Chimbulak, Kazakstan Photograph by Perry Tourtellotte   Central Asia: China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands   49,800 square miles (129,000 square kilometers) -- about the size of Alabama Critical/Endangered

· A Steppe of Heaven
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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A Steppe of Heaven

These arid grasslands and savannas, which cover the western flanks of the Tian Shan or "Celestial Mountains," take advantage of moist arctic air and slightly higher precipitation levels than in the surrounding desert basins. This ecoregion provides a home for a mixture of desert and steppe creatures. The region is especially beautiful in the springtime when wild tulips bloom.

Special Features

This area is richer in plant species than other parts of the Tian Shan range, due to increased precipitation and the wide variety of habitats that can be found here. River basins at the foot of the range support shrub and meadow savanna, which contains poplar trees and large sand dunes. Lower foothills support salt-tolerant shrubs, and between 3,900 and 5,600 feet (1,200-1,700 m), wild apple, apricot, and maple trees grow. Understory vegetation includes abundant feathergrass and fescue grasses and desert candle. Higher elevations support aspens and nettle trees.

	During its winter migration from Central Asia to India, the bar-headed goose flies as high as 30,000 feet (9,000 m), which is higher than the peak of Mount Everest.

Wild Side

The Tian Shan mountain sheep, a vulnerable species, is found at all elevations up to 13,000 feet (4,000 m). More common residents are steppe lemmings, long-eared hedgehogs, tolai hares, and the long-tailed souslik, a ground squirrel. Black larks, blue whistling thrushes, and two endemic tit species are examples of local songbirds. The Issyk Kyl Nature Reserve has been designated a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar International Convention on Wetlands. Lake Issyk Kyl is one of the world’s largest mountain lakes, where several rare or endangered species breed, including the bar-headed goose.

Cause for Concern

Significant areas of the steppe have been lost to agriculture. The grazing of domestic sheep and goat is widespread. Local residents hunt animals for meat and parts that they can sell, while foreigners hunt for sport. The reserve system does not provide adequate refuge to this unique collection of plant and animal residents.

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