as vultures and eagles nest in the mountains. Observers
in the steppes spot falcons, hawks, pheasants, grouse and partridges.
Kazakhstan maintains a number of nature reserves. The oldest, established in 1927, is Aksu-Zhabagly. Within its 85,000 hectares dwell some 50 mammal and 240 bird species, including the snow leopard, red bear and golden eagle.
In eastern Kazakhstan, Caspian deer and bears are among the more than 80 animal species in the Markakol Natural Reserve. A mountain lake is home to the unusual uskuch whitefish.
The rare white heron is a distinguished inhabitant of the Naurzum One reserve. Kurgaldzhino is remarkable for its rare bird species, including the Mute Swan and Dalmatian Pelican The Ustyurt Reserve is noted for its reptilians