Buiratau National Park

Buiratau National Park (Kazakh: Бұйратау ұлттық паркі, Buırataý ulttyq parki) or Buyratau National Nature Park was created in 2011 to preserve a unique transitional zone between dry steppe and semi-arid forest ecosystems of the Central Uplands of Kazakhstan. The park straddles the border of Ereymentau District of Akmola Region (60,815 ha), and Osakarov District of Karaganda Region (28,154 ha), and is about 60 km east of the capital city of Astana.[1]

Buiratau National Park
(alt: Buyratau National Park)
IUCN category II (national park)
Location of park in Kazakhstan
LocationAkmola Region, Karaganda Region
Nearest cityAstana
Coordinates51°20′N 73°20′E
Area88,968 hectares (219,845 acres; 890 km2; 344 sq mi)
Established2011 (2011)
Governing bodyCommittee of Forestry and Fauna of the Ministry of Agriculture, Kazakhstan
Websitehttp://gnpp-buiratau.kz/en

Topography

The area is dry steppe in the north, with more forest in the hills to the south and stands of alder and birch along the streams. The relief is low ridges and hills of the Erementau Mountains, with inter-mountain plains. There are many closed basins with very shallow (less than 1 meter) salt lakes; fresh groundwater can be found at depths of 1 – 17 meters.[2][3]

The park was formed by combining the original core reserve with the former Belodymov Zooligical Park and the former Ereimentaou Nature Reserve.[3]

Climate

The climate is "Cold Semi-Arid Climate (Koeppen Classification BSk: warm, dry summers with cold winters. 280 mm of precipitation per year (maximum in summer). Average temperature ranges from −16 °C (3 °F) in January to 20 °C (68 °F) in July.[4] [5]

Plants and animals

In addition to the relic forests, common plants of the area include scrub Siberian pea-tree (Caragana arborescens) and feather grass (Stipa).[6] Scientists have recorded over 450 species of vascular plants in the park, representing 20% of the species of the Central Kazakak Uplands.

The area is also known for Yereimantau Wild Sheep, supporting approximately 200 individuals. 45 species of mammals have been recorded in the area, and 227 species of birds.[1]

Tourism

There are four tourist routes in the park; individual and group tours are offered in the summer. A small admission fee is charged at the entrance.[7]

References
  1. "Buiratau, A New National Park Established in Kazakhstan". Kazinform. Kazinform International News Agency. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  2. "Ereymentau Mountains". IBA Data Zone. Birdlife International. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  3. "About Our Park". Buiratau National Park (official site). Buiratau Park Management. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  4. M. Kottek; et al. "Koeppen" (PDF). World Map of the Koeppen-Gieger Climate Classification, Updated. Meteoroligische Zeitschrift, June 2006. Retrieved 2015-08-01.
  5. "Climate - Ereymentau". Protected Areas. GlobalSpecies.Org. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  6. Marinus, JA. "Eurasian Steppes. Ecological Problems and Livelihoods in a Changing World". Springer Science. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  7. "Tourist Routes". Buiratau National Park (official site). Buiratau Park Management. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
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