Kazakhstan Nature

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Kazakhstan Nature

Tulips in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, the ninth largest country in the world, covers an impressive 2,724,900 square kilometers, yet it is home to just 17 million people. Vast, horizonless steppes, arid deserts, and majestic mountain ranges dominate the landscape, offering a habitat for thousands of species of animals and birds.

Though Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country on the planet, it borders the Caspian and Aral Seas, which are entirely enclosed bodies of water. The country’s natural beauty is unique and rugged, shaped by its harsh environments. Deserts occupy 44% of its land (164 million hectares), while semi-deserts cover another 14%. Steppes make up 26% of the landscape, and forests account for just 5.5% (21 million hectares). The vast Sary-Arka, or “yellow steppe,” spans the central region, while the Turgai Plateau lies to the west. Kazakhstan’s immense territory stretches from the Urals in the west to the Altai and Tarbagatai ranges in the east, with the Ustyurt Plateau and Caspian Sea coast located in the southwest. In the far east, the country reaches the northern Tien Shan mountains.

Kazakhstan’s climate is predominantly continental, characterized by extreme temperature variations. In the summer, temperatures in the south can soar to +49°C, while in the winter, northern regions may experience bitter lows of -57°C. Deserts, though hot by day, can become cold at night due to northern winds that bring a chill to the air.

Despite its largely arid landscape, Kazakhstan is home to over 8,500 rivers, both large and small. The Ural, Emba, Syrdarya, Ishim, Ili, Irtysh, and Tobol rivers are among the most significant. The vast Lake Balkhash is one of the country’s largest lakes, and Kazakhstan plays a key role in preserving the ecosystems of the Aral Sea, part of which lies within its borders. Kazakhstan also possesses the northern and part of the eastern coastline of the Caspian Sea, stretching for almost 2,340 kilometers.

Kazakhstan boasts incredible biodiversity, with around 6,000 species of plants, 500 species of birds, 178 species of mammals, 49 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, and about 100 species of fish inhabiting its rivers and lakes. The country’s forests, primarily located in the northern Tien Shan and Altai Mountains, feature juniper trees, alpine meadows, and groves of wild apple trees and walnuts. Iconic wildlife such as the snow leopard, brown bear, and Siberian ibex thrive in these mountainous regions. The taiga forests of the Altai are home to a nature reserve near Lake Markakol, where rare bird species like the capercaillie, hazel grouse, and ptarmigan are found.

Kazakhstan’s vast steppes are an awe-inspiring sight, hosting hundreds of bird species that nest around its numerous freshwater and salt lakes. Lake Tengiz, in particular, provides a haven for one of the world’s rarest and most striking birds—the pink flamingo. To protect this delicate species, the Kazakh government has established the Kurgaldja wildlife reserve.

Among Kazakhstan’s deserts, the Betpak-Dala Desert, Ustyurt Plateau, Kyzylkum Sands, Moyunkum Desert, and Aral Karakum stand out. These arid expanses are inhabited by creatures adapted to desert life, such as the goitered gazelle, jerboa, and various species of vipers. The sands of Kyzylkum are home to the desert monitor, Kazakhstan’s largest lizard, while a total of 16 snake species have been recorded across the country.

Kazakhstan’s natural landscapes are both diverse and dramatic, from its vast desert expanses to its towering mountain ranges. The flora and fauna are equally remarkable, with many rare and unique species calling this land home—many of which are protected in the country’s Red Book, ensuring the preservation of its rich biodiversity for future generations.

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Tourists in Baikonur

Discover Baikonur: Space History Exploration Tour

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