Saryesik-Atyrau Desert

The Saryesik Atyrau Desert (Kazakh: Сарыесікатырау, Saryesikatyraý) stretches for about 400 km south of Lake Balkhash in eastern Kazakhstan. It is a sand desert, relatively ecologically healthy with little erosion. There are a great number of small lakes and ponds in the desert, as well as occasional grasslands, that support a varied animal and bird population. In September 2017, English explorer Jamie Maddison completed a 70-mile, 30 hour ultra-marathon to make the first recorded on-foot crossing of the desert.[1][2]

Satellite image of Saryesik-Atyrau Desert

Nature

The Saryesik-Atyrau Desert borders the Ili River delta in the west, which is home to a large wild boar population. The wild boar are mainly found in the reed beds, but enter the fringes of the desert. Here they are often found around karabarak bushes. The desert itself is home to goitered gazelles and a small population (about 150) of the Saiga antelope. The Asian wild ass (Equus hemionus kulan) however, is extinct in the area.[3]


References
  1. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/04/fashion/watches-christopher-ward.html?mcubz=3
  2. http://www.jamiemaddison.com/portfolio/crossing-the-saryesik-atyrau-desert/
  3. Hartmut Jungius (2010). Feasibility Study on the Possible Restoration of the Caspian Tiger in Central Asia. WWF


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