Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan


Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan is a part of the Kazakh Uplands which has been designated a world heritage site by UNESCO. It was inscribed on July 7, 2008.
The site comprises the Naurzum State Nature Reserve and Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve. The two reserves contain wetlands which serve as important stop-over points for migrating birds from Africa, Europe, and South Asia. It is estimated that 15–16 million birds, including many endangered species, use the site as a feeding ground. The pink flamingos in particular are a major attraction within Korgalzhyn Reserve.
The site is also home to wildlife commonly found on the Kazakh steppe, including marmots, wolves, and the endangered saiga. Korgalshyn nature reserve, being a part of world heritage site, is one of the most popular areas in Kazakhstan in terms of birdwatching