Located in the northern part of the Tien Shan mountain system, Kolsai Kolderi features unique landscapes of steppes that rise to the iced peaks of the alpine belt, canyons, rivers and scenic lakes framed by coniferous and deciduous forests. The biosphere reserve covers an area of 242,085 ha and is bordered to the south by Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul Biosphere Reserve. The altitude limits of the biosphere reserve range from 800 to 3,800 m above sea level. The Kungei Alatau range is characterized by the undulating terrain of the syrts, above which rises a chain of rocky peaks. The extremely wide variety of climatic conditions in mountainous areas is due to the significant dissection of the terrain, the presence of glaciers, snowfields, orientation and steepness of the slopes.
Description
Surface : 242,085 ha
- Core area(s): 67,962 ha
- Buffer zone(s): 93,083 ha
- Transition zone(s): 81,040 ha
Location: 42.56' N 78.00' E
Administrative Authorities
Biosphere Reserve Kolsai Kolderi
Box: 38 Ultarakova Str
Saty Village, Kegen District, Almaty Oblast, 041422
Kazakhstan
Tel.:+7 (727) 772-76-80
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Ecological Characteristics
The Kolsai Kolderi Biosphere Reserve is home to many rare and endangered species, notably Tien Shan brown bears (Ursus arctos isabellinus), snow leopards (Phantera Phantera uncia), the official symbol of Kazakhstan, and Turkestan lynxes (Lynx lynx isabellinus).
The altitude limits of the biosphere reserve range from 800 to 3,800 m above sea level. The Kungei Alatau range is characterized by the undulating terrain of the syrts, above which rises a chain of rocky peaks.
The extremely wide variety of climatic conditions in mountainous areas is due to the significant dissection of the terrain, the presence of glaciers, snowfields, orientation and steepness of the slopes.
Socio-Economic Characteristics
Kolsai Kolderi Biosphere Reserve is located on the territory of two districts of Almaty region – Kegen and partially Talgar. Most of its 8,000 inhabitants make their living from agriculture and animal husbandry.
In agricultural production, meat and dairy production is predominant. Currently, crop production accounts for 20-25% of the total value of gross agricultural output in the district, and livestock production accounts for 75-80%.
Grain crops, mainly wheat, potatoes, and vegetables are grown on the arable land of the district. There is no major industrial production in the area.
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Last updated: June 2022