Wildlife of Altyn-Emel National Park
Altyn-Emel National Park was established to protect rare ecosystems, cultural and historical monuments, and paleontological objects found in the Ili intermountain basin. The park boasts an array of landscapes including desert and steppe zones, mountain areas, forests, alpine meadows, and reservoirs. Altyn-Emel is an open-air zoo and arboretum of rare species.
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Rare and endangered animals
The park's fauna impresses visitors with its unique representatives. Among the notable animals are the snow leopard, a rare and endangered predator that is sometimes spotted in the park's mountainous regions; Przewalski's horse, an endangered species of wild horse; Himalayan brown bear, which is rarely seen by visitors; and the ranodon, an endangered species of tailed amphibian endemic to the Dzungarian Alatau.
The park also protects other animals such as Pewzow's toads, Central Asian frogs, goitered gazelles, onagers, steppe turtles, spotted toad-headed agamas, manuls, and more.
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Indigenous plants
Altyn-Emel offers visitors the opportunity to see endemic plants that grow only within the park. Among these plants are the Aquilegia vitalii, a beautiful fragile flower of blue color that grows mainly in rocky cracks and mountain talus; the Siberian fritillary, a rare flower of pale yellow color found in mountain meadows and rocks; the Sievers apple tree, a famous endemic tree whose fruits are considered the progenitors of all apples, including aport apple, the symbol of Almaty; and the Ferula iliensis, an endangered medicinal plant with sunny yellow flowers and long thin leaves.
Other notable plants in the park include the Astragalus dshimensis, which grows on the rocky slopes of Mount Sholak and the Ile Alatau Mountains; the Ironwood, which forms dense forests that do not rot and do not sink in water, found in the area of the Sholak and Degeres mountains near river floodplains; the Turanga or gray poplar, the dominant tree in the park, which occurs both singly and in small groups; and the 700-year-old willow, where visitors can rest in the shade of its spreading branches and enjoy the beautiful view of the oasis.
In the desert areas, visitors can find wild rue, revered as a mystical plant that can scare away evil spirits. It has a peculiar aroma, which becomes stronger after the dry twigs are set on fire, and is often used for the ritual purification of various rooms.
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Unique birds
Altyn-Emel is also home to a variety of bird species such as the Himalayan vulture, the largest bird in Kazakhstan and all of Eurasia; the European roller, an extremely rare bird in Kazakhstan that sometimes nests in turanga hollows or in holes on cliffs; houbara bustard which is often seen walking and foraging in the park's grasslands; and the black stork, which nests in the Sholak and Kalkan mountains. The park is also home to golden eagles, ferruginous ducks, demoiselle cranes, white-tailed eagles, and more.
Altyn-Emel National Park not only shelters rare flora and fauna but also encompasses ancient historical sites and fascinating natural wonders. Read about them in this article.
Recommended tours:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Altyn-Emel National Park 2-Day Tour")
Visit the stunning Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan, established to protect endangered species of plants and animals. Witness breathtaking landscapes and wildlife during your visit.
Discover the highlights of Altyn-Emel National Park, including the stunning Singing Dune and the striking Aktau Mountains, along with Kazakhstan's most awe-inspiring canyon, Charyn Canyon.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Altyn-Emel National Park Off-Road Tour")
On request
Explore Altyn-Emel National Park on an exciting 3-day off-road journey, filled with discoveries and unforgettable experiences!
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Altyn-Emel National Park and Charyn Canyon Off-Road Tour")
On request
If you like spending time in nature and delight in discovering the new and unusual – come join us on this off-road tour in Altyn Emel Natural Park and Charyn Canyon!