Saryarka — Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Saryarka — Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
Name as inscribed on the World Heritage List
Type Natural
Criteria ix, x
Reference 1102
UNESCO region Asia-Pacific
Coordinates 50°26′0″N 69°11′20″E / 50.43333°N 69.18889°E / 50.43333; 69.18889Coordinates: 50°26′0″N 69°11′20″E / 50.43333°N 69.18889°E / 50.43333; 69.18889
Inscription history
Inscription 2008 (32nd Session)

Saryarka — Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan is a part of the Kazakh Uplands (known in Kazakh as saryarka, or "yellow range") which has been designated a world heritage site by UNESCO.[1] It was inscribed on July 7, 2008, and is the only natural world heritage site in Kazakhstan.[2] (see List of World Heritage Sites in Kazakhstan) The site comprises the Naurzum State Nature Reserve (located in Kostanay Province) and Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve (located in Akmola Province). The two reserves contain wetlands which serve as important stop-over points for migrating birds from Africa, Europe, and South Asia. It is estimated that 15–16 million birds, including many endangered species, use the site as a feeding ground.[3] The pink flamingos in particular are a major attraction within Korgalzhyn Reserve.[4]

The site is also home to wildlife commonly found on the Kazakh steppe, including marmots, wolves, and the endangered saiga.[4] Korgalshyn nature reserve, being a part of world heritage site, is one of the most popular areas in Kazakhstan in terms of birdwatching [5]

Notes

  1. ↑ "Kazak Uplands". Britannica Online. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
  2. ↑ "Twenty-seven new sites inscribed". UNESCO. July 8, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
  3. ↑ "Eight new natural wonders for the World Heritage List". International Union for Conservation of Nature. July 8, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
  4. 1 2 "Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve". Oriental Express Central Asia. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
  5. ↑ "Nomadic Travel Kazakhstan". Retrieved 2012-03-12.


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