Karatau Nature Reserve

Karatau Nature Reserve (Kazakh: Қаратау мемлекеттік табиғи қорығы, Qaratau memlekettık tabiği qoryğy) is a wildlife refuge in the mid-part of the Karatau Mountains, near Kyzylkum, Betpak-Dala and Moiynkum deserts in the South Kazakhstan Region of Kazakhstan, in Central Asia.

Karatau Nature Reserve
2017 stamp sheet of Kazakhstan dedicated to the Karatau Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Karatau Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Karatau Nature Reserve
LocationSouth Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan
Nearest cityKentau
Coordinates43°43′0″N 68°44′0″E / 43.71667°N 68.73333°E / 43.71667; 68.73333
Area34 300 ha
Established2004
Governing bodyForestry and Wildlife Committee Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Websitekaratau-gpz.kz

It was founded in 2004. Its territory is around 34 300 ha. Some 700 species of plants constitute its flora, 62 species are endemic. Its fauna includes, among others, the Kara Tau argali, Indian crested porcupine and beech marten. There are 118 bird species in the area.

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