Melkosopochnik, Kazakstan Photograph by Ekaterina Rachkovskaja   Central Asia: Kazakhstan Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands   27,800 square miles (71,900 square kilometers) -- about the size of South Carolina Critical/Endangered

· Isolated Haven
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
More Photos

Isolated Haven

This ecoregion is so isolated that it remains relatively intact, providing a safe haven for Kazakh steppe animals and plants. Even unique mammals such as sousliks, saiga antelope, and Asiatic cheetah may survive in the remote reaches of these mountains and valleys.

Special Features

Also known as the Kazakh Hummocks, this ecoregion consists of low mountains, with elevations reaching 4600 feet (1402 m), that are heavily divided by rivers and valleys. Precipitation averages only 4 to 12 inches (100-300 mm) per year. The river network is sparse, with many streams flowing only during spring. Stony meadows and shrub steppe occur in combination with sparse pine forests on the hilly slopes. Grasses dominate this ecoregion, with mainly fescue and feather grasses in the north and increasing amounts of sage shrub and needlegrass in the south.

	Although extirpated throughout most of their former range, Asiatic cheetahs are believed to still exist here. This ecoregion’s remoteness may have protected these magnificent felines from the hunters and poachers that have devastated cheetah populations elsewhere.

Wild Side

The Kazakh Upland Steppe is home to one of the most majestic creatures found in mountain habitats--the argali sheep. Known for their incredible horns, these endangered animals are particularly popular with trophy hunters. Other animals that live in this ecoregion include sousliks (a type of ground squirrel), Bobak marmots, steppe eagles, and saiga antelopes. Some scientists believe that Asiatic cheetahs may still inhabit these remote regions.

Cause for Concern

The proposed Central Kazakhstan Reserve would be the first reserve to protect the intact Kazakh uplands. However, the country’s current social and economic difficulties have resulted in a sharp decrease in funding for nature conservation activities. In addition, mining may become a threat to the native habitats here.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.