Dzungarian Alatau Research Articles

Variability of trace elements in bodies of scrapers (Ephemeroptera) and predators (Plecoptera) from mountain rivers of Dzungarian Alatau (Kazakhstan) and Western Carpathians (Slovakia).

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in aquatic environments can be influenced by local environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations, pH levels, sediment composition, dissolved organic matter content, and the presence of other chemical substances. We analyzed the differences in trace elements accumulation (S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba, and Pb) between two trophic guilds-scrapers (Ephemeroptera) and predators (Plecoptera)-of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates collected from mountain streams in Kazakhstan and Slovakia. Trace elements in dried insect bodies were analyzed using an X-ray spectrometer, and physicochemical parameters of stream water were investigated at each sampling site. Our results showed significant differences in Fe, Ti, and Sr levels in predators from Kazakhstan and Cu levels in predators from Slovakia. Despite some trace elements showing higher concentrations in one group over another, the overall differences between regions were more pronounced. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the primary factors influencing trace elements variability were associated with environmental conditions such as temperature, oxygen levels, and total dissolved solids (TDS). PCA components indicated a higher load of trace elements in the warmer, less oxygenated streams, particularly in Kazakhstan. These findings suggest that both biotic (feeding strategies) and abiotic (geographical and environmental conditions) factors significantly influence trace elements dynamics in freshwater ecosystems.

Identifying Fire Blight-Resistant Malus sieversii Rootstocks Grafted with Cultivar ‘Aport’ Using Monitoring Data

In the present study, the most valuable cultivar ‘Aport krovavo-krasnyy’ was grafted onto M. sieversii genotypes harvested from 11 populations in Dzungarian Alatau and Ile Alatau to identify ones resistant to Erwinia amylovora. The wild apple populations included in the present research have not been previously explored. Seedling population 10, developed using rootstocks from a M. sieversii population growing in Turgen, demonstrated the highest resistance to Erwinia amylovora, showing no fire blight symptoms and no positive PCR results for E. amylovora during the eight years of monitoring in the Talgar field (Kazakhstan) from 2015 to 2022. The population from Steep Tract (seedling population 1) was also valuable for breeding and reduced the pathogen distribution to below 30%. Genotypes from a genetic reserve (seedling population 5) were the most susceptible among the researched populations, with a disease distribution level of 24–95%. In seedling population 5, trees affected at least twice by the pathogen exhibited wilting, shepherd’s crook formation, leaf necrosis, and occasional exudate droplets, while trees in other combinations primarily showed shoot wilting and leaf death. Fire blight disease also developed more rapidly within the plant in seedling population 5; by 2020, one tree nearly died after only two infections.

Tamgas and Petroglyphs in the Kayrakkol and Karakungey Mountains (based on research materials 2022–2023)

The article presents the results of field research in South-Eastern Kazakhstan in 2022–2023. The authors introduce into scientific discourse information about seven locations of rock carvings with tamgas. Fifteen signs and the petroglyphs that accompany them are being published. The drawings are found on open vertical and horizontal planes of large and small rocky outcrops, on the tops of the southern, southwestern and southeastern slopes of the Kairakkol and Karakungey mountains. The rock carvings were made using two main techniques: picketing and surface carving. Sectors with tamgas are part of large clusters of petroglyphs of different periods, but at the same time they are located separately from other drawings. In one case, a similar sector was discovered on rocky planes located at a distance from placers of rock carvings. Figurative images are represented mainly by geometric symbols and their combinations. Diacritics – dots, lines, arcs and curls. The majority are tamgas, which find indirect analogies in the signs of the nomads of the Northern Black Sea region, Ustyurt, Southern Kazakhstan, Southern Siberia and Mongolia at the turn of eras. Among the petroglyphs that accompany the signs, there are images of snake-like and dragon-like figures, silhouette and outline figures of animals, some of which are made in an openwork manner. A new series of tamgas, identified in Eastern Semirechye, shows broad ethnocultural connections, the originality of the region’s population in the Hunno-Sarmatian period and the migration routes of nomads along the Dzungarian Alatau mountain system.

Revised checklist of endemic vascular plants of Kazakhstan.

We compiled a checklist of endemic vascular plants occurring in Kazakhstan, employing an exhaustive examination of literature sources, herbarium collections, databases and field observations. Our study reveals that 451 taxa can be considered endemic to Kazakhstan, constituting 7.97% of the total vascular plant diversity in the country. These endemic taxa, originating from 139 genera and 34 families, predominantly thrive in the southern regions of Kazakhstan, specifically in the mountain ridges of the Kazakh part of the Tian Shan, including Karatau (123 taxa), Dzungarian Alatau (80 taxa) and Trans-Ili and Kungey Alatau (50 taxa). Notably, 107 endemic species are granted legal protection. Detailed information regarding life form, life cycle, conservation status and geographical distribution across floristic regions was meticulously compiled for each endemic taxon. Of the six groups of life forms, herbs include the highest part of endemic taxa (367 taxa), followed by dwarf semishrubs (25 taxa), shrubs (23 taxa), subshrubs (20 taxa), undershrubs (13 taxa) and trees (3 taxa). The observed life cycles are perennials (408 taxa), annuals (33 taxa) and biennials (10 taxa). This paper serves as a fundamental groundwork for prospective investigations aimed at assessing population sizes and hotspots of plant endemism throughout Kazakhstan, crucial for determining conservation status of endemic plants.

Studying the species distribution of rhubarbs (Rheum L.) in Kazakhstan

Critical processing of herbarium materials revealed the distribution in Kazakhstan of 10 species of the genus Rheum, including Rheum compactum L., R. wittrokii Lundstr., which are classified as rare and declining in number. R. altaicum Losinsk. was discovered – relict and endemic of Altai. To clarify the distribution in Kazakhstan and compile a summary of species of the genus Rheum, 143 herbarium sheets (1840 – 2024) from the Altai Botanical Garden (ABG), Institute of Botany (AA), and the digital herbarium of Moscow State University (MW) were reviewed and processed. 253 actual places of growth were identified for 10 species of rhubarb from the flora of Kazakhstan, belonging to 5 sections: Rhapontica A. Los., Deserticola Maxim., Orbicularia A. Los., Spiciformia A. Los., Ribesiformia A. Los. A high species diversity of rhubarb was established in the Dzungarian Alatau, Altai, Tarbagatai and Ile Kungei Alatau. Geographically, the most widespread are R. tataricum, R. nanum and R. wittrockii. The research made it possible to systematize, clarify and supplement information on the species diversity and distribution of the genus Rheum in the flora of Kazakhstan.

Records of new and rare species for mycobiota of southeastern Kazakhstan

The proposed article provides data on two species new to Kazakhstan (Phaeocalicium ahtii (Titov et Baibul.) Titov and Libertella rosae Desm.) and a rare micromycete (Schwarzmannia goebeliae Pisareva). Phaeocalicium ahtii is a facultative saprotroph found in Kazakhstan in the Central Tien Shan on the territory of the Terskey Alatau ridge, at an altitude of 2277 m above sea level, on the branches of Lonicera stenantha Pojark. The species is a climatic endemic, on the territory of Kazakhstan its preservation as a rare species with a limited range (category 3 (R)) can be ensured by its inclusion in the Red Book of the Almaty region and the protection of its natural habitat. Micromycete Libertella rosae, saprotroph, quite widespread in the Northern hemisphere, in Kazakhstan found in the southern tip of the Dzungarian Alatau, at an altitude of 1108 m above sea level, on the branches of Spiraea sp. In the territory with a hot and dry climate, Libertella rosae was also noted in the foothill plain of the Central Kopetdag, in the Central Botanical Garden of Ashgabat. The rare parasitic species Schwarzmannia goebeliae is endemic to Kazakhstan, found in the foothills of the Malaysary ridge, and in the swampy area between the Charyn and Ili rivers, at an altitude of 514–655 m above sea level, on the leaves of Pseudosophora alopecuroides (L.) Sweet. The genus Schwarzmannia Pisareva includes two species, S. goebeliae and S. ammodendri. Currently, genomic sequence data are absent, so the taxonomic position of the genus is uncertain. 
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Differences in the Synergic Accumulation of Toxic Elements in Pelagic and Benthic Fish from Glacier-Fed Rivers of the Dzungarian Alatau

Abstract The determination of potentially toxic element concentrations in fish is an important topic from the point of view of both nature conservation and human consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of S, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, and P in benthic and pelagic fish species in the Karatal river, which is fed by melting glaciers from the Dzungarian Alatau in Kazakhstan. In September 2022, 48 fish samples were collected. It has been demonstrated that the accumulation of chemical elements in fish species can be explained by both the physiological parameters of the fish species and the influence of glaciers that feed river habitats. The data presented in this study provide a synergistic view of pollutants affecting fish populations. Benthic fish contained more manganese and strontium than pelagic species, while the mutual accumulation of potassium, chromium, rubidium, and molybdenum was higher in pelagic fish. The synergistic concentration of calcium and phosphorus in pelagic fish was higher than that in benthic species, while the amount of zinc and sulfur was higher in benthic animals. Relatively elevated levels of mercury in fish were found. The study contributes to the discussion about the role of glacial environments in loading pollutants to aquatic systems.

Biomorphological characteristics of natural forms of Malus sieversii in cenopopulations of the Dzungarian Alatau (Republic of Kazakhstan)

Biomorphological characteristics of natural forms of Malus sieversii in cenopopulations of the Dzungarian Alatau (Republic of Kazakhstan)

Resources of Melliferous and Polleniferous Plants of Central Asia and Kazakhstan Based on Melissopalynological Analysis

Abstract—A palynological study of 82 samples of honey from Middle Asia and Kazakhstan was carried out in order to determine the resources of the key melliferous and polleniferous plants. The obtained results made it possible to establish 8 productive beekeeping zones in the studied territory. The most common pollen combinations are identified for each zone. The selected zones can be combined into two large groups: northern and southern, with a transitional area (zone 3, the Dzungarian Alatau mountain ridge) between them, where honey with mixed palynological characteristics is obtained. In the northern part, in zones 1 and 2 (northern and eastern Kazakhstan) Origanum vulgare L., Rubus idaeus L., Salix L. are important wild native melliferous plants, Helianthus annuus L., Sinapis alba L. are agricultural melliferous plants, and Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. is important polleniferous plant. Further south, in zones 4–8 (south and southeast Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan), the principal wild native melliferous plants are Salvia L., Thymus L., Alhagi Tourn. ex Adans., Halimodendron halodendron (Pall.) C.K. Schneid., Tamarix L., Psoralea drupacea Bunge, agricultural melliferous plants – Gossypium hirsutum L. and Onobrychis Mill., weeds – Echium vulgare L., Onopordum acanthium L., Sophora L., and polleniferous plants – Hypericum L., Artemisia L., Plantago L. and Chenopodiaceae.

The current state of the cenopopulations of Adonis tianschanica (Adolf) Lipsch. (Ranunculaceae) in Southeast Kazakhstan

Abstract. Kulymbet K, Mukhitdinov N, Kubentayev S, Tynybayeva K, Tastanbekova A, Kurmanbayeva M, Gafforov Y, Kaparbay R, Zhumagul M. 2023. The current state of the cenopopulations of Adonis tianschanica (Adolf) Lipsch. (Ranunculaceae) in Southeast Kazakhstan. Biodiversitas 24: 4359-4372. Adonis tianschanica (Adolf) Lipsch. is a rare, sub-endemic species growing in the Tien Shan mountains with declining numbers, making it listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The aim of the study is to investigate the distribution and abundance of A. tianschanica cenopopopulations (CP) in its natural habitats in southeastern Kazakhstan as well as assess soil characteristics, biological and arealogical features, including the ontogenetic structure of cenopopopulations. Five cenopopulations (CP) of A. tianschanica were identified, namely two CPs in Ketmen Ridge (Kegen Pass), two CPs in Dzungarian Alatau (Tekeli Gorge) and one CP in Terskey Alatau (Saryzhaz). Vegetation data were collected using the traditional methods of field geobotanical studies based on the ecological-physiognomic approach.Plant communities having dominant species from a single ecobiomorph and ecologically related species groups.We complemented the population analysis with a soil properties map compiled from existing cartographic and available literature. The results of this study indicated the low number of A. tianschanica individuals in all CPs, which is likely due to the biological characteristics of the species (i.e. low seed production and seedling recruitment and the lack of vegetative regeneration) as well as environmental factors, and anthropogenic impact, mainly grazing with. We found that the total number of individuals of A. tianschanica in the five cenopopulations was 106 individuals. The average density of the species varied from 1.3 to 3.1 plants/m2 with CP2 being the highest and CP5 the lowest. The five cenopopulations were classified based on the absolute maxima of ontogenetic groups. There were two maxima in the age composition of individuals in CPs 3 and 4: the first (18.8-42.1%) was a group of vegetative plants (v), and the second (21.1-50.0%) was a group of young generative plants (g1). The natural state of the habitat of this cenopopulation can be explained as more favorable than others. In CP2, the absolute maximum corresponded to vegetative plants group (v) (37.0%). In CP5, young generative individuals (g1) and mature generative (g2) predominated (from 30.8% to 38.4%). In terms of age composition, the state of A. tianschanica cenopopulations is considered relatively satisfactory but demonstrated a low level of abundance. It has been established that the state of the species populations in the studied regions is affected by soil conditions, changes in climatic conditions and anthropogenic impact.

The current state of the population of the rare species Tulipa brachystemon Regel in the western spurs of the Dzungarian Alatau (Matai Mountains)

This article provides data from studies conducted during the research trip in 2022 in the Matai mountains. Two cenopopulations of Tulipa brachystemon Regel have been described. The number of generative individuals for the 1st cenopopulation is 21.5 per 1 m2 and 16 vegetative individuals; for the 2nd cenopopulation - 12.3 generative and 42 vegetative individuals. The species composition of the population for the spring period includes 21 species for the first and 27 species for the second cenopopulation. Studied cenopopulations are of normal type, full-membered, actively present in the seed way.

Remote sensing as a tool of biological conservation and grassland monitoring in mountain areas of Southeastern Kazakhstan

Grassland degradation, as a worldwide phenomenon, has economic and bio-conservation aspects. Degradation of mountain grasslands severely impacts the stability of ecosystems in fragile mountain environments and may destroy the habitats of many endemic and endangered species. One of the significant triggers of mountain grassland degradation, along with the possible consequences of climate change, is massive overgrazing. Overgrazing may seriously influence the ecosystem since it results in plant composition changes, soil erosion, water regime disturbances, etc., up to the disappearance of the entire ecosystem. It is crucial to have a reliable and cost-effective instrument for the ecosystem assessment of remote and hardly accessible mountain areas supported by accurate methods of vegetation parameter estimation since the vegetation cover is first to react to externally driven disturbances. The current study was conducted in the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains, inhabited by the rare and endemic anuran amphibian Ranodon sibiricus (Kessler, 1886). The project of the Conservation International Foundation (CIF/326/21) was aimed at the strategy of species conservation. The current study emphasises estimating the overgrazing risks for the amphibian population. More than two hundred ground measurements were done within the Upper Koksu Forestry and adjacent areas to provide representative data on the vegetation parameters. We tested a series of spectral indices related to vegetation biophysical parameters. We found the DWSI, GrNDVI, IRECI and NDI45 indices to provide the best correlations and reasonable accuracy for remote measurements of above-ground biomass, grass cover, and unpalatable grass content. Sentinel-2 data with the red-edge bands, in most cases, provided better performance. Our study confirmed that the use of a single criterion (like above-ground biomass) might result in a serious underestimation of grassland degradation. Data obtained from field surveys and satellite information analysis allowed the evaluation of the optimal grazing load for the Upper Koksu Forestry and provided recommendations for the Action Plan on the Conservation of Ranodon sibiricus.

Remote sensing as a tool of biological conservation and grassland monitoring in mountain areas of Southeastern Kazakhstan

Grassland degradation, as a worldwide phenomenon, has economic and bio-conservation aspects. Degradation of mountain grasslands severely impacts the ecosystem stability in fragile mountain environments and may destroy habitats of many endemic and endangered species. One of the significant triggers of mountain grassland degradation, along with possible consequences of climate change, is massive overgrazing. Overgrazing may seriously influence the ecosystem since it results in plant composition changes, soil erosion, water regime disturbances, etc., up to the disappearance of the entire ecosystem. It is crucial to have a reliable and cost-effective instrument for the ecosystem assessment of remote and hardly accessible mountain areas supported with accurate methods of the vegetation parameters estimation since the vegetation cover is first to react to externally driven disturbances. The current study was conducted in Dzungarian Alatau Mountains, inhabited by the rare and endemic anuran amphibian Ranodon sibiricus, Kessler, 1886. The project of the Conservation International Foundation (CIF/326/21) was aimed at the strategy of this species conservation. The current study emphasises estimating the overgrazing risks for the amphibian population. More than two hundred ground measurements were done within the Upper Koksu Forestry and adjacent areas to provide representative data on the vegetation parameters. We tested a series of spectral indices related to vegetation biophysical parameters. We found DWSI, GrNDVI, IRECI and NDI45 indices to provide the best correlations and reasonable accuracy for remote measurements of above-ground biomass, grasscover and unpalatable grass content. Sentinel-2 data with the red-edge bands, in most cases, provided better performance. Our study confirmed the use of a single criterion (like above-ground biomass) might result in a serious underestimation of grassland degradation. Data obtained from field survey and satellite information analysis allowed the evaluation of the optimal grazing load for the Upper Koksu Forestry and provided recommendations for the Action Plan on the conservation of Ranodon sibiricus.

The role of using legends associated with tourist sites of the Altynemel State National Natural Park in excursion activities

This article describes the peculiarities of using legends in excursion activities, which are associated with the origin of Zhetysu tourist sites. The emphasis is on attractions located in the Altynemel State National Natural Park on the territory of the Dzungarian Alatau. In the study, the authors dwell on the most significant attractions of this region, paying attention to the history of their origin. Using these legends can serve as a way to attract tourists. For example, the historical site of Oshaktas is associated with a legend according to which in the Middle Ages there was a hearth here where food was prepared for warriors. The Besshatyr burial mounds are associated with the reign of the Saka queen Tomiris. The sounds that the Ajғaj құm makes are also associated with various legends. The authors conclude that the use of legends in excursion activities makes the tourist sites of our country especially attractive.

Орёл-могильник на юго-востоке Казахстана в 2022–2023 годах: распространение, численность, угрозы

Орёл-могильник на юго-востоке Казахстана в 2022–2023 годах: распространение, численность, угрозы

Современный статус степного орла в Казахстане

Современный статус степного орла в Казахстане

К фауне и экологии мух-журчалок (Diptera, Syrphidae) хребта Тарбагатай (Восточный Казахстан)

The results of studies conducted in 2021 in some areas of the southern macroslope of the Tarbagatai Ridge, which are part of the Tarbagatai State National Natural Park, are presented. The purpose of the work is to identify the species composition of hoverflies in the national park and study their ecological characteristics. The studies were carried out according to generally accepted methods in entomology. The work was carried out on 2 sites located in the mid-mountain altitudinal landscape zone and 1 — in the small hills (the southern spur of the main ridge). 37 species of hoverflies belonging to 20 genera of 10 tribes of 3 subfamilies were identified. The local hoverfly fauna is heterogeneous both within one belt (middle mountains) and between belts (middle mountains/small hills). The similarity of faunas in the first case is 21.4%, in the second — 10.8%. Hoverflies were found on flowers of plants of 7 families: Brassicaceae, Rosaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, and Lamiaceae. The largest number of fly species was found on the family Apiaceae – 73.1%. In addition to flowering plants, a significant number of fly species (39.3%) were noted in other habitats, such as non-flowering plants and vegetative parts of flowering plants, on the ground, at a watering place, etc. The distribution and ratio of syrphid species depending on the food specialization of the larval phase were traced. Entomophagous dominate in all areas, represented mainly by species of the tribe Syrphini. The novelty of this work is due to the fact that hoverflies have not been studied in the Tarbagatai Ridge so far. The research results are significantly different from the data obtained by the author earlier in the Northern Tien Shan and the Dzungarian Alatau. Thus, it points out the great peculiarity of the ecological features of the local fauna of the syrphidflies of the region.

Distribution of Saussurea species on the territory of Zhongar-Alatau State National Natural Park

The article presents the results of geobotanical studies of genus Saussurea in the conditions of the Zhongar-Alatau State National Natural Park. The lack of knowledge of the species diversity of endemic species, including genus Saussurea is an actual problem. In the Dzungarian Alatau there are more than 76 species of endemic plants, including Saussurea species listed in the Red Book. The species diversity of genus Saussurea in Kazakhstan is represented by 41 species, of which 8 species are endemic for Kazakhstan. The species diversity of Saussurea genus in the conditions of the Dzungarian Alatau, their distribution and phytocenotic characteristics were studied. The mountainous regions of Kazakhstan are characterized by a belt distribution, high biodiversity, rich vegetation and specific of flora, and on the territory of the Dzungarian Alatau, genus Saussurea is represented by 11 species, among which there are 2 endemic species (S. ninae, S. coronate), as well as 1 relict endemic (S. involucrata). It is established that a large number of Saussurea species grow at an altitude of 1600-3000 above sea level. 5 species of Saussure (S. schanginiana, S. leucophylla, S. gnaphaloides, S. sordida and S. involucrata) were found at an altitude of 2600-3200 m, which proves that these species are high-altitude.

Integrative taxonomy tests possible hybridisation between Central Asian cerambycids (Coleoptera)

AbstractHybridisation can lead to the formation of new evolutionary lineages and some described insect species may in fact be first‐generation hybrids of their parental species. Anoplistes forticornis and A. galusoi are two closely related cerambycid taxa endemic to Central Asia that exhibit a peculiar geographical distribution. Although the common diagnostic elytral pattern makes these beetles superficially easily distinguishable, there are marked resemblances in their morphology. By applying an integrative taxonomy approach, we verify the taxonomic status of A. forticornis and A. galusoi and test the possibility of hybridisation. The results of our comprehensive morphological examination and molecular analyses targeting mitochondrial (COI, 16S rRNA) and nuclear (arginine kinase, CAD, 28S rRNA) genes support the specific status of these taxa. In mtDNA, the putative hybrid specimen is more closely related to A. forticornis, which indicates that a female of this species bred with a male of A. galusoi. The supposed ecotypic variability (manifested in elytral pattern) is apparently not related to the topography or spatial structure of habitat. The phylogenetic hypothesis supports a peripatric scenario in which populations of the common ancestor had been separated for a significant period of time, first by the mountain ranges of Dzungarian Alatau (~11–10 Ma) and ultimately by the Ili River. The diverged taxa came into recent secondary contact following these isolation events. The methodology presented herein can be widely applied to identify first‐generation hybridisation in Coleoptera.

Monitoring of natural and climate changes in the distribution area of the rare medicinal species Adonis Tianschanica Lipsch (Adolf)

The article monitors climatic changes in the distribution zones of the rare, medicinal species Adonis tianschanica Lipsch using the GIS method. Distribution areas of the species: population 1 – Kegen Pass, population 2 – Dzungarian Alatau (Tekeli), population 3 – Terskei Alatau. The article discusses 19 different databases describing the climate, and provides a link to all databases. To compare the two databases, CHELSEA 2.1 (CA) and WorldClim v1, v2 (WC) were selected. The description of the database took into account spatial resolution (data tolerance and spatial scale), periods (covered periods and frequency of data), the main important climatic information (temperature, precipitation). When the data set was available by month, long-term averages were calculated for comparison (1980-1999, 2000-2018). To reduce the number of maps, only annual values were compared. According to the average temperature and the amount of precipitation for these periods (1980-1999, 2000-2018), 16 maps were compiled for 2 databases in which the data were compared and evaluated. According to the air temperature – the average and maximum average, information is given about the percentage of differences, maximum, minimum temperatures. According to the amount of precipitation 1980-1999, 2000-2018, information on precipitation on average for the period is provided. We have to say that such a comparison is not a database check. According to expert knowledge, we can compare and represent only variables with the appropriate distribution and avoid databases that differ significantly from others (for example, WorldClim v2 for temperature). Key words: Adonis tianschanica Lipsch (Adolf), endem, population, climate, Dzungarian Alatau, Terskey Alatau, temperature, precipitation.