The Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve is one of the first and largest in the whole of Central Asia. By visiting it, you can get acquainted with some rare representatives of flora and fauna, which are found nowhere else in the world.
General information
The Aksu-Dzhabagly nature reserve is located (see photo in the article) in the mountains of Talas Alatau (Western Tien Shan). Its total area is 131,934 hectares. This oldest protected area, founded in July 1926, is under the protection of the state. Administratively, the territory of the reserve is located in the South Kazakhstan region (Tyulkubas district). Near the border of the Talas region of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.
In the vastness of this wonderful natural area grows a huge number of species of vegetation. In Aksu-Dzhabagly, nature has collected the most unique creations. The emblem of the reserve is the Greig's tulip, the petals of which have a rare crimson color and their length reaches 15 cm.
Attractions
The central part of the Aksu-Dzhabagly reserve is occupied by the Aksu canyon, the depth of whichis approximately 1,800 m. This area is a paleontological site with ancient drawings on the rocks.
The amazing landscape of these places is complemented by picturesque gorges (Zhabagly and Kaskabulak) with ancient rock paintings, as well as the Aksu canyon. The surrounding areas in the areas adjacent to the protected area also deserve attention. For example, Krasnaya Gorka (this is where Greig's tulips bloom), Shunkulduk's grave (by), as well as the stalactite cave and Kapteruya.
Mountain lakes (Ainakol, Kyzylzhar, Oymak, Kyzylkenkol, Koksakkol and Tompak), rivers and others are also attractive.
In the Aksu-Dzhabagly Reserve, 10 routes have been developed for travelers in order to develop ecological tourism. Along with natural objects, medieval cities (Isfidjab, Sharafkent), mounds (about 60 km from Zhabagly), Baibarak spring (holy place) and images on the rocks are of interest. In the villages of Baldyberek and Eltai people are engaged in folk crafts.
National traditions, carefully preserved by the people, are also interesting - "bet ashar" and "tsau kesu", which are, respectively, a wedding and a celebration of the first steps of a child. Typical local products are beshbarmak, espe, kurdak, kurt and koumiss.
Fauna
The most massive inhabitants of the Aksu-Dzhabagly Reserve are birds. Of the 267 species of birds, 130 nest in the protected area, and 11 are listed in the Red Book. Of the 11 species of reptiles that live in the reserve,the legless yellowbell lizard is also listed in the Red Book. Snowcocks, partridges, nightingales, paradise flycatchers, blue birds and others live here.
About 60 species of mammals live in the reserve. Representatives of the fauna are: snow leopard, bear, white-clawed bear, mountain goat, long-tailed marmot, wolf, lynx, fox, small mammals (ground squirrels, mice), etc. The rarest among them are mountain goat, deer, argali, muskrat and stone marten. 10 species of mammals are listed in the Red Book, including the snow leopard, Menzbura marmot of the West Tien Shan and argali. The fish fauna consists of 7 species.
Flora of the Aksu-Dzhabagly Reserve
The flora of the reserve includes 1,737 species of vegetation, including 235 species of fungi, 63 species of bryophytes and algae, approximately 64 species of lichens and 1,312 higher plants.
Juniper, birch, Magalebka cherry, Talas poplar, walnut, pistachio, various shrubs and dense grassy vegetation grow here. Tulips of Greig and Kaufman grow in the reserve.
Paleontological branch of the Aksu-Dzhabagly Reserve
There is a branch of paleontological burials in two adjacent areas - Karabastau and Akbastau, located on the slopes of the Karatau ridge. Regarding the reserve, this place is located a few tens of kilometers, in the valley of the river. Burundai. In a shallow layer of snow here you can find the rarest imprints of petrified fish, turtles, mollusks,insects and many plants of the most ancient Jurassic period. These are the remains of traces of the inhabitants of the sea basin. They are approximately 120 million years old.
Although the area of these two Jurassic shale burial sites is not very large (120 ha), its scientific significance is enormous. Thanks to such finds, the historical stages of the development of the organic world can be traced.
Excursion routes
Various excursions are made in the Aksu-Dzhabagly Reserve within the framework of the state program. Almost the entire territory is open to the public, except for those ecological zones that are heavily protected. The staff of the reserve conducts several types of excursions, including ecological ones, designed for nature lovers and school-age children. Some excursion programs last several days, and horses are used as means of transportation.
Scientists are also conducting their work on the territory of the reserve, observing representatives of flora and fauna.
