Kulujun Nature Reserve.
Kazakhstan reserves. The Biggest reserves in Kazakhstan

It is located 180 km away from Ust-Kamenogorsk - 3,5 hours journey.

We are driving on the good asphalted road at comfortable driving speed up to 70 km/h. The road goes through picturesque spurs of Kalbinskiy mountain range, allowing us to observe steppe or dense pine forests, through the ways of dzhungar tribes' camps, through the territory where ancient kazakh belligerent tribes Argyn and Najman lived.

South mountainside of Kalba here and there is covered with bushwood. One can notice there massifs of almond-tree (Amygdalus ledebouriana) - endemic plant of south-west Altai and Tarbogatay. Rare species of orchids - orchis cassideous (Orchis militaris L.) is found on the moist and waterlogged meadows.

Beside Samarskoe village, north-western part of Zaisan hollow appears. It is northern end of Asian deserts, inhabited by original fauna and flora. On the bank of Bukhtarma reservoir and in the valley of Kuludzhun river, Kuludzhun nature reserve is located. It was created for guarding of roedeer wintering and for preserving the unique fauna and flora. It is typical sandy desert. - Over the plain there towered huge sand dunes, overgrown at northern sides by desert plants: (Calligonum), juniper (Iuniperus). The remains of Khatun-Karagay pine forests, disappeared at the end of the IX century, still can be found on the sand-dunes.

The flora of Kyzylkumy includes about 200 species of higher plants. Among them locoweed white-pannose are included into the Kazakhstanee Red Book. Vegitation of the nature reserve is distinguished by great diversity.

About 20 species of animals, over 80 species of birds, 5 species of reptiles and 2 species of amphibia are found here. Desert species prevail: big-eared hedgehog, corsac, jerboas: rough-legged, dzhungar salpingotus, Eversman hamster.

The birds in the nature reserve can be divided into two groups according to their bio-types. Larks, achromatic grouse, quail live in sandy regions. Rare: gray crane, belladonna, bustard, little bustard, jack, dwarf eagle, raptor. Common: black-foreheaded shrike, white-throat.

In the swampy-river floodlands of Kuludzhun the following birds build their nests - bittern, big egret, grey ardea, grey goose, wild duck, , grey duck, etc. Among reptiles there can be found Zaisan round-headed lizard, agile lizard.

Some species living in the nature reserve are included into the Kazakhstanee Red Book: Dzhungar salpingotus, bustard, little bustard, jack. This nature reserve is of great importance for roe-deer protection. The concentration of roe-deer in winter here amounts up to 300 heads.

Joint project of OrexCA.com and KTA & KAGIR. Information is taken from CD "All about tourism in Kazakhstan"