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Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel Named Among World’s Most Incredible National Parks

Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel National Park has been ranked in the world's top 10 most impressive national parks outside the United States, according to a recent article in the American travel magazine Travel + Leisure. The article praised the park’s natural diversity, rich wildlife, and distinctive landscapes. Among the standout attractions highlighted were the Singing Barchan sand dune, the Saka-era burial mounds at Besshatyr, the Kapshagai Reservoir, and the Sholak Mountains, a favored destination for birdwatchers. “In Kazakhstan’s Altyn-Emel National Park, you can encounter rare and endangered species such as the Przewalski’s horse and the snow leopard,” the article explains. [caption id="attachment_30226" align="aligncenter" width="600"] @altynemel.kz/Sakka burial mounds[/caption] A Park of History and Biodiversity Established in 1996 in Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu region, in the east of the country, Altyn-Emel National Park spans 307,600 hectares, having expanded from its original area of 209,000 hectares. The park is situated in the Ili River valley and encompasses desert plains, the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau, and isolated rocky outcrops. The name Altyn-Emel means “Golden Saddle.” The park experiences a sharply continental climate, with dry, hot summers and limited annual precipitation of just 300-330 millimeters. Its varied landscapes include sand dunes, clay formations, and mountain zones composed of ancient Paleozoic rock, some of which date back 400 million years. [caption id="attachment_30227" align="aligncenter" width="600"] @altynemel.kz/The singing barchan[/caption] A Sanctuary for Rare Flora and Fauna Altyn-Emel is home to more than 1,800 species of plants, including 21 listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book of endangered species. Unique vegetation includes black and white saxaul, ironwood groves, and the wild Sivers apple tree, an ancestor of modern cultivated apples. The park hosts 393 species of vertebrates: 78 mammals, 260 birds, 25 reptiles, four amphibians, and 26 species of fish. Among the rarest animals are argali sheep, goitered gazelles, kulans, and snow leopards. The park is especially proud of its Turkmen kulan population, reintroduced in 1982, which now numbers more than 2,000 individuals. [caption id="attachment_30228" align="aligncenter" width="600"] @altynemel.kz/Petroglyphs[/caption] Nature’s Wonders The park’s most iconic feature is the Singing Barchan, a sand dune stretching 1.5 kilometers and rising to 130 meters in height. In dry weather, the dune emits a humming sound reminiscent of organ music. Other geological and historical landmarks include the multi-colored Aktau clay mountains, the volcanic Katutau rocks, Chokan Valikhanov’s spring, and the Besshatyr necropolis of Saka nobility. Ancient petroglyphs in the Taigak area are also of interest to visitors. Promoting Kazakhstan’s Natural Heritage Efforts to promote Kazakhstan’s national parks internationally continue through initiatives such as the Qazaq National Parks project. In 2024, an exhibition in New York showcased a digital display of the country’s natural wonders. Among the highlights was the book Ile-Alatau Stories, a collection chronicling the lives of individuals committed to conservation efforts. Global Recognition Altyn-Emel shares its top-10 ranking in Travel + Leisure with other spectacular national parks: Galápagos National Park (Ecuador) Mana Pools (Zimbabwe) Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) Killarney National Park (Ireland) Kaz Dağları National Park (Turkey) Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park (Japan) Bandhavgarh National Park (India) The Azores (Portugal)...

Ecology Caspian Sea Nature

Caspian Sea Near Aktau Turns Blood Red, Alarming Residents

The coastline of the Caspian Sea near Aktau’s 1st micro-district and the village of Akshukur has turned an unusual red hue, sparking concern among local residents. Eyewitnesses quickly took to social media, sharing photos and videos while speculating about possible causes. However, experts say there is no cause for alarm. According to Kirill Osin, head of the NGO Eco Mangistau, the change in water color is a seasonal phenomenon linked to a mass bloom of diatom algae, which can be triggered by sudden temperature fluctuations. He added that this process does not pose a threat to the region’s ecology or marine life. Despite these reassurances, the Department of Ecology of the Mangistau Region has initiated water sampling to analyze chemical and oil product content. “The research will help confirm that the changes in water coloration are caused by natural processes,” the department stated, promising to release the test results soon. Algae blooms in the Caspian Sea are a recurring phenomenon. Similar cases were recorded: 2020 – Near the embankment of Primorsky settlement. 2017 – In the 9A microdistrict area. 2018 – From the Shagala Hotel to the Nur Plaza beach. Earlier this year, residents of Kazakhstan witnessed another unusual sight when “ice flowers” formed on the Kapshagai Reservoir in the Almaty region. These delicate formations, resembling snow-white petals with pointed edges, appear under specific weather conditions on a thin layer of ice.

Nature Reserve Ecology National Parks Nature Environment

Massive Reserve for Red-Listed Animals to Be Created in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision has proposed the creation of a new state natural park, Chon-Alai, in the southern region of Osh oblast. The planned park, covering an area of 66,830.79 hectares, aims to protect unique natural ecosystems and conserve endangered species of flora and fauna. A draft resolution has been published for public discussion. Land Reallocation for the Park To establish the Chon-Alai Nature Park, the government plans to reallocate 23,473.79 hectares of land from the “Reserve Land” category in the Chon-Alai district, as well as 43,357 hectares from the “State Forest Fund” under the Alai Forestry Administration. The combined area will be designated as a specially protected natural area. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the proposed territory meets all the criteria for protected areas, as it contains rare ecosystems and populations of endemic species. The park will span three sites on the southern macro-slope of the Alai Ridge and two sites on the northern slope of the western Zaalai Ridge, including part of the Kyzyl-Suu-Zapadnaya River valley. This region has been recognized for its environmental significance for years. As far back as 2004, there have been plans to establish a transboundary Pamir-Alai Nature Park in this area. Protecting Red-Listed Species The primary purpose of the Chon-Alai Nature Park is to ensure the protection of species listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The park will help preserve habitats for rare and endangered species, including: Mammals: Snow leopard, brown bear, Central Asian otter, Turkestan lynx, and warthog; Birds: Golden eagle, black vulture, and Alayan shieldbill; Fish: Turkestan catfish; Flora: Christoph's jaundice, Romanov's parnassus, evasive alaya, and Kostychev's prostrel. The creation of the park will provide a safe haven for these species, many of which are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. A Milestone for Conservation The establishment of the Chon-Alai Nature Park represents a significant step forward in Kyrgyzstan's efforts to preserve its natural heritage. By protecting critical habitats and endangered species, the park will contribute to both national and global conservation goals.

speleology Nature Science Turkmenistan

U.S. Magazine Highlights French Cave Explorers’ Discoveries in Koytendag, Turkmenistan

The December 2024 issue of NSS News, a U.S. magazine, featured an in-depth report on the spring expedition of French speleologists to Koytendag, Turkmenistan. The expedition brought together 17 specialists in topography, photogrammetry, biospeleology, geology, and karstology. Their primary objectives were to document existing cave systems, create updated maps, and identify unexplored caves. Over 21 days, the team surveyed approximately 19 kilometers of caves, conducted over 8,500 topographic measurements, and refined maps created by Russian researchers. A major focus of the expedition was 3D photogrammetric modeling of the Geophysical (Gulshirin) Cave, renowned for its stunning gypsum formations. Using a Disto X laser rangefinder and the Topodroid app, the researchers enhanced mapping accuracy and created a digital replica of the cave. This cutting-edge model serves both scientific and educational purposes. “We took more than 50,000 photos in four days, allowing us to produce a highly accurate 3D model,” one expedition participant explained. “This technology not only reveals the cave’s internal structure and unique gypsum formations but also offers an immersive viewing experience.” The team also explored the northwestern part of the massif, identifying small gypsum systems and passages several tens of meters in length. To the east, near the snowy peak of Airybaba at an altitude of 2,400 meters, they discovered a cave marked on their maps. However, adverse weather conditions delayed a full survey of the site. Despite challenges in accessing some areas, the expedition yielded significant results. Koytendag reaffirmed its reputation as a geologically and biospeleologically rich region. The expedition’s findings were presented at a conference held at the French Institute in Ashgabat. Koytendag’s unique caves remain an untapped treasure, holding immense potential for advancing scientific and ecological understanding.

Turan Tiger Nature Reserve tigers Nature

Turanian Tigers From the Netherlands Survive First Winter in Kazakhstan

Two Turanian tigers brought from the Netherlands last year have successfully completed their first winter in Kazakhstan’s Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve. The tigers are housed in spacious enclosures, each exceeding 0.5 hectares. Their adaptation is progressing well, with the predators actively hunting small game, including birds such as magpies and crows that venture into their feeding areas. Historically, Turanian tigers thrived in the reed beds and forests at the mouth of the Ili River near Lake Balkhash. However, the species was last sighted in the region in 1948, and subsequently declared extinct. Revival Program for Turanian Tigers Kazakhstan is undertaking an ambitious program to restore the Turanian tiger population. In addition to the two Amur tigers brought to the Ile-Balkhash Reserve for captive breeding, three or four more wild tigers are expected to arrive from Russia in 2025. Efforts to establish a sustainable ecosystem for these predators have been ongoing since 2018. To create a natural prey base, the reserve has introduced 205 riparian deer and over 100 kulans. Additionally, populations of roe deer and wild boars have been bolstered to support the tigers' dietary needs. This marks a significant step in Kazakhstan's conservation journey, reviving an iconic species that once roamed its landscapes.

Nature Nature Reserve snow leopard wildlife Wildlife Conservation

Kazakhstan’s Snow Leopard Population Reaches Near-Historic Levels

The snow leopard population in Kazakhstan has rebounded to near-historic levels, with an estimated 152 to 189 individuals now residing in the country. This marks a significant achievement in conservation efforts, as such numbers were last observed in the 1980s. Despite this progress, human activity remains the most significant threat to the survival of this elusive predator. Known as the irbis, the snow leopard is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List and the national Red Books of all 12 countries within its range. In Kazakhstan, these majestic predators reside in mountainous areas such as the Altai, Tien Shan, Zhetysu Alatau, and other large mountain systems. Since 2018, Kazakhstan has implemented a snow leopard conservation project under the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). As a result, the snow leopard population has increased by more than 26% since 2019. Alexei Grachev, executive director of the Snow Leopard Foundation and head of the Snow Leopard Monitoring Center, noted that the species' numbers have stabilized, with protected areas playing a crucial role in their survival. Key habitats include Ile-Alatau National Park, Altyn-Emel, and the Katon-Karagai Reserve. The Zhetysu region, in particular, boasts the highest population density thanks to favorable conditions such as abundant prey, effective protection, and minimal human interference. In contrast, the snow leopard population in Katon-Karagai Park remains small. Their presence was first confirmed by photo traps in 2020. A recent sighting of a female with two cubs in the park indicates a gradual recovery. Despite the positive trends, snow leopards face several threats including poaching, expanding economic activities, climate change, and conflicts with local communities. To mitigate these risks, efforts are being made to establish new protected areas, such as the Merken Regional Park in Zhambyl Oblast. Satellite telemetry has also been introduced, with 11 leopards collared in 2021 to track their movements and better understand their behavior. The high mortality rate among young leopards is a pressing issue. Without the expansion of protected areas, juvenile leopards are forced to migrate to neighboring countries, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflicts. To address this, Kazakhstan is offering financial compensation to herders whose livestock is attacked, thereby reducing the retaliatory killing of the predators. Kazakhstan’s conservation measures have been widely praised by the international community. Unlike many countries where snow leopard populations are declining or stagnating, Kazakhstan has achieved tangible growth. Collaborative efforts with Kyrgyzstan, bolstered by international memorandums, have further enhanced regional conservation efforts. Additionally, UNDP initiatives have improved protection in 14 natural areas across the country through the use of advanced technologies, including camera traps, drones, and thermal imaging devices. The recovery of the snow leopard population in Kazakhstan is a rare and noteworthy example of successful conservation. By safeguarding this iconic species, the country is contributing significantly to global biodiversity, demonstrating the impact of focused and sustained environmental efforts.