Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan

Saryarka 0391 Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan is a natural serial property of steppe plains and shallow saline and freshwater lakes in northern Kazakhstan that forms an important stopover and breeding area for Eurasian migratory waterbirds. The property comprises key reserve areas that protect steppe habitat and a network of lakes.

The site is notable for extensive reedbeds, seasonal wetlands and saline plains that provide habitat for large numbers of migrating and breeding waterbirds, including species of conservation concern and large congregations of flamingos and pelicans. The landscape combines treeless steppe with mosaic wetlands and islands used by birds for nesting and staging.

The values of the property are primarily ecological; the components include established state nature reserves and protected wetlands recognised for their role in continental bird migration. The property was inscribed as a World Heritage natural site in recognition of these values.

Geographically the property lies in northern Kazakhstan and comprises reserves centred on lake systems within the steppe zone; key components include the Korgalzhyn area in Akmola Region and the Naurzum area to the north-west, together forming a linked network of steppe-lake ecosystems.

• Bird migration seasons: Best birdwatching is during spring and autumn migration and the summer breeding season when large congregations of waterbirds, including flamingos and pelicans, concentrate on the lakes.

What to See #

• Korgalzhyn Reserve: Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve, a wetland and steppe reserve famous for shallow saline and freshwater lakes that host large breeding and staging populations of migratory waterbirds.
• Naurzum Reserve: Naurzum State Nature Reserve, a largely undeveloped steppe and lake complex with seasonal wetlands and islands important for breeding waterbirds and steppe fauna.