aksuat,
Sary-Moin, Zharsor-Urkash, Taldykol-Kulykol, Sarykopa, Akkol, and lakes of the
Tyuntyugurskaya hollow. Kazakhstan’s largest closed river catchments – Turgai-Irgizsky and
Uly-Zhilanshisksky – are located in this region. There are many small karasu rivers, of which
many dry up in summer.
The climate is harsh continental, with sharp contrasts of winter and summer temperatures.
In the northern portion of the natural complex, lake systems are bordered by tracts with typical
and southern chernozem soils. The superficial bedrock bank of the Turgaiskoye plateau is built
with quaternary yellow-brown loess-like calcareous clays, whereupon dark-chestnut and chestnut
soils are formed. Outcrops of oligocene sands can often be observed. In the southern portion,
sandy and sandy loam desertificated steppe on light-chestnut soils as well as massifs of hillybarchan traveling sands. Brown desert soils occur farther south. Sodic and alkaline soils are
widespread.
8. Ecological overview
The Turgaiskoye plateau is covered with steppe. Pine and aspen-birch forests have survived on
slopes and sands dunes in the northern and central parts of the Turgaiskaya depression. Open
oleaster forests, groves of desert shrubs (tongue Calligonum apyllum, roof tree Tamarixloxa,
silver chingil Halodrndron woss.), and sometimes black saxaul Haloxylon aphyllum occur in the
southern part. The bottom of the depression is occupied with vegetation complexes, sodic and
solonchak complexes. Flood meadows and limans occur on river floodplains and in lake basins.
Crop production is developed in the northern part of the Turgaiskaya depression, with fields
fringing shores of lake systems. The Naurzumsky zapovednik reserve and zoological zakaznik
reserves are located in the central part. The southern part is mainly used for animal husbandry
and cattle grazing. Crop production is hardly developed.
9. Important and protected objects
The Altyn-Dala – Turgai zone is Kazakhstan’s largest (and probably the only one in Eurasia)
massif favorable for the conservation and restoration of populations of the saiga antelope, kulan,
and rare steppe species of bird, such as the Sociable Plover, Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Steppe
Eagle, Demoiselle Crane, Pallid Harrier, Lesser Kestrel. The steppes are occupied by large
colonies of the bobac marmot as well as by rare species of steppe insects, such as the matriarchal
katydid, Scollid wasp and others. Island pine forests are breeding habitats of the Saker, Imperial
Eagle, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Red-footed Falcon and other species, as well as forest
mammalian species, such as the elk and the roe deer. Lake systems lie on important migration
routes of rare waterbirds (the Lesser White-fronted Goose, White Siberian Crane, Red-breasted
Goose, Bewick's Swan, Whooper Swan etc.) and breeding habitats of the White-headed Duck,
Whooper Swan, White and Dalmatian Pelicans and other species.
The floristic diversity comprises over 700 species of vascular plants, including 9 feather-grass
species. Particularly important is the diversity of steppe vegetation formations. Rare species
growing in the area are the Kyrgyz birch, Shrenk tulip, Mugodzarian jurinea etc. Medicine plants
and those with beautiful flowers are abundant.
10. Land tenure/ownership
Water bodies and forests are owned by the state. Over 4% of lands are designated as SPA’s.
Most of the remaining land are agricultural lands that are private property or leased for a long
term by private persons or groups. Most lands in the southern part of the zone are state reserve
lands. Arable lands in the administrative units included in the zone cover between 29% and 0.8%
of their total areas. The zone is located in the Kostanai Oblast (province), with the IrgizTurgaisky zakaznik reserve being located in the Irgizsky administrative unit of the Aktyubinsk
Oblast.
11. Current land use
A proportion of anthropogenic lands used for crop production is small, with an exception of
some economic entities. Brown coal deposits have been exploited in the southern of Lake
Kushmurun. Grassland farming predominates in the most part of the area. The southern portion
of the area is scarcely populated, most settlements are located in major river valleys.
12. Threatening factors
The northern part of the Altyn-Dala – Turgai area is surrounded by a zone of intensive
agricultural production. Steppes in the Turgaiskaya and Sypsynagashskaya depressions are
mainly used as pastures and hayfields. The road network is poorly developed. The main negative
factors are as follows: destruction of woody vegetation, forest fires, illegal hunting, and
disturbance of hydrological regimes of water bodies.
13. Conservation measures taken
A natural zapovednik reserve, 2 zakaznik reserves and small, locally important monuments of
nature are situated in the Altyn-Dala – Turgai area.
14. Suggested conservation measures
It is suggested that the following protected areas be established:
- No. 18: Lake Kulykol – a seasonal zakaznik reserve;
- No. 20: The Zharsor-Urkashsky complex zakaznik reserve;
- No. 22: an ecological corridor in the northern part of the Turgaiskaya depression, with a
limited regime of land management;
- No. 23: Lake Karakamys – a seasonal zakaznik reserve;
- No. 24: part of Lake Kushmurun with alder forest – a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 25: a forest zakaznik reserve in the Amankaragai pine forest;
- No. 27: a biosphere reserve that will include the Naurzumsky state zapovednik reserve as
a strictly protected core zone;
-
No. 28: a seasonal zakaznik reserve on lakes Tyuntyugur and Koibagar;
No. 112: a protected zone of limited land use as a development zone of the Altyn-Dala
reserve;
No. 114 and 116: two tracts of the Altyn-Dala reserve within the protected zone;
No. 115: to expand the Turgaisky zakaznik reserve and to turn it to a strict nature reserve.
15. Social and economic overview
The area is scarcely populated, especially in its southern part. The population is mainly engaged
in agriculture. Industries include brown coal extraction in the southern portion of Lake
Kushmurun and salt plants on some saline lakes. Plakors in the northern and central parts of the
area are occupied with grain crops, predominantly wheat. No trends for population growth are
currently observed.
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
Lake systems were surveyed in the area to identify the most important wetlands in the
framework of the WWF project on wetland surveys in the northern and central parts of lake
systems in the Kostanai Oblast. Possibilities of establishing a biosphere reserve were studied in
accordance with a WWF project. In 2004, initiated by the Naurzum NGO and supported by
governmental authorities and international environmental organizations, the Naurzumsky
zapovednik reserve was expanded by 103,000 ha. A UNEP/GEF/ICF project is being
implemented on conservation of habitats of the White Siberian Crane and other internationally
important migratory waterbirds and waders. The Altyn-Dala environmental programme is being
developed that is aimed at biodiversity conservation and restoration in the steppes and semideserts of Kazakhstan within the range of the Betpakdalinskaya population of saiga. Feasibility
studies are being carried out with respect to an establishment of the Zharsor-Urkashsky nature
zakaznik reserve, Irgiz-Turgaisky nature reserve, the Altyn-Dala nature reserve, which was
included in the National Programme of the SPA development for 2007-2009 (submitted for
approval). A BirdLife Int./RSPB project on identification of important bird areas has been
carried out in the zone. Since 2004, the Frankfurt Zoological Society has been providing
monitoring and conservation of saiga in the southern portion of the zone.
17. Scientific research
Available are modern studies and earlier data on the nature of the region, particularly around the
research station of the Naurzumsky zapovednik reserve. Bird fauna of water bodies has been
actively studied. Recent publications:
Bragin, E.A. and Bragina, T.M. Fauna of the Naurzumsky zapovednik reserve. Fishes,
amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals (annotated checklists of species). Kostanai: Kostanaisky
Dom Pechati. 2002. 60 p. (in Russian).
Bragin, E.A. and Bragina, T.M (editors). Important wetlands of North Kazakhstan (in the borders
of the Kostanai Oblast and western portion of the Severo-Kostanai Oblast). Moscow: Russky
Universitet. 2002. 156 p. (in Russian).
III. The Altai
1. Econet elements in the Altai zone
- No. 223: a national park with functional zones (planned);
- No. 224: a strictly protected tract (planned);
- No. 225: a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 226: a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 227: a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 228: a zapovednik reserve;
- No. 229: a site with a sustainable land management (planned);
- No. 230: the Zapadno-Altaisky zapovednik reserve;
- No. 231: a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 232: the Katon-Karagaisky national park;
- No. 233: a national park (planned);
- No. 234: the Markokolsky zapovednik reserve;
- No. 235: a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 236: a zakaznik reserve.
2. Compilers
Kotukhov, Yu.A. – The Altaisky Botanical Garden, leading researcher;
Ivaschenko, A.A. – doctor of biology, Almaty;
Baidauletov, R.Zh. – The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science,
researcher, expert on theriology;
Berezovikov, N.N. - The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science, senior
researcher, expert on ornithology;
Experts of the territorial forestry and game department, Vostochno-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast.
3. Protected zone area
Total area of existing protected sites of the montane Altai zone is 777,795 ha.
4. Altitudes above sea level
Medium-altitude and montane areas of the northern and southern Altai vary in heights in the
range of 1600-3200-4200 m a.s.l. Low-height and medium-height areas of the Kalbinsky ridge
reach 350-1400m (1600-1800 m).
5. Justification of econet criteria
Important ecosystems of the north-west part of the Altai mountains are fir-tree forests, unique
Siberian cedar forests, various scrub groves, unique high-grass meadows. The eastern and
southern parts of the Altai are rich in larch forests of various types. Montane meadows that are
rare in Kazakhstan and tundra of the Central Asian type are registered there. The Altai is
inhabited by many species of rare and valuable commercial animals, such as the red deer, stone
marten, Siberian ibex, and snow leopard. The Altai snow leopard population is the densest in
Kazakhstan. Migration routes of ungulates between territories of Russia and Kazakhstan are
found there. Red deer and other ungulates winter in the vicinity of Lake Markokol. It is the
Kazakhstan’s only habitat of the Altai argali. Pine forests with boreal elements at the
southernmost border of their distribution range are located in low- and medium heights of the
Kalbinsky ridge. Unique scrub groves, steppe rich in forbs (red feather-grass steppe, blue-oatgrass steppe) are found in the area. It is a most important habitat of rare and endangered bird
species, including raptors. High-mountain Lake Markokol is an important regulator of water
regime of the Southern Altai.
6. Suggested conservation status
A system of protected areas of various status (zakaznik reserves, zapovednik reserves, national
parks) and zones of sustainable land management.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
The Altai mountains have bogen-blocky and blocky structures of medium-height and montane
areas that are deeply dissected by erosion and built of sediment and crystalline Paleozoic rocks.
Characteristic are peneplanation planes in montane areas with individual peaks called belki,
where snow patches survive through the summer. The tallest peak of the Altai mountains is
Belukha (4506 m) located at the border between Kazakhstan and Russia.
The Altai mountains have a great diversity of natural conditions.
The north-west part of the Altai (ridges of Tigiretsky, Ivanovsky, Kholzun; mountains of
Ubinskiye, Ulbinskiye, Bukhtarminskiye) is the most humid part of the Kazakhstan’s mountain
systems. It is affected by Atlantic air masses that bring abundant precipitation. Climate in
montane areas here is humid or very humid, with annual precipitation between 600 and 1000
mm. The warm period is from 90 to 120 days. In medium-height areas, dark-coniferous taiga
grows on wet and very wet slopes, with precipitation of 700 to 1000 mm. The warm period lasts
for 120-150 days. A relative stability of precipitation totals from spring to autumn is typical for
the area. The Siberian anticyclone keeps above the region in winter.
Alpine sod soils, mountain taiga non-podzolized and slightly-podzolized soils, light and dark
grey forest soils are typical for the area.
Climate in the eastern and southern parts of the Altai Mountains (ridges of the Katunsky,
Yuzhny Altai, Narymsky, Kurchumsky) changes considerably towards more arid types. In high
mountains, climate is cold and relatively dry, with annual precipitation below 300-500 mm.
Mean annual air temperatures have negative values. Warm period lasts from 60 to 90 days. From
time to time, the region is invaded by dry and cold air masses from the Arctic. Light coniferous
taiga predominates at medium altitudes, where precipitation is moderate (500-600 mm) and the
warm period lasts for 150-180 days. At low altitudes, precipitation is 400-500 mm and the warm
period lasts for 170-210 days.
Cryogenic mountain-tundra soils, sod-peaty soils, mountain meadow soils, alpine sod soils,
subalpine mountain meadow soils, and mountain forest dark grey soils are found in the region.
Low heights in the western part of the Altai Mountains (the Kalbinsky ridge) have a humid
temperate climate, with annual precipitation of 400-500 mm. The warm period is long, up to 200
days. Typical vegetation is scrub groves and scrub steppe on mountain steppe thermoxerophilous
leached soils, mountain chernozem soils, and mountain dark chestnut soils.
Major rivers are the Irtysh and its tributaries: the Bukhtarma, Ulba, Uba, Kaldzhir, Kurchum, and
Narym. There many picturesque freshwater lakes and a huge Bukhtarminskoye water reservoir.
8. Ecological overview
The Altai Mountains vary in structure of the vertical zonation of ecosystems.
The north-western Altai has the following pattern of altitudinal zonation: mountain steppe –
mountain steppe scrubland - small-leaved forests - dark conifer forests - subalpine and alpine
high-grass and low-grass meadows.
Montane areas are occupied with subalpine and alpine meadows on mountain meadow, alpine,
and sod soils; medium-heights are overgrown with fir-tree (rarely Siberian cedar) taiga with a
moss or grass cover on mountain taiga acid, non-podzolized, and slightly podzolized soils; smallleaved forests on light and dark grey, forest soils.
Vertical zonation in the eastern and southern Altai is as follows: mountain steppe – mountain
steppe scrubland – light coniferous (larch) forests – subalpine and alpine low-grass meadows –
mountain tundra.
High altitudes are occupied by moss-lichen, grass-moss, moss-yernik (thickets of dwarf birches
and willows) tundra types on cryogenic mountain tundra soils. Not uncommon are cobresia and
sedge low-grass cryophyte meadows on mountain meadow alpine sod soils and subalpine
meadows on mountain meadow soils. Medium mountains are dominated by light coniferous
(larch) taiga (steppificated parkland larch forests) on mountain forest dark grey soils.
Characteristic of low heights of the western Altai (the Kalbinsky ridge) are forbs-feathergrass
shrub steppe and shrub thickets on mountain leached chernozem soils and typical chernozem
soils.
9. Important and protected objects
Rare mammals that need protection are: the red deer, stone marten, Siberian ibex, snow leopard,
and Altai argali. Game and commercial animals are the elk, brown bear, roe deer, lynx, black
grouse, and grey partridge. Rare bird species are the Golden Eagle, Saker, Short-toed Eagle,
Peregrine Falcon, Eagle Owl, Black Stork, Houbara Bustard, Great Bustard, Imperial Eagle,
Sparrowhawk, Black-throated Diver, Penduline Tit, Booted Eagle, and Altai Snowcock.
Flora of the Kazakhstan’s Altai comprises over 2400 species. 34 species are listed in the Red
Data Book, though, according to some authors (Kotukhov, Eremeyeva 1974), approximately 150
species of the region need protection. These are primarily endemic species of the Altai mountain
and plants readily collected by the local population, such as Stemmacantha chamarensis, Sedum
rosea, Allium viktorialis, Erythronium, Macropodium, Rheum altaicum, Arnica, Paeonia,
Gymnospermium altaicum, Paris verticillata, Tanacetum kelleri, Daphne altaica, Adonis
vernalis, Amygdalus ledebouriana, Vaccinium myrtillus, Primula macrocalyx, Maianthemum
bifolium, Cypripedium guttatum, Vaccinium vitis-idaea. Vegetation cover of the Altai Mountains
is very diverse and is represented by many types: tundra, meadow, forest (dark coniferous, light
coniferous, small-leaved forests), scrubland, steppe. Rare and unique are moss-yernik mountain
tundra and the very picturesque Dryas tundra; kobrezniki - a type of Central Asian cryotphyte
low-grass alpine meadows; and high-grass wet meadows of the north-western Altai. The Altai is
the only place in Kazakhstan where very valuable dark coniferous fir-tree and Siberian cedar
forests with a complex of rare and relict plants are widespread. Large areas of the eastern and
southern Altai are occupied with various larch forests: grass parklands, moss forests, and grassshrub forests. Relict pine forests occur in the Kalbinskiye Mountains. Particularly important is
the diversity of steppe associations based on forbs and shrubs. They comprise the core cenoflora
of steppe Kazakhstan. Very diverse are primary close stands of mesophytic hydrophilous shrubs
at mountain ridges, where they sometimes form an altitudinal belt.
10. Land tenure / ownership
State reserve lands, state forest lands. The remaining lands are private property or leased longterm by private persons or groups.
11. Current land use
Main types of land use in the region are forestry, timber felling, animal husbandry, apiaries,
hunting, fishing, intensive recreation on lakes, rafting and mountain tourism. Mining industry is
developed. The presence of free-range animal husbandry lets individual farmers produce meat,
wool, and raw hides; they sell them to large companies or produce traditional handicrafts
(saddlery articles and gifts of leather, felt, and wool). Collecting wild medicine plants is
organized in pollution-free areas of the Vostochno-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast (province). Bee
raising and selling honey with adjuncts of medicine herbs is an important revenue item of the
local population. Settlements are mainly located in large river valleys.
12. Threatening factors
Overexploitation of forests. Felling of forests, especially fir-tree and Siberian cedar, illegal
hunting, forest fires, sometimes overgrazing, excessive recreation pressure at lakes, wild tourism.
13. Conservation measures taken
Protection is provided by ranger staff at the stations in the Zapadno-Altaisky zapovednik reserve,
Markokolsky zapovednik reserve and the Katon-Karagai national park.
14. Suggested conservation measures
Main econet elements:
- No. 223: to establish a national park with functional zones;
- No. 224: to establish a strictly protected tract;
- No. 225: to establish a zapovednik reserve;
- No. 226: to establish a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 227: to establish a zakaznik reserve with restrictions for hunting and recreation;
- No. 228: to establish a zapovednik reserve;
- No. 229: to establish a site with a sustainable land management;
- No. 230: the existing Zapadno-Altaisky zapovednik reserve;
- No. 231: the existing Nizhneturgusunsky zakaznik reserve;
- No. 232: the existing Katon-Karagaisky national park;
- No. 233: to establish a national park;
- No. 234: the existing Markokolsky zapovednik reserve;
- No. 235: a cluster tract of the Markokolsky zapovednik reserve;
- No. 236: to establish a zakaznik reserve.
A buffer zone and an ecological corridor.
15. Social and economic overview
The region possesses considerable forest resources, natural pastures and hayfields, which
determines main occupations of the local population. Crop production is practiced in valleys and
piedmonts. Mining industry is well developed. There are rich deposits of complex ores (copper,
lead, zinc, cadmium), gold, rare-earth elements (tungsten), and ornamental stones. Centers of
non-ferrous metallurgy are the towns of Ridder and Ust-Kamenogorsk. Promising are recreation,
rafting and mountain tourism, mountaineering, and highland resorts. Local inhabitants are active
hunters and fishermen. Fur farming has a good potential.
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
Projects being implemented are the GEF/UNEP project ‘Conservation of Biodiversity in the
Kazakhstan's portion of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion, 2002-2006) and the BirdLife Int. project on
important bird areas.
1. Actively working are Vostochno-Kazakhstanskiye territorial offices for environmental
protection that monitor wildlife, forestry, and hunt.
2. The Kazakhstan’s Nature Conservation Society – East Kazakhstan ‘Green’ Party
3. The Byelovodye Cultural and Ecological Association, Ust-Kamenogorsk
4. The Bars Centre for Public Development, Ridder
5. Ecobiocenter, Ust-Kamenogorsk
and others.
The Altai Botanical Garden continues various contract studies on rare species of plant, headed by
Yu. A. Kotukhov.
17. Scientific research
Available are fundamental studies by A.A. Sokolov into natural conditions, soils, and vegetation
of the region:
Sokolov A.A. General features of soil formation and of soils in East Kazakhstan. Alma-Ata
1977. 230 p. (in Russian).
Sokolov A.A. Soils of medium and low mountains of East Kazakhstan. Alma-Ata 1978. 220 p.
(in Russian).
More recent works that ought to be mentioned are as follows:
Kupriyanov A.N. (editor). A system of specially protected natural areas of the Altai-Sayan
ecoregion. Kemerovo 2001. 176 p. (in Russian)
Kupriyanov A.N. (editor). Biological diversity of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion. Kemerovo 2003.
150 p. (in Russian)
Beryozovikov N.N. Rare and engangered birds and mammals of the South Altai. In: Wildlife of
Kazakhstan and Conservation Problems. Alma-Ata 1982. p.p. 27-30 (in Russian)
Beryozovikov N.N. Birds of Markokolskaya depression (the South Altai). Alma-Ata 1982. p.p.
27-30 (in Russian)
Prokopov K.P., Starikov S.V., Bratash I.V. Vertebrates of East Kazakhstan. Ust-Kamenogorsk
2000. 206 p. (in Russian)
Baitulin I.O., Kotukhov Yu.A., Sinitsina V.G., Ivaschenko A.A. Flora of the Azutau Ridge. In:
Flora of East Kazakhstan. Alma-Ata 1991. p.p. 24-135 (in Russian)
Kotukhov Yu.A., Ivaschenko A.A., Liman G. Flora of vascular plants of the Zapadno-Altaisky
zapovednik reserve. Almaty 2002. 108 p. (in Russian)
Ivaschenko A.A. Conservation of biodiversity of rare plants in zapovednik reserves of
Kazakhstan. In: Biological and landscape biodiversity of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Almaty
1997. p.p. 46-49 (in Russian)
Kotukhov Yu.A., Danilova A.N., Anufriev O.A. Modern status of populations of rare and
endangered plants of East Kazakhstan. Almaty 2006. 17 p. (in Russian)
IV. The West Tien Shan – Karatau
1. Econet elements in the region
The West Tien Shan – Karatau region comprises the following econet elements:
- No. 149: a planned national park;
- No. 150: the Karatavsky zapovednik reserve;
- No. 154: a planned Boroldaisky zapovednik reserve;
- No. 159: the Aksu-Dzhabagly zapovednik reserve;
- No. 153: a planned seasonal zakaznik reserve (wintering site of the Great Bustard);
- No. 155: a planned national park;
- No. 157: the Berkara zakaznik reserve;
- No. 158: the Irsu-Daubaba zakaznik reserve;
- No. 160: the planned Kyzkurt zakaznik reserve;
- No. 161: a planned zakaznik reserve;
- No. 162: the Sairam-Ugamsky zakaznik reserve, that was reestablished in 2006 as a
national park.
2. Compilers
Ivaschenko A.A. – doctor of biology, Almaty
Baidauletov R.Zh. - The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science,
researcher on theriofauna;
Grachev Yu.A. - The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science, researcher
on theriofauna;
Rachkovskaya E.I. – doctor of biology, Almaty;
Sadvokasov R.E. – The Institute for Botany of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science, senior
researcher, expert on geobotany;
Bragina T.M. – doctor of biology, expert on SPA.
3. Protected zone area
The total area of existing SPA’s in the region is 343,717 ha, which is approximately 15% of the
region’s area.
4. Altitudes above sea level
The West Tien Shan region comprises mountain chains of the Talassky Alatau and its spurs: the
Ugamsky ridge and the Karzhanatau. Altitudes vary from 500 m a.s.l. in the piedmont zone to
3500-4000 m in the mountains.
5. Justification of econet criteria
The Talassky and Ugamsky ridges of the West Tien Shan are a riverhead formation zone. The
ancient Kara Tau ridge has the greatest number of endemic species in Central Asia. It supports
habitats of Kara Tau argali (Оvis ammon nigrimontana) and Tien Shan argali (O. a. karelini), a
complex of endemic and Red-List species of plants and insects, rare birds of prey. Many
vegetation types are unique for Kazakhstan and exist in this region only, such as various archa
forests and open forests, hawthorn woodlands, peculiar types of tall-grass savannoids, Artemisia
brushwoods, Acantholimon communities, Prangos communities, ash forests in river valleys.
World-known Jurassic fossil sites are located in the Kara Tau ridge. There is a sacred site visited
by pilgrims in the Kyzkurt mountains.
6. Suggested protection status
National parks and zapovednik reserves, seasonal zakaznik reserves, and zones of limited
environment friendly land management.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
The West Tien Shan system comprises the high-altitude Talassky Alatau ridge and its southwest
spurs of the Ugamsky and Karzhantau. On the north-west, the West Tien Shan ends with the
low- to medium-altitude Karatau ridge. Ridges of the West Tien Shan have steep slopes. Deep
and narrow gorges are typical. At high altitudes, the topography is very rugged, though it can be
leveled and flattened at places of old peneplanation planes and terminal moraines of old trough
valleys. At medium heights, slopes are typically steep, with a severe, deeply dissected relief.
Low-altitude slopes are less rugged and partly overlain with loess deposits. The highest peak is
Sairamsky Pik in the Ugamsky ridge (2339 m). The Karatau Mountains are the extreme northwestern outpost of the Tien Shan. Mount Bessaz (2176 m) is located in its highest, central part.
The Syr-Daryinsky Karatau is a system of low and medium-height mountains. They are mainly
built with Precambrian and Paleozoic deposits, while the piedmonts are paleogene and neogene
deposits that are mainly overlain with loess-like loams. Main rocks in the Karatau are sandstoneshaly-effusive series. A prevalence of calcareous rocks is the most important feature of the
lithological composition of the Karatau rocks.
In comparison with that in eastern regions, climate of the West Tien Shan is much more humid,
with precipitation maximum shifted from summer to spring. Climatic values vary in different
mountain belts. High altitudes are occupied with the nival belt. Mean annual air temperature on
high altitudes of the alpine and subalpine belts is just above 2-5° C, with mean annual
precipitation within 600-700 mm. Precipitation mainly falls in winter and in spring, though
summer precipitation total is also considerable. At medium heights, mean annual precipitation is
800-900 mm. Climatic conditions in this zone are favorable for vegetation growth. Mean annual
air temperature changes within 6-10° C. In low altitudes, the warm period lasts for 240 to 280
days. Mean annual precipitation is 600-800 mm, with a pronounced peak from winter to spring.
A random seasonal distribution of precipitation is typical for the Karatau mountains. Mean
annual air temperature at the central Karatau is +8° C to +12° C. A cumulative temperature
exceeding 10° C is 4400°. Duration of the warm period is 250 to 280 days. Mean annual
precipitation is 300 to 400 mm.
Soils are mountain-meadow alpine and mountain-meadow steppe alpine types, mountainmeadow subalpine, mountain black-brown, mountain brown, mountain light brown, grey-brown,
and typical serozem soils. Rivers of the West Tien Shan - the Chatkal, Angren, Pskem, Ugam,
Keles, Aksu – are tributaries of the Syr-Darya.
8. Ecological overview
In the West Tien Shan, tilted plains and piedmonts at the heights of 1000 to 1600 m are occupied
with savannoid vegetation type that is then, at the heights of 1500-1600-2400 m, succeeded by a
belt of tall evergreen archa forests. Farther up, they give way to subalpine meadows and dwarf
archa groves (2400 – 3200 m). The alpine belt with low-grass meadows is located at altitudes
between 3200 and 3600 m. Above 3600 m there is a nival belt.
In the Karatau Ridge, piedmonts are occupied with ephemeroid-wormwort deserts that farther up
change to a peculiar belt of ephemeroid-grass-wormwort associations with savannoid and
phryganoid (mountain xerophyte) elements. Elevations are occupied with mountain steppes,
often scrublands. There are low-height, medium-height and mountain pastures.
9. Important and protected objects
The West Tien Shan and the Karatau mountains support habitats of rare species of mammals,
birds, insects, and plants. Endemic and rare animals in the Karatau ridge include: Severtzov's
jerboa, Turkestan steppe polecat (Mustela eversmanni talassica), marbled polecat, stone marten,
Indian crested porcupine, Karatau argali, Asian Paradise-flycatcher, White-throated Robin,
Booted Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Black Stork, and Lesser Kestrel. One of the three sites of the
world’s distribution range of the endemic Menzbier’s marmot is located in the West Tien Shan.
Other important animals occurring in the area are the snow leopard, Turkestan lynx, Tien Shan
argali, red deer, Tien Shan brown bear, Siberian ibex, Golden Eagle, Sparrowhawk, Black
Vulture, Great Rosefinch, Short-toed Eagle, Red-capped Falcon (Falco pelegrinoides), Black
Shaheen (Falco peregrinus peregrinator), Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Whistling Thrush,
Penduline Tit, Tibetan Snowcock. Flora of the Kazakhstan part of the West Tien Shan comprises
1850 species, of which 136 are endemic for the area (with 32 species occurring in Kazakhstan
only). 72 rarest plant species are listed in the Kazakhstan’s Red Data Book (1981). 17 of them
are endemic to the West Tien Shan. Particularly interesting are endemics bound to individual
ridges, monotypic genera, and relict species. Consisting of 1710 taxa, the flora of the Syr-Darya
Karatau comprises the greatest number of endemics in Central Asia – over 150 species, or 9%.
Six plants are monotypic genera, of which 5 are endemic to Kazakhstan. One of these is
Spireanthus, a relict shrub of Tertiary forests. Of the total 245 rare species registered in the
Karatau, 94 are listed in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. Some of them are local endemics of
the ridge discovered in one or two spots only, for example Populus berkarensis, Tulipa
kaufmanniana, Ungernia sewerzowii, Scorzonera tau-saghyz etc. The regional flora comprises
many economic plants and about 200 medicine plants. Ancestral forms of many cultural plants
are found here as well (wild apple tree, wild grapes, pistachio, Tien Shan alfalfa).
10. Land tenure / ownership
Lands of national land fund, state forest lands, and specially protected natural areas cover
343,717,000 ha, or approximately 15% of the total zone area. The remaining area is leased by
private persons or groups, or it is a private property.
11. Current land use
Main types of land management are animal husbandry and hunt. Selective crop production is
widespread in the mountains; bogara and irrigated crop production, horticulture, vine growing,
and silkworm breeding. Mining industry is present in the area and a metallurgical plant in the
town of Kentau.
12. Threatening factors
The region is neighbored by large provincial centers of Shymkent and Taraz, numerous villages
and railway stations. The West Tien Shan – Karatau region comprises 3 raions (administrative
units) of the Dzhambul Oblast (province), 2 raions of the Kzyl-Orda Oblast, and 5 raions of the
Yuzhno-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast. Mean density of the rural population in the area varies from
10-30 to 117-134 people per 1 sq. km. The montane tract is not populated, but it is fully involved
in economic activities of the population. Low-height, medium-height, and montane pastures are
predominant. Main anthropogenic impacts are illegal hunt, cattle overgrazing, and deforestation.
Forest fires do much damage. Some areas undergo high recreation pressure (Mount Kyzgurt and
the Ugamsky Ridge).
13. Conservation measures taken
The region comprises two zapovednik reserves, one national park (established in 2006), and 3
zakaznik reserves. All of these are protected by trained and technically equipped staff that is
supported by the GEF/World Bank project on biodiversity conservation in the West Tien Shan.
14. Suggested conservation measures
It is planned to establish national parks with strictly protected core zones (zapovednik), buffer
zone, and tracts of limited land use. It is suggested that the unique region be considered within
the borders of the 3 national parks: Malokarataussky (No. 129), Vostochnokaratavsky (No. 155),
and Sairam-Ugamsky (No. 162). The whole area should be divided into zones, with tracts of
sustainable land management, the buffer zone, zapovednik cores, and corridors.
Suggested conservation measures:
No. 150: to expand the area of the Karataussky zapovednik reserve and to include tracts of the
northern macroslope of the ridge;
No. 153: to organize a seasonal zakaznik reserve aimed at conservation of winter habitats of the
Great Bustard;
No. 154: to expand the area of the Boroldaisky zakaznik reserve and to change its protection
status to a zapovednik reserve;
No. 157: to expand the area of the Berkkara zakaznik reserve and to change its protection status
to a zapovednik core of a future national park;
No. 158: to expand the area of the Irsu-Daubaba zakaznik reserve;
No. 159: to expand the area of the Aksu-Dzhabagly zakaznik reserve;
No. 160: to establish a zakaznik reserve on Mount Kyzkurt;
No. 161, 162: the zakaznik reserves should be regarded as zapovednik cores of the newly
established Sairam-Ugamsky national park.
15. Social and economic overview
The mountain ridges are located in the Vostochno-Kazakhstanskaya, Almatinskaya,
Zhambylskaya, and Yuzhno-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast’s (provinces). The high mountain zone of
alpine and subalpine meadows is used as summer pastures for domestic animals. Practicing the
free-range animal husbandry allows individual farmers producing meat, wool, and raw hides and
sell these to state companies. A growth of horse population and availability of rich pastures
facilitates an increased production of kumys, an essential drink of mare’s milk. Agricultural lands
are situated on piedmont plains, where there are mature gardens, small-fruit acreages, and small
vineyards. Some people are engaged in hunting and collecting medicine plants. Developing
occupations are ecotourism and mountaineering. Mining for brown coals is carried out near
Lengher in the West Tien Shan. Deposits of complex ores and phosphorites are exploited in
Karatau. Non-ferrous metallurgy is developed in the town on Kentau.
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
The GEF/World Bank Central Asian transboundary project on the biodiversity conservation in
the West Tien Shan took place from 2000 to 2006. Its main goal was to establish a common
ecological network of protected natural areas of various statuses. Since 2001, the EuropAid
(TACIS) project ‘Biodiversity Conservation in the West Tien Shan’ has been running to help
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan conserve biodiversity and landscapes, establish a
transboundary park, and promote social and economic development of communities located in
buffer zones of protected natural areas. The common goal is to mitigate people’s dependence on
natural resources and threats to biodiversity via socio-economic development and more effective
self-government.
17. Scientific research
Noteworthy fundamental works on the West Tien Shan are as follows:
Pavlov, V.N. Vegetation cover of the West Tien Shan. Moscow. MGU Publisher. 1980. 246 p.
(in Russian)
Kamelin, R.V. Flora of the Syr-Darya Karatau. Leningrad, 1990. 145 p. (in Russian)
Karmysheva, N.Kh. Flora of western spurs of the Talassky Alatau ridge. Alma-Ata. 1982. (in
Russian)
Kovshar’, A.F. Birds of the Talassky Alatau ridge. Alma-Ata. 1966. 436 p. (in Russian)
Among modern complex investigations of the West Tien Shan (flora, fauna, land management,
socio-economic research) one should note regional expeditions along main ridges of the West
Tien Shan (2001-2004) carried out by zoologists A.F. Kovshar’, Yu.A. Grachov, R. Baidavletov;
botanists A.A. Ivaschenko, E.I. Rachkovskaya, R.E. Sadvokasov. Published works are as
follows:
Afanasyev, Yu.G., Gubanov, B.A., Zhaparova, N.K. New zapovednik reserves of Kazakhstan.
Alma-Ata. 1988. p.p. 20-23 (in Russian)
Kovshar’ A.F. (editor). Monitoring biodiversity in the Aksu-Dzhabagly zapovednik reserve.
Almaty. 2002. 184 p. (in Russian)
Ivaschenko, A.A. Some new and rare plants of the Syr-Darya Karatau. In: Botanical Research in
Kazakhstan. Almaty. 2003. p.p. 57-62 (in Russian)
Rachkovskaya, E.I., Sadvakasov, R.E. The Karatau botanical-geographic province. In: Botanical
Research in Kazakhstan. Almaty. 2003. p.p. 108-112 (in Russian)
Grachov, Yu.A., Ivaschenko, A.A., Kolbintsev, V.G., Rachkovskaya, E.I., Sadvakasov, R.E.,
Chalikova, E.S. Valuation report on biodiversity in the Karatau Ridge of the West Tien Shan.
Astana. 2002. 139 p. (in Russian)
V. The Dzungar Alatau
1. Econet elements in the Dzungar Alatau
- No. 181: a planned zakaznik reserve;
- No. 182: a planned zakaznik reserve;
- No. 183: the Altyn-Emel national park;
- No. 184: a planned zapovednik reserve;
- No. 185: an existing zakaznik reserve;
- No. 186: a planned national park with functional zonation;
- No. 187: a planned zapovednik reserve;
- No. 188: an existing zakaznik reserve.
2. Compilers
Ivaschenko, A.A. – doctor of biology, Almaty;
Baidauletov, R.Zh. – The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science,
researcher, expert on theriology;
Grachov, Yu.A. - The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science, leading
researcher, expert on theriofauna;
Rachkovskaya E.I. – doctor of biology, Almaty
3. Protected zone area
Existing protected areas cover 425,653 ha, which is about 5-7% of the total zone area.
4. Altitudes above sea level
The altitudes vary from 400-600 m a.s.l. (piedmont plains) to 4000 m (the tallest peak 4464 m).
5. Justification of econet criteria
The region supports unique landscapes and many species of rare animals and plants. The
vegetation cover of its montane section comprises extremely diverse plant associations, in
particular various mountain steppe and meadows (such as singular high-altitude kobrezniki
meadows), cryophyte cushion plant formations, conifer forests of the Tien Shan spruce, smallleaved and fruit-tree forests, elfin archa woods, and scrublands. Rare plant associations include
spruce forests with Siberian fir-trees, apple-tree forests, skeleton plant groves etc. The region has
a great aesthetic potential, with landscapes of unique beauty, grotesque land forms, picturesque
geological outcrops, mountain streams and river rapids. It possesses considerable recreation
resources – an abundance of natural tourist attractions.
6. Suggested protection status
A system of protected natural areas of various statuses.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
The Dzungar Alatau is a row of mountain ridges and valleys protracted in a latitudinal direction.
The crest of the main Dzungar Alatau ridge rests on a high plateau-like foundation just below the
snow line. The foundation is dissected by deep river valleys, but still forms expansive plateaulike surfaces. The highest peak, Besbakan, is 4464 m a.s.l. The medium heights have a very
rugged erosive relief. At low altitudes, the relief is only slightly dissected.
At high altutudes, the amount of negative air temperatures throughout winter is below 1700° C.
Mean monthly temperatures remain negative for 7 or 8 months of the year and vary between -10
and -16° C for the coldest month.
Thawing weather can often be observed in the cold period, mainly between December and
February. Even in January, mean daily temperatures at thawing weather may reach 12° C at
altitudes below 1500 m and 2-6° C above 3000 m of altitude. The warm period at heights above
3000-3200 m lasts for mere 1½ – 2 months. No long periods with positive air temperatures can
be observed at heights of 4000-4500 m. Mean air temperature of the warmest month (July) is 710° C at heights of 2500-3000 m. The absolute maximum of summer air temperatures is 20° C in
the medium-height glacier zone. Mean temperatures become negative in the first two weeks of
November at altitudes below 2000 m; in the end of October at altitudes of 2000-2500 m; and
early in October at altitudes above 3000 m. The warm period lasts from 6-7 months at medium
altitudes to 1-2 months at the lower border of permanent snows. Mean long-term annual
precipitation totals are 600-700 mm, though they may reach 800-900 m in the Tentek and Lepsy
river catchments. The climate at medium heights is much milder than in the mountains. Mean
temperatures of January vary from -7 to -10° C. Mean daily temperatures become stably positive
in the end of March and reach +5° C in the first ten days of April. Mean monthly air
temperatures of April vary between 5.6 and 9.5° C. Summer begins in the end of May or, at
heights above 1500 m a.s.l., in the first half of June. The summer thermal regime is stable, with
mean monthly air temperature of July fluctuating between 22-24° C and 26-28° C.
Soils are mountain meadow alpine, mountain meadow subalpine, high-altitude meadow steppe
alpine, high-altitude meadow steppe subalpine, high-altitude black earth, mountain forest black
earth, mountain forest dark grey, mountain forest chernozem-like, mountain forest meadow,
mountain meadow steppe, mountain leached chernozem, mountain typical chernozem, mountain
southern chernozem, mountain dark chestnut, piedmont light chestnut types. Piedmont plains at
the northern macroslope are occupied with typical and light grey soils, while those at the
southern macroslope have foothill brown and grey-brown soils.
The Dzungar Alatau ridge is rich in surface water resources. The region is crossed by numerous
mountain streams that spring from glaciers and snow patches. They are sources of clear water
and stores of the original autochtone biota of the Balkhash catchment. Major rivers of the
northern macroslope are the Tentek, Lepsy, Aksu, Baskan, and Sarkand.
8. Ecological overview
The northern and southern macroslopes of the Dzungar Alatau massif differ in altitudinal
zonation. The northern macroslope typically has the following zonation structure: piedmont
ephemeroid-wormwort deserts; true dry and arid forbs steppe; dark coniferous forests and
medium-height meadows; subalpine meadows and elfin archa woods; alpine meadows and
kobrezniki. Kobrezniki is a type of xerophyte low-grass alpine meadows found in dry and cold
high-altitude areas. Scrublands are very typical for the steppe belt. They mostly consist of
rosaries with spiraea and cotoneaster.
The southern macroslope is not forested and has the following zonation: saltwort and wormwort
deserts, diverse steppes, and high-altitude meadows.
Low-height and especially montane zones are used as pastures.
9. Important and protected objects
The Dzungar Alatau ridge is one of the richest as far as its floral diversity is concerned. The flora
comprises 2172 plant species, of which 75 (3.45%) are endemic. 49 species are rare and listed in
the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. They include Aflatunia ulmifolia, Fritillaria pallidiflora,
Primula macrocalyx, and Stroganovia sagittifolia.
Forests of the Tien Shan spruce have a considerable admixture of the Siberian fir-tree. Apple tree
groves are found at medium altitudes. Mountain steppe and scrublands have very diverse and
peculiar species compositions.
A great number of rare and endangered mammalian species are listed in the Red Data book, such
as the snow leopard, Tien Shan brown bear, stone marten, argali, and the Turkestan lynx. The red
deer, wild boar, Siberian roe deer, badger, marmot, squirrel and others are objects of commercial
and sport hunting.
The avifauna of the Dzungar Alatau is especially rich and diverse. It comprises 266 species of
bird, which makes 53.2% of the Kazakhstan’s avifauna. 19 species are listed in the Red Data
Book of Kazakhstan, of which 6 are local breeders (the Black Stork, Bearded Vulture, Golden
Eagle, Booted Eagle, Saker, and Eagle Owl). Other rare species observed in the region – the
Griffon Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, Lesser Kestrel, Corncrake - are not yet included in the Red
Data Book, though the World Conservation Union (IUCN) considers them globally threatened
and a subject to special protection. The Altai Snowcock can be observed at high altitudes. Rare
and endangered amphibians include the Central Asian Salamander (Ranodon sibiricus), endemic
to the Dzungar Alatau, listed in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan. Most of its distribution range
is located within the Kazakhstan’s borders. Stable populations of the Asian wild ass and goitered
gazelle have sustained in the Altyn-Emel national park. Restoration of the Przewalski’s horse has
been recently begun.
10. Land tenure / ownership
Lands of the region belong to state reserve lands and state forest lands; the rest of the area are
agricultural lands under a long-term lease (private or collective) or private property. SPA’s cover
hardly more than 5-7% of the area.
11. Current land use
Land use based on montane pastures includes dairy and fur sheep raising, beef and dairy cattle
husbandry, and drove breeding of horses. Forest planting and timber harvesting are practiced.
Apiculture is developed in some mountain areas. Arable farming and horticulture are common in
the northern piedmonts. Hunting is popular, including sport hunt. The region is a promising
recreation zone, in particular due to the landscape and biological diversity of this unique
montane area, which makes it attractive for domestic and foreign tourists. Tourist hikes, horse
rides, rafting, and mountaineering are possible to organize.
12. Threatening factors
The region has been put to anthropogenic impacts, in particular illegal hunt, illegal timber
felling, scrub crushing, unsystematic cattle grazing, grabbing collection of medicine plants,
collection of fruit and berries. These impacts lead to a decrease in biodiversity, functional and
resource values of the biota. Some tracts of montane ecosystems suffer recreational pressure,
especially wild tourism. Forest and steppe fires do considerable damage. One should stress that
hunting pressure, including that of sport hunt, is extremely severe and uncivilized hunting
methods are not uncommon. Lands are ploughed up here and there. Lands used as pastures
predominate both at low and high altitudes. The northern macroslope has large forested areas at
medium heights.
The region is located in 6 raions (administrative units) of the Alma-Ata Oblast (province).
Population density in the mountains is low, but it varies from medium (24 ind./100 ha) to high
(77 ind./100 ha) at the foothills that bear the provincial town of Taldy-Kurgan, numerous
villages and railway stations. This naturally affects the statuses of mountain ecosystems.
13. Conservation measures taken
The region comprises the Altyn-Emel national park protected by rangers. The Koksuisky and
Toktinsky zakaznik reserves are also protected.
14. Suggested conservation measures
To establish a system of protected areas of various statuses and zones of limited land
management. It is suggested that the whole of Dzungar Alatau be divided between two national
parks: the southern macroslope will be included in the existing Altyn-Emel national park and the
northern macroslope in a planned national park.
- No. 183: to expand borders of the Altyn-Emel national park;
- No 184: to establish a zapovednik reserve;
- No. 185: to designate the existing Koksuisky zakaznik reserve as a strictly protected core of the
future national park;
- No. 187: to establish a zapovednik reserve as a core of the future national park. An
establishment of a zapovednik reserve in the Dzungar Alatau is vital for improving protection of
the snow leopard, Turkestan lynx, Tien Shan brown bear, Tien Shan argali, stone marten, and
other species of wild animals;
- No 188: to designate the existing Toktinsky zakaznik reserve as a strictly protected core of the
future national park;
Ecological corridors:
No. 181, 182 – to establish zakaznik reserves at the Ile River;
Buffer zone:
No. 186: to establish a national park at the northern macroslope. Most of it will be a zone of
sustainable land management and ecotourism. Zoning is necessary.
Valuations of the today’s status of ecosystems have shown that it is necessary to establish a SPA
system for conservation of the unique nature in this part of Kazakhstan. Preparation paper works
are being carried out for the establishment of the Dzungarsky zapovednik reserve.
15. Social and economic overview
The region possesses considerable forest resources, natural pastures and hayfields, which
determines main occupations of the local population. Arable farming is practiced in valleys and
piedmonts. Mining industry is well developed. There are rich deposits of complex ores and
exotic metals in the region (Tekeli). The Kapalo-Arasanskiye thermal springs brought about the
development of resorts.
Recreation, rafting, mountain tourism, and mountaineering are prospective. Hunt and fishing are
actively practiced by the local population.
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
A feasibility study about the establishment of the Dzungarsky national nature park was carried
out in 2001 by a group of experts headed by Academician I.O. Baitulin under the instruction of
the Alma-Ata provincial department for nature conservation.
17. Scientific research
Fundamental studies of the region include:
Goloskokov, V.P. Flora of the Dzungar Alatau. Alma-Ata. 1984. 220 p. (in Russian)
Rubtsov, N.I. Vegetation cover of the Dzungar Alatau. Alma-Ata. 1948. 184 p. (in Russian)
Sokolov, A.A., Pachikin, K.M. Soils and soil cover of the northern slope of the Dzungar Alatau.
Alma-Ata. 1991. 260 p. (in Russian)
Afanasyev, A.A. Zoogeography of Kazakhstan. Alma-Ata. 1960 (in Russian)
Modern works:
Dzhangaliyev, A.D., Salova, T.N., Turekhanova, R.M. Wild fruit plants of Kazakhstan. Almaty.
2001 (in Russian).
VI. The Kokchetav Upland
1. Econet elements in the region
- No. 43: a zone of sustainable nature management;
- No. 44: an existing zakaznik reserve;
- No. 45: the existing Kokshetau national park;
- No. 46: the existing Burubai national park;
- No. 47: the existing Bulandinsky zakaznik reserve;
- No. 48: the existing Vostochny zakaznik reserve.
2. Compilers
Baidauletov, R.Zh. – The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science,
researcher, expert on theriology;
Grachov, Yu.A. - The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science, leading
researcher, expert on theriofauna;
Rachkovskaya E.I. – doctor of biology, Almaty
Bragina, T.M. – expert on SPA.
3. Protected zone area
Zakaznik reserves and national parks within the borders of the Kokchetav Upland cover 375,608
ha, which is about 10% of the total region’s area.
4. Altitudes above sea level
The altitudes are 200-600 m (up to 600 m) a.s.l. Low mountains, undulating uplands, and
flatlands between hills.
5. Justification of econet criteria
The region comprises endangered forest steppe and steppe ecosystems; pine forests at the
southern edge of the species’ distribution range (these are confined to slopes of granite uplands).
Rare and valuable species of animals occur in the area, in particular the elk, roe deer, wild boar,
red deer, lynx, Black Grouse, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, small falcons etc.
Relict boreal plant species. Picturesque pine forest landscapes of granite uplands with deep lakes
at foothills and weathered granite rocks.
6. Suggested protection status
A system of protected areas of various statuses within an extensive zone of sustainable land
management.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
Main granite-built uplands (Sinyukha 887 m, Imantau 640 m) and others alternate with hill-androck and hill-and-basin terrains. Large areas are occupied with pediment plains between hills.
Small rivers, such as the Baksuk, Arshaly, Sarkyrama, Zhabai, Zhilandy, Babykburluk,
Akkanburluk, Imanburluk, are tributaries of the Ishim. The region comprises many beautiful
lakes of tectonic origin: Imantau, Yakshi, Yangiztau, Zerendinskoye, Borovoye, Bolshoye
Chubachye, Maloye Chubachye, Schuchye and others.
Precipitation totals between 300 and 350 mm (occasionally up to 390 mm). Mean temperature of
January is -17-19° C, that of July +18-20° C.
Soils are the typical chernozem, southern chernozem, mountain forest sod-podzol, forest grey,
forest black earth, forest underdeveloped, meadow chestnut, meadow alluvial, and sodic types.
8. Ecological overview
The region is located on the Kokchetav Upland within the borders of the forest steppe altitudinal
belt. Important associations are small-leaved forests of birch or birch in combinations with
meadow steppe and herb bunchgrass (red feather-grass, oat-grass) steppe. Granite uplands are
occupied with pine forests (moss, lichen, grass, and dead forest floor types) that are overly
important for water and soil protection. Stony steppes with scarce forbs are very diverse. Typical
for low mountains and undulating uplands are meadows and mires, including moss mires.
Flatlands between hills are occupied with arable fields and fallow lands.
9. Important and protected objects
The region supports many rare species, including trees, shrubs, semi-shrubs, and herbs. These
are mostly forest, meadow or mire plants widespread in northern areas and the forested zone,
where they are often relict and grow at the southernmost extremity of their distribution ranges
(Vaccinium vitis-idaea, V. myrtillus, Drosera anglica, D. rotundifolia, Maianthemum bifolium,
Trientalis europaea). The group of rare species associated with wet habitats (forests, mires) is
especially large. Relict sphagnum mires are situated in the region. Very interesting is also
hogfennel—red feather-grass steppe, with participation of the tall Morrison’s hogfennel
(Peucedanum morissonii) that used to be widespread on plains of north Kazakhstan, but have
been almost destructed through tillage. Fragments of this steppe have survived in uplands of this
region.
Important mammalian species are the elk, roe deer, bobac marmot. Birds include the Little
Bustard, Pallid Harrier, Demoiselle Crane, Black-throated Diver, Mute Swan, Imperial Eagle,
Slavonian Grebe, Lesser Kestrel, and Sparrowhawk.
10. Land tenure/ownership
Lands of national land fund, state forest lands, and specially protected natural areas. The
remaining area is leased by private persons or groups, or it is a private property.
11. Current land use
Pastures for all cattle groups are used in animal husbandry. Good hayfields are available. Large
areas of flatlands between hills are occupied with wheat plantings. Forestry is developed on
granite uplands. Some areas are promising resorts and tourist attractions, such as the Borovskiye
Heights, Imantau, the Zerendinskiye Mountains, and most beautiful lakes. Hunt and fishing are
developed.
12. Threatening factors
Main threatening factors are forest felling, illegal hunt, forest fires, overgrazing, plowing,
recreation pressure, and violations of protection regimes in national parks and zakaznik reserves.
The region is located in two provinces, the Akmola Oblast and Severo-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast.
There are many settlements, including the town of Kokchetav. Population density varies from 44
to 127 people per 100 ha. It is a well developed area, with many cultural plantings and pastures
that tend to be overgrazed.
13. Conservation measures taken
In contrast to other regions of Kazakhstan, the Kokchetav Upland has a more or less complete
network of specially protected areas, with 2 large national parks (Burubai and Kokshetau) and 3
zakaznik reserves. Moreover, there are 16 monuments of nature in this region. It is necessary to
promote sustainable land management all over the Kokchetav Upland.
14. Suggested conservation measures
A system of protected areas of various statuses within a large zone of sustainable land
management.
The existing national parks and zakaznik reserves can be regarded as core zones:
- No. 44: the existing Orlinogorsky zakaznik reserve;
- No. 45: the existing Kokshetau national nature park;
- No. 46: the existing Burubai national nature park;
- No. 47: the existing Bulandinsky zakaznik reserve;
- No. 48: the existing Vostochny zakaznik reserve;
- No. 43: the area can be regarded as a buffer zone (zone of sustainable land management) with
strictly protected cores (existing SPA’s), game facilities, and forestry stations.
15. Social and economic overview
Stable arable farming and cattle husbandry are well developed. Meat and wool produced by
individual farmers are bought by the state. Some part of the population goes in for hunting and
fishing. There are traditional resorts used by people from all over Kazakhstan. The development
of ecotourism and rock climbing is promising.
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
Proposal on the expansion of the Kokshetau national nature park by 80,990 ha is included in the
SPA Development Programme for 2007-2009.
17. Scientific research
Noteworthy fundamental studies are as follows:
Gorchakovsky, P.L. Forest oases of the Kazakhstan’s undulating uplands. Moscow. Nauka.
1987. 158 p. (in Russian)
Karamysheva, Z.V., Rachkovskaya, E.I. Botanical geography of the Central Kazakhstan steppe.
Leningrad. Nauka. 1973. 278 p. (in Russian)
Nikolayev, V.A. Landscapes of Asian steppe. Moscow. MGU Publisher. 1999. 285 p. (in
Russian)
Short-term faunal studies have been carried out by the ornithology laboratory of the Institute for
Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science.
VII. Undulating uplands of Central Kazakhstan (eastern portion)
1. Econet elements in the region
Existing national nature parks and zakaznik reserves:
- No. 86: the Bayanaulsky national park;
- No. 90, 91: the Karkaralinsky national park;
- No. 87: the Kyzyl-Tau zakaznik reserve;
- No. 89: the Kuvsky zakaznik reserve.
Planned SPA’s:
- No. 88: a planned seasonal ornithological zakaznik reserve;
- No. 85: a planned common zone embracing SPA’s of the eastern Sary-Ark formally shaped as a
national park.
2. Compilers
Ivaschenko, A.A. – doctor of biology, Almaty;
Baidauletov, R.Zh. – The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science,
researcher, expert on theriology;
Grachov, Yu.A. - The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science, leading
researcher, expert on theriofauna;
Rachkovskaya E.I. – doctor of biology, Almaty
3. Protected zone area
The total area of existing specially protected areas is 293,080 ha, which is about 10-12% of the
total region’s area.
4. Altitudes above sea level
The altitudes vary from 350 m to 1400 m, with a maximum of 1500 m a.s.l. Low mountains,
undulating uplands, flatlands between hills.
5. Justification of econet criteria
The eastern part of the region supports many unique vegetative communities that do not occur
anywhere else in Eurasia. There are tracts of virgin steppe; often it is a shrub steppe of all major
formations of Central Kazakhstan (with red feather-grass, oat-grass, kovylok (Stipa lessingiana),
tyrsik (S. sareptana), tyrs (S. capillata)). A great diversity of steppe, meadow, scrubland, and
forest boreal species can be found in the area. It is the southernmost habitat of the pine in the
Kazakhstan’s undulating uplands. Pine forests with boreal elements rare in the steppe zone are
widespread in low mountain areas. There are sphagnum mires in the Karkaraly mountains. The
region is rich in wildlife. The argali listed in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan can be found in
all low-mountain massifs there. Local mammalian species include the elk, roe deer, squirrel,
badger, marmots, lynx, wolf, red fox, hare, corsak fox. Rare birds listed in the Red Data Book
are the Golden Eagle, Black Stork, Saker, Eagle Owl. Other birds include the Black Grouse,
partridges. Beatiful mountain lakes are situated in the mountains of Bayan-Aul and Karkaraly.
6. Suggested protection status
A system of protected areas: existing national parks and zakaznik reserves integrated into a new
national park or an area of limited land management. An establishment of a SPA system in the
eastern portion of Sary-Ark (Central Kazakhstan) having a common strategic development plan.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
It is an expansive region commonly named the Central Kazakhstan’s undulating uplands. Its
eastern part is very diverse in natural conditions (low mountains built of various rocks - often
granites – furrowed by gorges and stream valleys; high and low hills and flatlands between hills),
which determines the richness and peculiarity of the biota.
Mean annual precipitation is 200-250 mm (up to 300 mm in low mountains). Large annual
variations are typical. Mean air temperature of January is -18° C to -21° C. Mean air temperature
of the warmest month (July) is 19° C to 22° C. Droughts are frequent.
Soils found in the region are the typical chernozem, southern chernozem, dark chestnut, chestnut,
light chestnut, meadow chestnut, meadow alluvial, forest grey, forest black earth, forest
underdeveloped, and sodic types.
The drainage network is relatively dense, but consists of small rivers of snowmelt nourishment.
Other water bodies are Lake Karasor and lakes in the Bayan-Aul mountains.
8. Ecological overview
The eastern part of the region is very diverse in ecological conditions (low mountains built of
various rocks - often granites – dissected with gorges and stream valleys; high and low hills and
flatlands between hills), which determines the richness and peculiarity of its wildlife. A
phenomenon of altitudinal zonation causes tracts of herb-feathergrass, forbs-feathergrass, and
mountain meadow steppe protract far southwards into dry and desertificed steppe along slopes of
insular low mountains. The altitudinal zonation within the area can be primarily seen in low
mountain massifs, such as the Bayan-Aul, Karkaraly, Kent, Kuu, Kyzyl-Rai, Chingiz-tau and
others. On mountain tops, there are fragments of meadow communities with species typical for
subalpine and alpine meadows of East Kazakhstan mountains. Predomination of originally
composed scrubland steppes is typical. Large areas of low mountains are occupied with pine
forests (grass, moss, and lichen types) and singular open forests on granites. Small-leaved forests
of birch and aspen grow in valleys, gorges, and near springs.
Steppes on flatlands between hills, especially in the northern portion of the region, are partly
plowed. These are mostly fallow lands. The remaining tracts of virgin steppe on flatlands are
used as pastures for various kinds of cattle. In some areas, they are severely transformed due to
overgrazing.
9. Important and protected objects
These include, first of all, pine forests, open forests, and unique Central Kazakhstan steppe.
Black alder thickets can be found in the Bayan-Aul mountains. Relict sphagnum mires occur in
the Karkaraly mountains. The wildlife is represented by the following species: the argali (listed
in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan), roe deer, wolf, manul cat, badger, marmot, polecat, hare,
red fox, corsak fox, wild boar, Black Kite, Stork, Saker, Black Vulture, Willow Grouse, and
Grey Partridge. The flora comprises about 1000 plant species. The region is a refuge for many
rare species, including trees, shrubs, semi-shrubs, and herbs, and three very rare endemic species
confined to this region only. They are Roegneria karkaralensis (known from the Karkaraly
Mountains only), Berberis karkaralensis (occasional findings in the Kent Mountains), and
Juncus sphaerocephalus (desribed in the Kyzyl-Rai Mountains). Moreover, there are 5 endemic
species typical for scree debris sites all over the Central Kazakhstan’s hilly terrain (Erysimum
kazakhstanicum, Euphorbia andrachnoides, Astragalus kazakhstanicus, Craniospermum
echinoides, and Seseli incanum). Noteworthy rare species include the black alder and Kyrgyz
birch. Boreal species at the southern border of their distribution ranges are cotton-grass in the
Kent Mountains and pyrola in pine forests. Some sedges, boreal mosses and many other species
are undoubtedly relict. One should also mention the rare species associated with peculiar stony
meadows with subalpine and alpine plants occurring on tops of low mountains only. These
include Pedicularis artemisifolia, Glaucium sp., and montane species of Oxytropis.
10. Land tenure / ownership
Lands of the region belong to state reserve lands, state forest lands, and SPA; the rest of the area
are agricultural lands under a long-term lease (private or collective) or private property.
11. Current land use
Lands of the region are used in animal husbandry as pastures for all kinds of cattle. Good
hayfields are available. Some flatlands between hills are used as arable lands under wheat and
fodder plants. Forestry is developed on low granite mountains. Some areas are promising
recreation and tourism zones, in particular the Bayan-Aul, Karkaraly, Kent, Kyzyl-Rai.
12. Threatening factors
Main types of anthropogenic impacts are illegal hunt (shooting for argali is especially alarming),
forest and steppe fires, pasture load (animal husbandry is being intensively restored), and high
recreation pressure even in national park (especially in the Bayan-Aulsky national park). The
region is located in the Karaghanda Oblast (4 raions) and Pavlodar Oblast (2 raions). Density of
rural population varies from low (2-4 ind./100 ha) to medium (10-12 ind./100 ha in
Karkaralinsky and Bayanaulsky raions). Pastures are predominant.
13. Conservation measures taken
Conservation is provided in the Bayan-Aulsky and Karkaralinsky national parks (including the
Kent and Kyzyl-Roi tracts) and in the Kyzyl-Tau and Kuvsky zakaznik reserves.
14. Suggested conservation measures
It is suggested that a system of protected areas be established in the eastern Sary-Ark (Central
Kazakhstan’s undulating uplands) with the common strategic development plan.
Its core zones are the existing national parks:
- No. 86: the Bayanaulsky national park with cluster tracts;
- No. 90: the Karkaralinsky national park;
- No. 91: to expand the Kent cluster tract of the Karkaralinsky national park and to designate it as
a zapovednik reserve;
Ecological corridors:
- No. 86: cluster tracts of the Bayanaulsky national park;
- No. 87: the existing Kyzyl-Tau zakaznik reserve;
- No. 89: the existing Kuvsky zakaznik reserve;
- No. 88: to establish a seasonal ornithological zakaznik reserve;
Buffer zone:
- No. 85: a planned common zone embracing SPA’s of the eastern Sary-Ark formally shaped as a
national park.
Currently, the region should be regarded as a buffer zone for all existing local SPA’s and should
have a regime of sustainable land management.
15. Social and economic overview
A presence of animal husbandry lets individual farmers produce meat and wool and sell them.
Arable lands do not cover large areas, though many of these face a problem of fallow land
restoration. Some people are engaged in hunting and collecting medicine plants. There are
facilities for recreation, ecological tourism, and rock climbing.
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
An establishment of the Buiratau national nature park covering 65,000 ha in the Karaghanda and
Akmola Oblast was included in the draft programme on the SPA development for 2007-2009.
17. Scientific research
Noteworthy fundamental works are as follows:
Gorchakovsky, P.L. Forest oases of the Kazakhstan’s undulating uplands. Moscow. Nauka.
1987. 158 p. (in Russian)
Karamysheva, Z.V., Rachkovskaya, E.I. Botanical geography of the Central Kazakhstan steppe.
Leningrad. Nauka. 1973. 278 p. (in Russian)
Nikolayev, V.A. Landscapes of Asian steppe. Moscow. MGU Publisher. 1999. 285 p. (in
Russian)
VIII. The Syr-Darya River Valley
1. Econet elements in the region
- No. 133: a planned expansion of the existing Torangylsaisky zakaznik reserve and an
establishment of a national park;
- No. 135: a planned zapovednik reserve;
- No. 136: a planned expansion of the existing Kargalinsky zakaznik reserve;
- No. 137: a planned zapovednik reserve;
- No. 138: a planned zone of sustainable land management;
- No. 139: a planned zapovednik reserve;
- No. 140: a planned zakaznik reserve;
- No. 141: the existing Aryssko-Karatausskaya strictly protected zone;
- No. 143: a planned zakaznik reserve;
- No. 144: a planned zone of sustainable land management;
- No. 145: the existing Zadayinsky zakaznik reserve.
2. Compilers
Sultanova, B. – The Institute for Botany, geobotanical laboratory;
Ogar’, N.P. – The Institute for Botany, geobotanical laboratory;
Baidauletov, R.Zh. – The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science,
researcher, theriological laboratory;
Til Dieterich – technical expert of the UNEP/GEF project on wetlands.
3. Protected zone area
The most of the valley is not protected. The three zakaznik reserves cover merely 39,570 ha. The
strictly protected zone covering plains adjacent to the Syr-Darya covers 1,208,000 ha.
4. Altitudes above sea level
The region comprises the river valley and adjacent piedmont plains and sandy massifs. Their
altitudes vary from 75-100 m to 300 m a.s.l.
5. Justification of econet criteria
The region includes a unique natural complex of the Syr-Darya River valley, which is a
reintroduction area of the red deer that was shot to extinction 50 years ago. Tracts of tugai
riparian woodlands, wetlands, and waterbirds have survived in the area. The Syr-Darya River
valley is an ecological corridor for the distribution of the Bukhara deer (Cervus elaphus
bactrianus) and other species of animals. Rare vegetation communities of sands and unique
piedmont deserts can be found in the southern portion of the region. These are inhabited by
monitors, tortoises, houbara bustards.
6. Suggested protection status
A system of protected areas of various statuses in the Syr-Darya River valley.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
Across the Kazakhstan’s territory, the Syr-Darya flows in its meandering course on a plain built
of alluvial-proluvial deposits of the river and its right-hand tributaries. The river forms numerous
branches and channels, of which some end up in the neighboring sandy desert of Kyzyl-Kum.
The Syr-Darya flow is controlled by several dams, in particular those of the Char-Darya
reservoir and Kzyl-Orda hydropower station.
The area has a high thermal resource, with the amount of air temperatures above 10° C equaling
4000° C. The total precipitation is 180-200 mm.
Soils are grey-brown, light grey, takyr-like, meadow brown, meadow grey, meadow, meadow
alluvial, floodplain tugai types.
8. Ecological overview
The region comprises the river valley and adjacent tracts of desert vegetation. There are
wetlands, reed beds; well-preserved tracts of tugai riparian woodlands of willows, silverberries,
sometimes various species of the Asiatic poplar. Characteristic are tugai tamarisk scrublands,
black saxaul forests, meadows (often with Aeluropus), and halophyte shrub associations. The
adjacent plain is occupied with diverse saxaul forests, ephemeroid-wormwort piedmont deserts
in the northern portion and piedmont bluegrass and sedge low-stand savannoids in the southern
portion.
9. Important and protected objects
Important vegetative communities are unique tugai riparian forests with Erianthus, a tall tropical
grass. Important mammalian species include the goitered gazelle, sand cat, marbled polecat, rare
species of jerboa (particularly the Severtzov’s jerboa), steppe polecat, tugai roe deer (expansion
of the distribution range), wild boar, muskrat. The Bukhara deer has been reintroduced in the
area. Important birds include the Pheasant, Mongolian Ground Jay, Imperial Eagle, Levant
Sparrowhawk, Short-toed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Saker, Stone Curlew, Houbara Bustard, Blackbellied Sandgrouse, Penduline Tit, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, White and Dalmatian Pelicans. Rare
species of plant can be found in the surrounding desert areas, such as Eremurus hilariae, Salsola
latifolia, Tulipa greigii, and Artemisia cina. Important reptiles are the toad-headed agama and a
tortoise.
10. Land tenure / ownership
Lands of the region belong to state reserve lands and state forest lands (saxaul forests and tugai
woodlands). Most of the area are agricultural lands under a long-term lease (private or collective)
or private property.
11. Current land use
Oasis lands are partly developed for rice plantations; some of these are now abandoned.
Vegetable gardening and melon-growing are developed in some areas in the river valley.
Riverside plains are good all-year-round pastures. The Char-Darya reservoir and the Syr-Darya
River are rich in fish resources.
12. Threatening factors
Main threatening factors are illegal hunt; illegal timber felling and devastation of tugai
woodlands, saxaul groves, and scrublands; burning down vegetation (prescribed forest fires);
cattle grazing, hay harvesting, periodical floods; a wild road network in adjacent desert areas.
The region is located in two provinces - the Kzyl-Orda Oblast with a very high population
density (223-305 ind./100 ha) and the Yuzhno-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast with a medium
population density (29-41 ind./100 ha). Human settlements are situated all along the river valley,
with many having 10,000 inhabitants or less. The Syr-Darya runoff is regulated in order to
provide irrigated fields. Water is used for irrigation and, occasionally, for rice fields, melon
plantations, and vegetable gardens.
13. Conservation measures taken
There are 3 zakaznik reserves in the region (the Torangylsaisky, Kargalinsky, and Zadaryinsky
zakaznik reserves) and the expansive Aryssko-Karatausskaya protected zone along the Syr-Darya
River. The protection measures are unsatisfactory.
14. Suggested conservation measures
It is suggested that a series of new zakaznik reserves, zapovednik reserves, and a national park be
established in the region, along with an introduction of the sustainable land management in the
rest of the valley.
The econet core zones should be the following:
- No. 133: to expand borders of the existing Torangylsaisky zakaznik reserve and to establish a
national park;
- No. 135: to establish a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 136: to expand borders of the existing Kargalinsky zakaznik reserve;
- No. 137: to establish a zapovednik reserve;
- No. 139: to establish a zapovednik reserve;
- No. 140: to establish a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 143: to establish a zakaznik reserve;
- No. 145: to include the existing Zadaryinsky zakaznik reserve in the border of the ArysskoKaratausskaya protected zone.
Ecological corridors:
- No. 138: to establish a zone of limited land management;
- No. 144: to establish a zone of limited land management;
- No. 141: to designate the existing Aryssko-Karatausskaya protected zone into a zapovednik
reserve.
15. Social and economic overview
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
Active projects are a transboundary (with Uzbekistan) WWF project on the restoration of the
Bukhara Deer populations and a project of the Institute for Botany on studying and restoration of
the vegetation cover along the Syr-Darya.
17. Scientific research
Grudzinskaya, L.M. Asiatic poplars of Kazakhstan and their conservation. In: Conservation of
the Kazakhstan’s flora. Alma-Ata. 1979. p.p. 53-56 (in Russian).
Grudzinskaya, L.M. Tugai woodlands in Kazakhstan. Shevchenko. 1982. 6 p. (in Russian)
Ogar’, N.P. Vegetation of river valleys. In: Botanical geography of Kazakhstan and Central Asia
(within the desert zone). St. Petersburg. 2003 (in Russian).
IX. Surroundings of Lake Balkhash
1. Econet elements in the region
- No. 124: 2 zakaznik reserves to be expanded and integrated into a zapovednik reserve;
- No. 125: a planned Old Delta zakaznik reserve;
- No. 126: a planned national nature park in the eastern extremity of the lake;
- No. 127: a planned zapovednik reserve in the Karatal River delta;
- No. 128: a planned zakaznik reserve to comprise river valleys and deltas of the Aksu and
Lepsy;
- No. 129: a planned zakaznik reserve in the Ayaguz river delta;
- No. 130: the existing botanical zakaznik reserve (Asiatic poplar) north of the lake.
2. Compilers
Sultanova, B. – The Institute for Botany, geobotanical laboratory;
Ogar’, N.P. – The Institute for Botany, geobotanical laboratory;
Beryozovikov, N.N. - The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science, senior
researcher on avifauna;
Sklyarenko, S.L. – IBA project coordinator for Kazakhstan.
3. Protected zone area
The existing protected areas (zakaznik reserves) cover 552,148 ha.
4. Altitudes above sea level
The Ile River delta and the shore of Lake Balkhash are sand massifs at altitudes of 350-400 (500)
m a.s.l.
5. Justification of econet criteria
Important habitats include wetlands along the shore of Lake Balkhash, in valleys and deltas of its
tributary rivers; sand deserts with saxaul forests south of the lake, and Kazakhstan-type saltwort
groves north of the lake; rare tugai oleaster forests and groves of the Asiatic poplar in river
valleys. The area supports important spawning sites and habitats of rare bird species. Colonies of
the White and Dalmatian Pelicans are found in the region. The area lies on a mass migration
route of waterbirds. There are breeding grounds of the White-tailed Eagle and habitats of the
goitered gazelle. The kulan has been reintroduced in the region. Local insect fauna is very
interesting, with many endemic species.
6. Suggested protection status
A network of protected area of various statuses.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
The region is located at the southern edge of Lake Balkhash, or the Balkhash-Alaköl depression.
It is built of a thick layer of loose Quaternary alluvial, proluvial, lacustrine, and Aeolian
sediments. Most of the region is a sand desert, with the sand massifs of Sary-Ishik-Otrau,
Lyukkum, and others. The sands display mound and ridge Aeolian topography. On the west,
there lies a broad modern delta of the Ile River, while its old delta is located to the east of it.
Other rivers having deltas are the Karatal, Aksu-Lepsy, and the Ayaguz River on the north-east.
Characteristic of the northern shore of Lake Balkhash are undulating uplands and gravelly plains.
The region includes the shore zone of unique Lake Balkhash. On the south, the area is furrowed
by the valleys of the Ile, Karatal, Aksu, Lepsy rivers and by the Ayaguz River valley at the
north-east. There is a reservoir of the Kapchagaiskoye hydropower station.
The amount of temperatures above 10° C comprises 3000-4000° C. Annual precipitation totals
100 to 150 mm. Mean air temperature of January is -12-15° C, while that of July is +22-25° C.
Winters are almost snowless.
Soils are desert brown, grey brown, takyr-like, takyr, primitive sandy, meadow, meadow alluvial,
tugai, and alkaline types.
8. Ecological overview
The region is located in the desert zone. It comprises modern deltas of the Ile, Karatala, AksuLepsy rivers, the old delta of the Ile River, the shore of Lake Balkhash, vast sandy massifs on the
lake’s south and stony deserts north of it; rich oleaster, willow-and-oleaster, Asiatic poplar and
tamarisk tugai woodlands in river valleys; diverse meadows; reedbeds along the lake shore in
deltas and river valleys; sand desert massifs with saxaul forests (white and black saxaul) and
various psammophyte bushes, teresken sites (Ceratoides papposa), and wormwort groves; tall
saxaul forests, keurek and wormwort deserts in the old delta; groves of the Asiatic poplar and
tamarisk along old watercourses.
9. Important and protected objects
Unique tugai riparian woodlands of the oleaster and Asiatic poplar. Desert saxaul forests,
including tall stands south of Lake Balkhash. Typical Kazakhstan saltwort deserts rich in plant
species are widespread north of the lake.
Important mammals include the Bukhara deer, goitered gazelle, wild boar, desert cat (Felis
ornata), marbled polecat, pallid pygmy jerboa, and the Severtzov's jerboa.
The Ile River delta, other river deltas, and the Balkhash shore support a rich wetland-related
avifauna: the White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Mute Swan, Ferruginous Duck. Other bird
species include the Houbara Bustard, Short-toed Eagle, Spoonbill, Penduline Tit, Glossy Ibis,
Imperial Eagle, Eagle Owl, Levant Sparrowhawk, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Swan Goose, Pallid
Harrier, and the Mongolian Ground Jay.
The old delta harbors ruins of medieval towns.
10. Land tenure/ownership
Lands of the region belong to state reserve lands and state forest lands (saxaul forests and tugai
woodlands). Most of the area are agricultural lands under a long-term lease (private or collective)
or private property.
11. Current land use
Most of the region can be used for the free-range animal husbandry. There are irrigated rice
fields off the village of Bakanas on the Ile River. Fishing and hunt are popular. Muskrat breeding
is practiced on channels of the Ile delta. Some tracts of the Balkhash shore are promising
recreation sites. It is possible to organize ecological paths for tourists wishing to see rare
waterbirds, unique tugai forests, saxaul deserts, and archeological monuments.
12. Threatening factors
Threatening factors are illegal hunting and fishing, wild tourism; fires, cattle grazing, hay
harvesting; cutting out woody vegetation, especially saxaul groves, and felling tugai forests.
Most of the region is situated in 7 raions (administrative units) of the Almaty Oblast (province),
while the rest is divided between the Moiynkumsky raion of the Zhambul Oblast and Aktogaisky
raion of the Karaghanda Oblast. Density of the rural population in the most populous Almaty
Oblast varies from 96 ind./100 ha in the Iliisky raion to 24-39 ind./100 ha in other 3 raions. The
rest of the region is scarcely populated (4-9 ind./100 ha). Agricultural lands are confined to
pastures for various grazing animals. Forests in river valleys are of great importance for water
protection.
13. Conservation measures taken
There are only 4 zakaznik reserves in the vast region: the Pribalkhashsky zakaznik reserve
covering a part of the Ile River delta; the Karoisky zakaznik reserve in at the southern shore of
Lake Balkhash and in the Ile River delta; the Kukansky zakaznik reserve at the shore of Lake
Balkhash and in the Aksu-Lepsy delta; and the Turangovy zakaznik reserve at the northern shore
of Lake Balkhash.
14. Suggested conservation measures
It is suggested that a system of protected areas of various statuses be established in deserts at the
southern and northern shores of Lake Balkhash, as well as in deltas and tributary river valleys.
Econet core zones will be as follows:
- No. 124: to expand borders of the existing Pribalkhashsky and Karoisky zakaznik reserves and
to designated the area as a zapovednik reserve;
- No. 127: to establish a zapovednik reserve in the Karatal River delta;
- No. 125: to establish a zakaznik reserve in the old delta of the Ile River;
- No. 128: to expand borders of the existing Kukansky zakaznik reserve at the Aksu-Lepsy;
- No. 129: to establish a zapovednik reserve in the Ayaguz River delta;
- No. 130: the existing Turgangovy botanical zakaznik reserve (a forest of the Asiatic poplar).
Ecological corridors:
- No. 126: the existing Vostochnoye Pribalkhashye national nature park.
Functional zonation of the region: a zone of sustainable nature management.
15. Social and economic overview
The region is populated along rivers only. There is virtually no population in sand deserts. The
people are engaged in animal husbandry and, to a small degree, in irrigated farming. Other
occupations are fishing that is developed on rivers and Lake Balkhash, and hunting for wild
boars and waterbirds. Muskrats were actively hunted in former times.
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
A GTZ/CCD project on poverty reduction and biodiversity restoration was carried out in three
townships of the Balkhashsky raion. Currently, the GEF/UNEP project was started on the
sustainable land management in the Ile-Balkhash basin.
17. Scientific research
Gvozdeva, L.P. Vegetation and fodder resources in the Sary-Ishik-Otrau desert. Alma-Ata. 1960.
205 p. (in Russian)
Grudzinskaya, L.M. Tugai woodlands of Kazakhstan. Shevchenko. 1982. 6 p. (in Russian)
Plisak, R.P. A vegetation change in the Ile River delta caused by the runoff regulation. AlmaAta. 1981. 214 p. (in Russian)
Ogar’, N.P. Vegetation of river valleys. In: Botanical geography of Kazakhstan and Central Asia
(within the desert zone). St. Petersburg. 2003 (in Russian)
X. The Ural River and the Caspian Sea
1. Econet elements in the region
- No. 5, 6, 102: the existing Kirsanovsky, Budarinsky, and Novinsky zakaznik reserves;
- No. 101: the existing protected area of the Caspian Sea;
- No. 4: a planned national park;
- No. 98, 99: a planned zapovednik reserve and a nature reserve in the Ural River delta;
- No. 7, 95, 97: zones of limited nature management.
2. Compilers
Ivaschenko, A.A. – doctor of biology, Almaty;
Ogar’, N.P. – The Institute for Botany, geobotanical laboratory;
Urazgaliyev, M.N. – head of the territorial forestry and game management office;
Rachkovskaya E.I. – doctor of biology, Almaty;
Sklyarenko, S.L. – IBA project coordinator for Kazakhstan.
3. Protected zone area
The Ural River flows about 1000 km across the Kazakhstan’s territory. The area of existing
protected sites (zakaznik reserves) is relatively small – 186,000 ha. The protected zone of the
Caspian Sea covers 6,400,000 ha.
4. Altitudes above sea level
The region comprises the Ural valley and delta and a sea scope of the northern Caspian Sea.
Altitudes vary from -28 m to 100 m a.s.l.
5. Justification of econet criteria
The region supports valuable species of fish and spawning sites of sturgeons; breeding grounds
and migration routes of rare and endangered species of bird. Offshore marine and freshwater
ecosystems adjacent to the Ural delta are inhabited by a great diversity of waterbirds and waders
(55 species), in particular the Dalmatian Pelican (population density up to 59.4 ind./km2), Pygmy
Cormorant (up to 17.8 ind./km2), Little Egret (41.2 ind./km2), Glossy Ibis (up to 35.5 ind./km2),
Whooper Swan (up to 10 ind./km2), White-tailed Eagle (up to 1.6 ind./km2), and the Great
Black-headed Gull (up to 263 ind./km2). These ecosystems are also used by pre-migration
assemblages of these birds (up to 69 whooper swans per km2; up to 1160 dabbling ducks and up
to 1000 diving ducks per km2; up to 1313 coot and up to 135 gulls per km2). Moreover, they
support breeding colonies and foraging sites of important bird species, such as the Dalmatian
Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, and Glossy Ibis.
Island ecosystems play a special role in the Caspian Sea. Despite being relatively small, these
ecosystems are important breeding and foraging areas. They are also habitats of seals.
The Ural River valley supports floodplain oak and elm forests that are rare for Kazakhstan.
6. Suggested protection status
A system of specially protected areas of various statuses and a zone of sustainable nature
management in the Ural River valley and delta, and in the Caspian Sea.
7. Physiographical description (topography, hydrography, climate, soils)
The riverhead of the Ural is located in the Southern Ural beyond the Kazakhstan’s border. It
flows 1082 km across the Kazakhstan’s territory and has a basin of 220,000 km2. The Ural flows
in a broad valley with an expansive floodplain rich in oxbow lakes and pools. In Kazakhstan, the
river meets its greatest, yet shallow tributary the Ilek. The Ural is a typical river of almost
exclusively snowmelt nourishment. Its runoff is mainly formed at the upper tracts with a dense
drainage network. From the town of Uralsk downstream to its mouth, the river has only one
tributary – the shallow Barbastau. The Ural enters the Caspian Sea with several channels,
annually bringing about 8 km3 of fresh water into the sea, which is the second greatest river
discharge into the sea after the Volga. 60-80% of the water are discharged during spring floods
(in April and May).
The depositional delta of the Ural is a simple projecting type that consists of three main relief
elements: the watercourse with a system of channels, and levees formed at the both sides of the
watercourse.
Processes taking place in the Ural delta are very sophisticated, as they include a gradual
transition from the river regime to the marine. In recent years, the formation of the marine
regime proceeded under the conditions of a greater inflow of the Volga and Ural, which has led
to a rise of the sea level. Having started in 1978, it reached nearly 2.5 m by 1995 (up to 26.65 m,
absolute altitude). By 2005, the Caspian Sea level reached 27.01 m (abs. altitude). The rise of the
sea level is accompanied by a cardinal reorganization of its hydrological and hydrochemical
regimes and the sea scope in general. Currently, the sea is becoming less mineralized and richer
in biogenic elements, and both mineral and organic forms of nitrogen and phosphorus. The area
of the northern, most productive part of the Caspian Sea is 99,400 km2. Kazakhstan owns 56.6%
of it, or 56,300 km2.
Climate. The amount of air temperatures above 10° C is 2800 to 3200° C. The annual
precipitation varies from 300-280 mm in the north to 180 mm in the south. Mean temperature of
July is 23-24° C, that of January is -12 to -14° C.
Soils are southern chernozem, dark chestnut, chestnut, light chestnut, brown, meadow chestnut,
meadow brown, floodplain meadow, marine marsh, forest meadow, meadow bog, bog, sodic,
and alkaline types.
8. Ecological overview
Elm, oak, white willow, and poplar forests, as well as fragments of aspen-birch and black alder
forests can be found along the river valley in the steppe zone at the north of the region. Southern
areas are predominated by willow groves and forests of the black poplar, white poplar with elm,
and fragments of oak forests. Typical of the desert zone along the river valley are parklands of
the white willow, tugai woodlands of shrubs, poplars, and oleaster, as well as roof tree groves.
Diverse meadows (steppe, typical, paludified, and halophyte meadows) and grassland mires and
reedbeds are widespread all along the river valley. The delta is dominated by cattail and reed
floating islands in combination with stands of aquatic plants in channels and lagoons.
9. Important and protected objects
Specially protected fish species include the Caspian lamprey, starlet, black-backed shad, Caspian
trout, inconnu, and 4 commercial species – the stellate sturgeon, beluga, Russian sturgeon, and
ship. The commercial fishing for the latter species has recently been forbidden too.
The region supports a great diversity of waterbirds and waders listed in the Red Data Book of
Kazakhstan and the IUCN List, such as the White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorant,
Squacco Heron, Little Egret, Whooper Swan, Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Purple Gallinule,
Sociable Plover, White-tailed Plover, Black-winged Pratincole, and the Great Black-headed
Gull. Some common species are popular game birds, such as the Greylag Goose, Mute Swan,
dabbling and diving ducks. Typical for shore terrestrial ecosystems are the strictly protected
Great Bustard, Little Bustard, and Houbara Bustard, as well as two raptor species – the Tawny
Eagle and the White-tailed Eagle. All of them are listed in the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan.
Important mammals are the raccoon dog, wild boar, saiga, and the Caspian seal. The Ural River
is inhabited by the desman and European beaver.
The Ural River supports tracts of natural oak forests (the northern portion of the river valley) that
are unique for Kazakhstan. Common hazel, lily-of-the-valley, and European spindle tree can be
found there. Lotus grows in the Novinsky zakaznik reserve on a Caspian island. Caltrop, which is
a Red List species, is widespread in the Ural delta.
10. Land tenure/ownership
Lands of the region belong to state reserve lands and state forest lands (floodplain forests). Most
of the area are agricultural lands under a long-term lease (private or collective) or private
property. Protected sites cover 2-3% of the total area or less.
11. Current land use
Major occupations of the population along the Ural River and in the sea are fishing and hunting.
Arable farming is developed on riverside watersheds in the northern part of the region. In the
south, riverside plains are used as good pastures. Animal husbandry is a major occupation
everywhere. Hay harvesting is also important. Vegetable gardening is practiced in some places in
the river valley.
12. Threatening factors
Natural threats include periodical transgressions and regressions of the Caspian Sea, storm
surges at the seashore, silting of the Ural delta, and inundation of seaside areas caused by the
rising sea level.
Anthropogenic threats are uncontrolled fishing, in particular for sturgeons, and illegal hunting;
aggravating pollution of the river and the sea with oil, phenols, organochlorine pesticides, and
heavy metals; forest felling, local fires; uncontrollable cattle grazing; an oil expansion into the
shelf zone of the shallow east Caspian Sea; uncontrolled economic activities on the Ural River
that impede natural spawning (sturgeons cannot reach their original nurseries). Noteworthy is
also a recreation and other pressure of towns (Arytau and Uralsk) and numerous villages situated
along the Ural River on natural ecosystems. The region is located in 4 raions (administrative
units) of the Zapadno-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast (province), with population density of 43-52
ind./km2, and 6 raions of the Atyrau Oblast, with mean population density of 8-25 ind./km2.
Predominant types of land use are hayfields and pastures. Arable lands are not expansive. Towns
are surrounded by private gardens.
13. Conservation measures taken
Protection is provided by state fishery protection and game inspectorate. The region comprises
only two zakaznik reserves and a protected area in the Caspian Sea. The zakaznik reserves are
protected insufficiently.
14. Suggested conservation measures
To establish a system of specially protected areas of various statuses and introduction of a
sustainable land management regime in the most of the region.
Econet cores will be as follows:
- No. 4: to establish a national park. It is necessary to divide the site into functional zones
differing by protection regimes. The planned national park is located along the Ural River
(within the borders of the Zapadno-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast), its tributaries, the Kushum
channel, floodplain tracts, levee lakes and water reservoirs.
- No. 5: the Kirsanovsky zakaznik reserve (69,600 ha), a future core zone of the planned national
park;
- No. 6: the Budarinsky zakaznik reserve (70,040 ha), a future core zone of the planned national
park;
- No. 98, 99: a planned zapovednik reserve or a nature reserve in the Ural delta;
- No. 102: the Novinsky zakaznik reserve (45,000 ha) – an island in the Caspian Sea.
The ecological corridor:
- No. 7: A zone of sustainable nature management (184,700 ha).
Buffer zones:
- No. 95: A zone of sustainable nature management;
- No. 97: A zone of sustainable nature management;
- No. 101: A zone of limited nature management. The eastern part of the North Caspian Sea with
deltas of the Volga (within the Kazakhstan’s borders) and the Ural is designated as a national
strictly protected zone aimed at the conservation of fish stock and provision of optimal living
conditions and natural reproduction of sturgeons and other valuable fish species.
15. Social and economic overview
Arable farming is one of the main occupations at the north of the region, while animal husbandry
is more important at the south. Meat and dairy production is developing in the Ural valley.
Fishing is very important all along the Ural valley and especially in the delta and offshore tracts
of the Caspian Sea. A large part of the population works at neighboring oil fields.
16. Active environmental organizations and projects
Works in the framework of the GEF/UNEP project ‘Integral conservation of wetlands
internationally important as habitats of migratory birds’ has been carried out in the Ural River
delta and on the adjacent scope of the Caspian Sea.
17. Scientific research
Ageleulov, E.A. Floodplain meadows of the Ural River. Alma-Ata. 1982 (in Russian)
Ageleulov, E.A. Flora of the Ural floodplain. In: Biological sciences. Alma-Ata. 1973. p.p. 1023 (in Russian)
Doskach, A.G. Natural zonation of the Caspian Lowland. Moscow. 1979. 109 p. (in Russian)
Ogar’, N.P. Vegetation of river valleys. In: Botanical geography of Kazakhstan and Central Asia
(within the desert zone). St. Petersburg. 2003 (in Russian)
Soils in the Kazakh SSR, issue 9. The Ural Oblast. Almaty. 1997. 345 p. (in Russian)
Soils in the Kazakh SSR, issue 13. The Guryev Oblast. Alma-Ata. 1970. 349 p. (in Russian)
Gistzov, A.P. Monitoring waterbirds and waders in the North Caspian Sea at the turn of 20th and
21st centuries. In: Proceedings of The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of
Science. Vol. 48. Ornithology. p.p. 260-278 (in Russian)
Rusanov, G.M. Native lands at the shore of the North Caspian Sea and in deltas of the Volga and
Ural as habitats of waterbirds late in the 20th century. In: Proceedings of The Institute for
Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science. Vol. 48. Ornithology. p.p. 228-259 (in
Russian)
Eszhanov, B. and Karagoishin, Zh. M. Territorial distribution of the beaver in the Ural River
floodplain. In: Proceedings of The Institute for Zoology of the Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science.
Vol. 49. Zoological and ecological research (in Russian)