Kirsanov State Nature Sanctuary (complex)

Kirsanov Sanctuary is one of three complex sanctuaries of republican significance in Kazakhstan.

Geographic location

The sanctuary was organized in 1967 in the territories of the Borly, Terek and Akzhaik districts of West Kazakhstan region. Initially it was organized for a period of 10 years with the purpose of protecting the valuable saiga antelope that occurred only on the Zhayik River and increasing its numbers and re‑introducing it to other regions of Kazakhstan. Later its work was extended for another 10 years. In 1986, by the resolution of the Council of the Ministry of Kazakhstan, it was re‑approved as a complex sanctuary of republican significance. This is the only sanctuary in Kazakhstan dedicated to the protection of the valuable saiga antelope.

Relief, flora and fauna

The sanctuary includes the Zhayik River valley and the surrounding meadow and steppe lands. Its area is 61 thousand ha, covering a valley 10 km wide and about 50 km long. There are many islands and shoals. In the forested areas birch, poplar, oak, pine and willow grow. The sanctuary protects saiga, marmot, ibex, roe deer, elk, forest cat, ferret, hare, white‑winged snowfinch, crane, grey‑capped woodpecker, sandpiper, marsh harrier, etc. In lakes and rivers there are carp, roach, perch, pike. In the Zhayik River there are catfish and crucian carp. Here, together with nature protection measures, biotechnical works are also carried out. Every year the number of saiga is counted, special salt‑sprinkling sites are prepared for hoofed animals, and special nests are made and hung for birds.