Researchers from the Theriology Laboratory—Grachev A.A., Saparbayev S.Q., Tashibaev E.S., Bespalov M.V., and Bespalov S.V.—together with colleagues from Zhetysu OTI, the RSE “Okhotzooprom,” and ACBK, spent two days conducting a census of hoofed animals in the Altyn-Emel State National Nature Park. The count was carried out both visually and by tracking animal footprints.
Photo by Saparbayev S.Q.
The primary goal of the annual winter census in the national park is to inventory the populations of argali, kulan, and goitered gazelle, which are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.
The following totals were recorded in the Altyn-Emel National Park:
- Goitered gazelles: 5,452 individuals
- Kulans: 3,573 individuals
- Argali: 186 individuals
Photo by Saparbayev S.Q.
Today, Altyn-Emel National Park has Kazakhstan’s largest kulan population. According to information from the Ministry of Ecology, the stable growth in hoofed animal numbers makes it possible to relocate them to other historical habitats. For instance, in 2024, 87 kulans were transferred to the Ile-Balkhash (43), Altyn Dala (24) reserves, and to the Sozak Forestry (20).
Staff of the Institute of Zoology at the winter census of hoofed animals in Altyn-Emel SNNP
Photo by Saparbayev S.Q.
February 14, 2025