Karakiya-Karakol Sanctuary

Karaköl sanctuary – a sanctuary of republican significance. It was organized in 1986 in the Karakia district of Mangystau region. Its area is 137.5 thousand ha. The purpose of establishing the sanctuary is the preservation of rare animal species in the Karakia depression.

Relief

The sanctuary area includes 9 streams and 3 spring water sources. The relief is steep, vertical, and rugged, formed by erosion. They have been broken up by wind and flowing water into separate hills.

Flora and fauna

It is not especially rich in plant species. In the sanctuary live animal species that are very rare in the fauna of Kazakhstan and are disappearing: the saiga antelope, the goitered gazelle, the wild ass, the black stork, the black kite, the steppe cat, the long‑eared owl, the Indian gazelle. All these animals have been taken under protection and entered into Kazakhstan’s Red Book.