Ustyurt Nature Reserve

The Ustyurt Reserve is located in western Kazakhstan, within the remarkable Ustyurt Plateau, a striking region in Central Asia. Established on July 12, 1984, the reserve covers an expansive area of 223,300 hectares, dedicated to preserving the northern desert landscapes and protecting rare species of flora and fauna.

One of the reserve’s most fascinating features is the chink—a steep edge of the Ustyurt Plateau composed of limestone and chalk. These chalky formations contain numerous marine sediment samples, providing evidence that this area was once submerged beneath a sea. The chink’s towering pillars, some reaching several hundred meters high, exhibit a dazzling array of colors, from soft pinks and blues to brilliant whites.

The reserve boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including vast steppes and deserts interspersed with depressions, remnants of ancient riverbeds. The vast Karynzharyk depression extends from the southwest to the northeast of the reserve, with its lowest points lying below sea level. Here, visitors can witness stunning formations created by the chink, including depressions filled with niches and intricate cave systems. Another notable feature is the Barsa-Kelmes depression, which covers nearly 2,000 square kilometers and is also devoid of drainage.

Temperatures within the reserve are predominantly hot and dry, often soaring to 40-60 degrees Celsius in the desert regions. Despite this harsh climate, the landscape is dotted with cracks, springs, and wells that provide vital water sources.

In addition to its natural wonders, the Ustyurt Reserve is home to significant historical monuments. Once traversed by caravan trade routes during the Middle Ages, the plateau was a thriving hub until the 15th century, when the Amu Darya riverbed dried up, leading to the decline of its cities. Today, the ancient ruins serve as reminders of a once-vibrant civilization. Among the most notable historical sites are the ruins of Shakhr-i-Vazir city, the Beleuli caravansarai, Allan fortress, and various mazars and mausoleums, many of which remain unexplored. Additionally, dozens of Neolithic sites can be found throughout the area.

While the flora in the Ustyurt Reserve may not be as abundant as in other regions, it features a unique desert landscape characterized by cracks and occasional outcrops of ancient chalky rocks. Typical vegetation includes cacti, grey sage, feather grass, anabasis salsa, and saltwort, alongside rare species like the brushwood of Asiatic poplar. The southern Ustyurt region is known for its takyrs, which display more varied vegetation.

The reserve’s fauna includes a range of reptiles, including various snakes and lizards, among them rare gecko species exclusive to Ustyurt. Birds of prey dominate the avian population, featuring vultures, harrier eagles, saker falcons, golden eagles, imperial eagles, and steppe eagles.

Although the reserve’s fauna is not particularly abundant, it is home to several species of jerboas, sand hares, and other small mammals. A total of 44 mammal species have been recorded in the reserve, including wolves and jackals, as well as the weasel and steppe ferret. Among hoofed animals, the saiga, Persian gazelle, and Ustyurt mouflon (Turkmen buck) are notable; these species are considered rare and are endemic to the Ustyurt and Mangyshlak regions.