State Nature Sanctuary Zhaltyrkul (zoological)

Zhaltyrkul sanctuary – a state zoological sanctuary established for the protection of rare and endangered animals in the Zhaiyk basin.

Geographic location and terrain

Zhaltyrkul sanctuary was temporarily organized for 10 years in 1967 in the Zhanaqala district of West Kazakhstan region, and was dissolved in 1977. In 1986, by a resolution of the Council of Ministers of Kazakhstan, it was reestablished as a republican zoological sanctuary. The sanctuary was named after the closed lake Zhaltyrkul, located north of the Kopzhasar settlement near the Zhaiyk River. Its area is 19 thousand hectares. The sanctuary territory includes the upper course of the Koshim River, the banks of the Itbalyk and Zhaltyrkul lakes.

Fauna

Reeds and bulrushes grow on the lake shore, which is very favorable for wildlife. The water bodies contain fish such as carp, bream, roach, perch, etc. Birds include swan, greylag goose, lapwing, curlew, brown heron, and in the steppe region eagles, steppe eagle, marsh harrier, etc., which are birds of prey. Mammals include fox, badger, marmot, steppe hare, marmot, suslik, etc. Biotechnical measures (such as counting animal numbers, creating artificial nests, sowing seeds of wild plants, installing devices favorable for bird nesting, etc.) are carried out in the sanctuary to protect rare animals.