In 1987, Aksu-Zhabagly, the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia and Kazakhstan, celebrated its 60th anniversary. Nestled in the Western Tien Shan mountains, the reserve spans elevations from 1,000 to 4,280 meters above sea level, offering an unparalleled natural beauty.
Aksu-Zhabagly showcases a remarkable array of high-altitude zones, each in its full splendor. Semi-deserts give way to dry steppes, which transition into forests of towering junipers. Lush meadows in the dry valleys are interspersed with dense thickets of creeping junipers, while a vibrant patchwork of alpine flowers decorates the rugged peaks, where dazzling snow and blue-tinted glaciers cling to the cliffs.
The reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare, endangered, and endemic species of flora and fauna. The region supports mountain sheep and goats, marals and roe deer, lynxes, snow leopards, wolves, foxes, bears, porcupines, martens, and ermines. In the surrounding areas, the elusive Menzbier’s marmot can be spotted.
The avian life in Aksu-Zhabagly is equally rich. Majestic bearded vultures, griffons, and golden eagles soar through the skies, while mountain partridges build their nests on rocky slopes. High near the eternal snows, snowcocks roam, and in the shaded forests, the bright plumage of the paradise flycatcher glows like a living flame. The melodious song of the whistling thrush echoes like the notes of a flute. Sun-dappled clearings come alive with colorful butterflies, including the rare Apollo species.
The plant life in Aksu-Zhabagly is just as diverse. The hardy Celtis caucasica tree is renowned for its remarkable strength. Amaranthus grandifolia is prized for its rich reserves of essential oils. On the mountain slopes, Greig’s tulips blaze like red flames, while the delicate pink flowers of Morina kokanica bloom in ethereal clusters.
The landscapes within the reserve are both picturesque and dramatic. Terraced meadows and steppes lead to towering rocky peaks, carved by narrow gorges with overhanging cliffs. Rushing rivers tumble through deep canyons, transforming into thunderous waterfalls, while the endless blue sky reflects in the mirror-like surface of crystal-clear mountain lakes.
At an altitude of 3,000 meters, an extraordinary “gallery” of ancient rock carvings offers glimpses into the lives of early inhabitants. These petroglyphs depict wild and domesticated animals, scenes of hunting, and moments from the daily life of ancient people.
In the shale deposits at the Aksu-Zhabagly paleontological sites, well-preserved fossils of plants, fish, insects, and pangolins provide a fascinating glimpse into the ancient inhabitants of this region, making the reserve not only a natural treasure but also a window into Earth’s prehistoric past.