National natural parks of Kazakhstan are becoming an integral part of this inland land. The low population density and environmental policy of the state allowed many unique landscapes to be preserved. A network of nature reserves and national parks of Kazakhstan appeared in the Soviet years. The very first was organized in the country in 1926. It was the reserve of Aksu-Jabagly. After that, another 9 specially protected natural territories - reserves and national parks of Kazakhstan appeared on the map.
In Kazakhstan, reserves and national parks were created.
Geography of Protected Areas
The total area of protected areas is 5%, which is quite a large amount. However, they are distributed unevenly. All are concentrated in the eastern half of the country, mainly in mountainous areas. Now, the authorities intend to organize protected areas in the desert part of Kazakhstan, including in the Caspian Sea.
National Park of Kazakhstan “Kolsai Lakes”
The date of the creation of the park is February 7, 2007. It is located in a mountainous area in the Northern Tien Shan. The area of the park is 161 thousand ha. The northern border is the bed of the Chilik River.
The climate of the Kolsai Lakes National Park of Kazakhstan is highly continental. It can be quite hot during the day (up to 30 degrees), but at night it’s only + 5 … 10. Visitors arrive here from June to September.
Flora and fauna are very numerous. Over 700 plant species have been discovered by researchers in this region. Most often these are representatives of steppe and meadow plant communities. The richness of the fauna is associated with a wide variety of birds (197 species) and mammals (30 species). Among the Red Book species there is a painted titmouse, golden eagle, bluebird, bearded eagle, and kumai. In the list of Red Book mammals, the Central Asian otter, snow leopard, argali.
Tourists who visit this national park will appreciate the severity and beauty of the nature of these places.
Karatau Nature Reserve
The reserve was opened in 2004. It is located in the central part of the Karatau ridge. The area is 34, 300 ha. Basically, the ridge is covered with arid grassy vegetation like mountain steppes and semi-deserts. It has an orientation of southeast - northwest. The southwestern slope has a fairly large width and slow climb. Northeast, on the contrary, is narrow and steep. Long spurs extend to the southwest from the axial part of the ridge. Between them are river valleys and temporary streams. Flowing from the ridge, they are lost in the desert and disappear, replenishing groundwater.
The reserve has about 1600 plant species. The plant world is not well understood. A large number of endemic species have been identified. Their total number here is 76.
Alakolsky reserve
Located in Almaty and East Kazakhstan regions of Kazakhstan. The area of the protected area is 28.5 thousand hectares. The reserve appeared in 1998. It includes swamps, lakes and islands.
The climate of the reserve is sharply continental, arid. Of greatest interest is Lake Alakol. Its water is salty, as it contains chloride and sodium sulfate. Pebbles with healing properties are washed along the shores.
The flora of the reserve consists of 270 species of plants. The fauna is represented by 63 species of animals, 22 species of fish. A lot of birds (269 species), insects (1000 species) and reptiles (24 species). Among the rare and protected animals are black stork, serpent eater, bustard, curly pelican, gray crane, eagle owl, relic gull.
The fauna was badly damaged due to hunting, and some species completely disappeared. In small quantities you can find wild boar, roe deer, argali, hare, porcupine and stone marten.
A large number of clean lakes contributes to the diversity of fish species. In the waters of the reserve you can find white perch, silver crucian carp, bream, common carp, as well as fish such as river and lake marinka, chuba, Amur roe deer, naked ottoman and many other species.
