Aksu-Zhabagly
Second on the list of destinations to visit in Kazakhstan is Aksu-Zhabagly is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia, having been established in 1926. Aksu-Zhabagly is a delight to explore, with everything from towering, snow-capped mountain peaks and glaciers to flowing rivers, wide valleys, and, of course, limitless grassland.
The natural reserve is full with stunning panoramas and a profusion of beautiful fauna.
It is home to 48 percent of regional bird species, 72.5 percent of vertebrates, 221 out of 254 fungal species, 63 out of 80 moss species, 15 out of 180 plant formations found in the West Tien Shan. On the reserve, around 2,500 insect species have been identified.
Agriculture is the primary land use in the region, with cereal cultures (such as wheat and barley) growing on rain-fed regions and forage cultures (such as maize, clover, and alfalfa) planted on irrigated arable lands. Cattle, sheep (South-Kazakh Merino), goats, horses (trotters and Donskaya breed), and poultry are raised by the locals (chicken and turkey).
- Acreage: 357,734 ha
- Best things to do: Hiking and horse riding, Birdwatching and botanizing, Rock climbing
- Location: southern province of the Republic of Kazakhstan
