Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan (Kazakh: Сарыарқа - Солтүстік Қазақстан даласы мен көлдері, romanized: Sarıarqa - Soltüstik Qazaqstan dalası men kölderi) 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.[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 Aqmola Region). 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]
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 Kazakh Uplands | |
| Location | Kazakhstan |
| Includes | |
| Criteria | Natural: (ix), (x) |
| Reference | 1102rev |
| Inscription | 2008 (32nd Session) |
| Area | 450,344 ha (1,112,820 acres) |
| Buffer zone | 211,147.5 ha (521,757 acres) |
| Coordinates | 50°26′0″N 69°11′20″E / 50.43333°N 69.18889°E |
  Location of Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan in Kazakhstan  Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan (West and Central Asia) | |
The site is also home to wildlife commonly found on the Kazakh steppe, including marmots, wolves, and the endangered saiga.[4] Korgalzhyn nature reserve, being a part of World Heritage Site, is one of the most popular areas in Kazakhstan in terms of birdwatching[5]
Notes
edit- ^ "Kazak Uplands". Britannica Online. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
- ^ "Twenty-seven new sites inscribed". UNESCO. July 8, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
- ^ "Eight new natural wonders for the World Heritage List". International Union for Conservation of Nature. July 8, 2008. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
- ^ a b "Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve". Oriental Express Central Asia. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
- ^ "Nomadic Travel Kazakhstan". Retrieved 2012-03-12.
External links
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