Kazakh Altai Research Articles

Hotspot and conservation gap analysis of endemic vascular plants in the Altai Mountain Country based on a new global conservation assessment

The Altai Mountains of Central and North Asia are biologically rich and comprise a wide range of ecosystems and phytogeographical regions. According to the latest checklist, a total of 321 endemic vascular plant species, including 217 endemic and 104 subendemic taxa, have been recognized in the Altai Mountain Country (AMC). In this study, we conducted species risk assessment, distribution evaluation and conservation gap analysis for the endemic vascular flora of the AMC. The conservation status of 217 endemic species was assessed at the global level using the ConR package. As a result, 197 species were evaluated as potentially threatened, of which 101 are critically endangered (CR), 72 species are endangered (EN), and 24 species are vulnerable (VU). The remaining 20 species were evaluated as not threatened. Furthermore, the AMC was divided into 350 grid cells, with a grid cell size of 50 × 50 km2, for the spatial assessments of the endemic vascular plants. A total of 2657 unique georeferenced occurrences of endemic species were found and analyzed with three endemism indices, species richness (SR), weighted endemism (WE), and corrected weighted endemism (CWE), to quantify geographic patterns and centers of endemism across the whole AMC. The results showed that the endemic species are spread across 186 grid cells and distributed unevenly within the AMC. According to the conservation gap analysis, the main hotspots of endemism (i.e., SR and WE indices) were found at high elevations in the Russian Altai, while the CWE points to the Kazakh Altai as a hotspot, and many such hotspots are currently afforded no formal protections.

Damage of soil cover due to the impact of tourism in the Altai mountains

This article presents the results of a study on soil cover damage caused by uncontrolled tourism in the Kazakhstan Altai and Mongolian Altai ranges. According to the expedition and laboratory work, it was determined that the soil cover of 182,7 km long territory in the Mongolian Altay range was damaged due to the ruts of vehicles and the trampling of tourists. More than 56,9% of these measured areas were completely destroyed, and 35,4% became rocky or desert. In the Altai ridge of Kazakhstan, the soil cover was damaged due to the formation of branch roads on an area of ​​705,7 ha, which was 55,3 km long. Approximately 84,4% of the total recorded area is moderately damaged and the growth of plants and grasses has decreased. During the determination of soil contamination with heavy metals, a total of 40 samples were taken from 8 coordinates and analyzed. The amount of lead and nickel in the soil has increased by 2-4 times due to the influence of tourism in both the Mongolian Altai Range and the Kazakh Altai Range. Cadmium element was not found at all. The content of other heavy metals such as chromium, copper, and zinc is slightly increased and accumulated at the bottom of the road. In both Kazakhstan and Mongolia, it was determined that the soil is polluted with heavy metals only by tourists' cars, as there is no mining, metallurgical plants, or resorts within 300 km.   Keywords:  Kazakhstan Altai Ridge, Mongolian Altai Ridge, soil cover, soil pollution.

Отбор по комплексу хозяйственно-ценных признаков формообразцов житняка гребневидного во флоре Калбинского Алтая и их интродукция в Алтайском ботаническом саду

The aim of the study is to select Agropyron pectinatum molds from different ecological and geographical places of growth in the natural populations of the Kalbinsky Altai according to a complex of morphological and economically valuable features and their introduction testing in the Altai Botanical Garden. Wild samples of various ecological and geographical origins served as the material for the study. The samples were evaluated during expedition trips on the territory of the Kalbinsky Altai. At the same time, classical methods in geobotany, seed production, and morphology were used. According to the research results, 5 groups of combshaped granary associations were evaluated based on a complex of morphological and economically valuable indicators of interest as a source material for creating highly productive pasture and hay lands in the arid regions of the Kazakh Altai. The dominance of morphometric and counting features of aboveground organs of Agropyron pectinatum in all examined associations was found at high and medium levels of variability, rarely at low and occasionally at very high. All the seed samples of Agropyron pectinatum in the culture of the Altai Botanical Garden turned out to be winter-hardy, with a full cycle of seasonal development, mediumflowering, responding to the conditions of culture by increasing the morphometric indicators of terrestrial organs, the mass of 1000 pcs. seeds and yields. Polymorphic and high-yielding 2 cultivated seed samples from the wheat-alfalfa and shrub-wheat associations were selected as promising for inclusion in the second stage of introduction as initial samples for breeding studies.

Предварительные итоги исследования памятников сяньбийского времени в Казахском Алтае

This article is devoted to the preliminary results of the study of the materials obtained during the excavations on the territory of the Kazakh Altai archaeological complex of the Xianbei period at the Berel burial ground. Aft er the fall of the Hunnic Empire, the nomadic association of Xianbei, known from Chinese written sources, had a huge infl uence on the appearance of the archaeological cultures of Altai. For the fi rst time in Altai, archaeological material concerning this polyethnic community was obtained in the last quarter of the last century. However, for a long time, archaeologists could not identify the Xianbei site from other numerous excavated archaeological sites. For the purpose of detailed cultural and chronological identifi cation, Chinese materials were used, which made it possible to bring the problem of identifying Xianbei sites to a qualitatively new level. On the territory of the Kazakh Altai, the period of intensive study of the Xianbei circle of sites began in 2015, when a series of new funeral and memorial structures was opened. These studies allowed not only expanding the boundaries of this community and, but also putting forward the thesis about the large-scale penetration of the Xianbei in the 3rd–4th centuries AD into the territory under consideration.

Horse equipment of medieval nomads of the Kazakh Altai (based on materials from the Tuyetas burial ground)

Medieval horse equipment from the Kurchum district of East Kazakhstan region has been discovered. The importance of this discovery is that we now can clarify aspects of the evolution of material culture for the people of Southwestern Altai during the Middle Ages. Most likely, the horse equipment for horseback riding was an indicator of the social status of a nomad warrior. This horse equipment from the Tuyetas burial ground was located separately from the horse skeleton and consisted of fragmented belts with metal decorations, wood, metal, and textiles. The front pieces of these objects are decorated with embossed floral and geometric ornaments, and coated with amalgamated gold. As a result of the relatively good preservation of these objects, we were able to reconstruct this horse equipment of a riding horse. An examination of the technological aspects of the textiles associated with the horse equipment was also conducted using methods of optical and electron microscopy and chemical analysis. Such methods allowed for the, determination of the composition and structure of textiles, the identification of fibers, leather, fur, and color dyes.A comparative typological analysis of the findings suggests that the horse equipment is most similar morphologically and technologically to the Kimek society (9th–10th centuries).

CURRENT STATE OF POPULATIONS OF DAPHNE ALTAICA (THYMELACEAE) IN KAZAKH ALTAI

The article presents data on the distribution of the rare endemic species Daphne altaica Pall in the Kazakh Altai. Three isolated populations were found forming the main ecological optimum of the species.

Current state of populations of Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) in East Kazakhstan

BackgroundBased on world experience, first, a modern assessment of the flora is needed to develop strategies for the conservation of ecosystems of rare and endangered plant species. A regional and global biodiversity strategy should focus on assessing the current state of bioresources. To preserve the biodiversity of the species and its habitat, we evaluated botanical features, ontogenetic phases, the ecological and phytocenotic structure of the rare and endangered of Rhodiola rosea L. (golden rose root) populations from the highlands of Eastern Kazakhstan.ResultsR. rosea in the study region lives on damp mossy rocks, rocky slopes, overgrown moraines and along the banks of mountain rivers in the upper limit of cedar-larch forests, subalpine and alpine belts, in the altitude limit of 1700–2400 m. In the studied region, R. rosea begins to vegetate in May–June, blooms in June–July, the fruits ripen in August. The species is encountered in the high mountain ranges of the Kazakh Altai and Saur-Tarabagatai. Unfavorable habitat conditions for the species are overgrown by sedge-grass and birch-moss communities. The most common species at sites with R. rosea are: Schulzia crinita, Achillea ledebourii, Doronicum altaicum, Macropodium nivale, Hylotelephium telephium, Rhodiola algida, Carex capillaris, C. aterrima. Ontogenetic study revealed that all age-related phases were present, with the exception of the senile states. Individual life expectancy shown to be 50–55 years. The analysis of the species composition in the communities with R. rosea showed that the leading families in terms of the number of accompanying species are Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Caryophyllaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae; while the most dominant genera are: Carex, Aconitum, Dracocephalum, Festuca, Pedicularis, Poa, Salix; the ecological groups are dominated by psychrophytes, mesophytes mesopsychrophytes; the Asian, Eurasian, and Holarctic groups are the most represented groups. Dominant life forms according to Serebyakov were rod-rooted, brush-rooted, short-rooted and long-rooted grasses, while based on Raunkiaer’s groups the overwhelming majority consisted of Hemincryptophytes (74%).ConclusionsThe R. rosea populations of Kazakhstan represent an important gene stock of the species. Our study provides new insights into the species’ biology thus contributes to the conservation of biodiversity on a wide spatial scale.

Primer Binding Site (PBS) Profiling of Genetic Diversity of Natural Populations of Endemic Species Allium ledebourianum Schult.

Endemic species are especially vulnerable to biodiversity loss caused by isolation or habitat specificity, small population size, and anthropogenic factors. Endemic species biodiversity analysis has a critically important global value for the development of conservation strategies. The rare onion Allium ledebourianum is a narrow-lined endemic species, with natural populations located in the extreme climatic conditions of the Kazakh Altai. A. ledebourianum populations are decreasing everywhere due to anthropogenic impact, and therefore, this species requires preservation and protection. Conservation of this rare species is associated with monitoring studies to investigate the genetic diversity of natural populations. Fundamental components of eukaryote genome include multiple classes of interspersed repeats. Various PCR-based DNA fingerprinting methods are used to detect chromosomal changes related to recombination processes of these interspersed elements. These methods are based on interspersed repeat sequences and are an effective approach for assessing the biological diversity of plants and their variability. We applied DNA profiling approaches based on conservative sequences of interspersed repeats to assess the genetic diversity of natural A. ledebourianum populations located in the territory of Kazakhstan Altai. The analysis of natural A. ledebourianum populations, carried out using the DNA profiling approach, allowed the effective differentiation of the populations and assessment of their genetic diversity. We used conservative sequences of tRNA primer binding sites (PBS) of the long-terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons as PCR primers. Amplification using the three most effective PBS primers generated 628 PCR amplicons, with an average of 209 amplicons. The average polymorphism level varied from 34% to 40% for all studied samples. Resolution analysis of the PBS primers showed all of them to have high or medium polymorphism levels, which varied from 0.763 to 0.965. Results of the molecular analysis of variance showed that the general biodiversity of A. ledebourianum populations is due to interpopulation (67%) and intrapopulation (33%) differences. The revealed genetic diversity was higher in the most distant population of A. ledebourianum LD64, located on the Sarymsakty ridge of Southern Altai. This is the first genetic diversity study of the endemic species A. ledebourianum using DNA profiling approaches. This work allowed us to collect new genetic data on the structure of A. ledebourianum populations in the Altai for subsequent development of preservation strategies to enhance the reproduction of this relict species. The results will be useful for the conservation and exploitation of this species, serving as the basis for further studies of its evolution and ecology.

Collection of rare plant species of Kazakhstan in the conditions of the botanical garden of Almaty

The collection of rare species in the botanical garden of Almaty (Kazakhstan) consists of 36 species of rareplants. The Botanical garden is located in the foothill zone of the Zailiysky Alatau ridge, which is part of the Northern TienShan mountain system. A collection of rare and endemic species from the mountainous regions of the Northern, Western Tien Shan, and the Kazakh Altai was created, but most of their work was carried out in the mountains of the NorthernTien Shan. The largest species composition of the collection are groups of plants of the genera Tulipa – 25 %, Iris –14 %,Allium – 8.3 %. The largest ecological group in the collection of rare species is represented by ephemeroid geophytes. Introduction tests have shown that ephemeroid drought-resistant plants adapt best to the conditions of the foothill zone of theTrans-Ili Alatau. Xerophyte plants are short-lived, often suffer from the accumulation of snow in winter and the abundance of spring precipitation. Mesophytic plants are prone to drying out from lack of humidity and high air temperaturesin the summer.

Territorial Assessment of the East Kazakhstan Geo/Ecotourism: Sustainable Travel Prospects in the Southern Altai Area

In spite of picturesque landscapes, natural beauties and authentic traditional lifestyles to be seen in East Kazakhstan, tourism is far from being developed. The Kazakh Altai (called the Kazakh Switzerland) is one the most colourful parts of the country and, indeed, all Central Asia. The attractiveness of this geographically isolated region (formerly a part of the Imperial Russia), consisting of rocky semi-deserts, vast parkland-steppes, and rugged mountain terrains, is reflected in its distinctive geological and geomorphological character, its pristine nature, and its extraordinary geodiversity and biodiversity. This study presents a roster of geotourism and ecotourism loci for the broader Altai area within a framework of sustainable development. The modelled assessment of the tourism and recreation potential is based upon multi-proxy analyses of GIS, DEM, and cartographic data. It integrates the most appealing natural (biotic and abiotic) site-specific natural features across all physiographic zones within a broad region. The most significant and representative geosites fall within three geographic sectors suitable for geo- and ecotourism. Prospects for travel to these places are enhanced by the presence of numerous prehistoric archaeological sites and historical monuments, which document the rich, multi-ethnic background of Kazakhstan and the ancient Silk Road that traverses it. These geological, environmental and cultural resources, and the regional geoheritage and environmental conservation concepts have been figured into strategies for economic growth of rural Kazakhstan. Visitors travelling to this most appealing region are constrained by climate of pronounced continentality, seasonality, geographic accessibility, the international border-zone regulations and a lack of services of an international standard.

The comparative morphometric analysis of seeds representatives of the genus Paeonia L. (Paeoniaceae Rudolphi) of the Kazakh Altai’s flora, introduced in the Altai Botanical Garden

The article provides data on the study of the external structure, morphometric and weight parameters of seeds of the complex of Paeonia anomala L., P. hybridа Pall., P. intermedia C.A. Mey., grown in the conditions of the mountain-taiga zone of the Kazakhstan Altai, and clarification of the possibility of using these characters to distinguish between species. The primary analysis of the seed material revealed differences in the length, width and thickness of the seed in the cultivated samples from different ecological and geographical conditions of the habitats. A comparative study of such morphometric and weight parameters as the external structure, length, width, and thickness of seeds of the samples of Paeonia anomala, P. hybrida, P. intermedia, introduced from different ecological and geographical habitats of Kazakhstan Altai, revealed a certain variation in the selected parameters in the species. When comparing the external morphological structure of P. intermedia and P. anomala, the differences were practically not established, due to the close relationship of the species. When comparing the average metric and weight parameters of seeds in the Paeonia anomala specimens taken from ridge Ivanovsky, did not reveal significant differences. This happened despite the interpopulation difference in quality of the planting material with respect to ecology and location above sea level. This indicates the evenness of the length, width, and thickness of the seed material of the cultivated Paeonia anomala specimens. In cultivate specimens of P. hybrida from Narym ridge and Azutau in the ratio of the length, width and thickness of the seed, as well as the weight of 1000 pieces, seed differences were observed. Despite the low level of variability of morphological parameters of seeds, it is premature to recommend them for differentiation of species due to the short duration of the study period.

Geographical distribution and ecological-phitocenotic features of orchids of the Southern Altai in the Kazakh Altai

According to the results of the study, 14 species of orchids were found in the flora of the southern Altai in2019, which is 52 % of the species diversity of the Orchid flora of Kazakhstan. It is established that the coenopopulationsof orchids in the region develop and exist within the boundaries of specific phytocenoses and are characterized by a certainecological and phytocenotic amplitude of the development of natural environment conditions. They are distributed in thelower, middle and upper mountain zones. The widest altitude range is typical for species from the genus Dactylorchiza(absolute altitude 462–1365 m). In terms of life forms, species with a stem-like tuberoid (genera Dactylorhiza, Herminium,Orchis) predominate, while short-rooted and long-rooted species (genera Cypripedium, Epipactis) are less represented. InKaton-Karagai district, 10 species of orchids were recorded growing in 19 cenopopulations, in Kurchum – 5 species in 6cenopopulations. Vegetation cover in habitats is formed from 35 to 90 %. Due to the weak competition of orchids, theirshare in the addition of phytocenoses does not exceed 2 %.

Preliminary results of archaeological research of monuments of the Kazakh Altai in 2020

Archaeological research in the context of scientific understanding was carried out in the region in pre-revolutionary times and continues to this day. As a result of research conducted for the third century, we have a rich source base of archaeological material and solid literature devoted to various aspects of the life of the ancient population of the region. The first research here began in 1960 by the South Altai Archaeological expedition. S. S. Sorokin conducted reconnaissance work along the Bukhtarma from Katon-Karagai to the Kurtu River, as a result of which 15 monuments were discovered, one of which is the Kurtu burial ground. After S. S. Sorokin 's research , work on the monument stopped and only half a century later they were resumed in 2019 .      One of the results of the conducted research is the clarification of the topo-landscape situation of the Tautekeli necropolis, as a result, we were able to reasonably divide the Kurtu necropolis previously studied by S.S. Sorokin, which included the Tautekeli group. Also, the historical name of the Salt–belki necropolis - Topkayyn was introduced into scientific circulation. Until today, archaeological science has known that the Topkayyn and Tautekeli burial grounds consist only of funeral and memorial complexes of the beginning of the formation of the nomadic era, i.e. the Early Saka time. As a result of archaeological research on these monuments, materials have been obtained that, in chronological terms, relate to the transitional time from the Mayemer period to the Pazyryk period. In general, unique materials have been obtained, in which various knowledge about the funeral rite of the population is hidden, important among them are the subject complex consisting of a complex of weapons and horse equipment, as well as the burial of the horses themselves.

Natural scientific methods in exploration of reference monuments of the Saka Culture in Kazakh Altai

This article explores the ancient gold jewelry with inlay, which were discovered in the process of archeological studies conducted in Summer 2018 of grave complexes located on the Eleke Sazy Plateau, Tarbagatay Ridge in East Kazakhstan Region in the burial of a young man belonging to aristocratic ancestry. It refers to the Saka culture, and dates back to approximately VIII-VII centuries BC. Among the discovered objects were garments embroidered with gold, quiver with arrows, and a bronze dagger in gold scabbard. This work studied the golden scabbard for dagger. The scabbard consists of several parts attached to a wooden base and decorated with granulation and inlay. In many cases, only traces of inlay remain. Some gems changed in color in the process of degradation, and currently look grey. Micro-samples for the research were selected from the crumbling fragments of inlay obtained in the process of restoration of the item. Modern natural scientific methods allow studying the material component of the objects of cultural heritage. The identification procedure is now available even based on the remaining particles with characteristic sizes that do not exceed tens of microns. Within the framework this research, the author examined the possibility of selecting such micro-samples with subsequent identification. Application of the Raman spectroscopic technique allowed examining the selected micro-samples on the next stage. The complementary methods imply Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for studying organic substances the inlay was attached to.

Natural scientific methods in exploration of reference monuments belonging to Saka culture in the Kazakh Altai

This article examines the ancient gold jewelry with inlay, which were discovered in the process of archeological excavations of grave sites located on the Eleke Sazy Plateau, Tarbagatay Ridge in the East of Kazakhstan in the burial of a notable young man, conducted in summer of 2018. It is attributed to Saka culture, and dates back to approximately VIII – VII centuries BC. Among  the objects, were found garments embroidered with gold, quiver with arrows, and bronze dagger in gold scabbard. This work examines the golden scabbard for the dagger. The scabbard consists of several parts attached to the wooden base and decorated with gold seeds and inlay. The inlay did not survive in many of the discovered items, but the traces of it remain. In the process of degradation, some jewels have changed their color, and currently look grey. Micro-samples for the research were selected from the crumbling fragments of inlay, acquired during restoration of the artifact. Modern natural scientific methods give broader opportunities for studying the material component of the objects of cultural heritage. Determination of composition of the object with most damage substantiates the reconstruction. In some cases, despite severe damage, the identification procedure can be conducted on the basis of the remaining particles, the size of which does not exceed tens of microns. Within the framework this work, the author examined the possibility for selection of such micro-samples with subsequent identification. The use of the Raman spectroscopic technique allows further examination of the selected micro-samples. Complementary methods of research include the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for studying the organic substances the inlay was attached to.

Depressariidae (Lepidoptera) of the Russian Altai Mountains: new species, new records and updated checklist

Records of Depressariidae species collected in the Altai Republic (Russia) in 2014–2019 are presented. Agonopterix kyzyltashensis sp. nov., A. ustjuzhanini sp. nov., and Depressaria paraleucocephala sp. nov. are described as new for science. Depressaria leucocephala Snellen, 1884 is deleted from the list of Altaic Depressariidae due its previous confusion with D. paraleucocephala sp. nov. Agonopterix rimulella (Caradja, 1920) sp. restit. is removed from synonymy with Agonopterix liturosa (Haworth, 1811). Exaeretia fuscogriseella Hannemann, 1990 syn. nov. is synonymised with E. indubitatella (Hannemann, 1971). Agonopterix feruliphila Millière, 1866 syn. nov. is transferred from synonymy with Agonopterix thapsiella (Zeller, 1847) to synonymy with Agonopterix adspersella (Kollar, 1832). Provisional list of related taxa of the Agonopterix adspersella group is given. Within Russian fauna, Depressaria altaica Zeller, 1854 was presented only from the Altai Republic, namely because the type specimens were recorded in the Altai. However, type locality is the Kazakh Altai, and D. altaica should be removed from checklist of the Altai Republic. At the same time, we present the first reliable records of D. altaica from southern Ural as a new species for Russia. The first reliable record of Agonopterix putridella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775) for Russia is presented. Exaeretia allisella Stainton, 1849, Agonopterix anticella (Erschoff, 1877), Agonopterix bipunctosa (Curtis, 1850), Agonopterix rimulella, Depressaria sibirella Lvovsky, 1981, D. falkovitshi Lvovsky, 1990, D. libanotidella Schläger, 1848, and D. fuscovirgatella Hannemann, 1967 are new for the Altai Republic. In addition, Exaeretia mongolicella (Christoph, 1882) was found as new for the Tuva Republic. In total, 36 species of the studied family are known from the Altai Republic to date. Figures of all species new for the Altai Republic and the Tuva Republic are presented. Newly described species are figured in detail including their genitalia.

Тәуелсіздік жылдарындағы қазақ алтайы палеолитінің зерттелу тарихы

Тhe article describes the history of the study of the stone age of the Kazakh Altai. From the year of independence to the present day, East Kazakhstan attracts special attention of scientists. To date, about 20 new monuments of the Paleolithic period have been discovered, such as Kurchum, Kuigan, Sereimbai, Rysak 1, Kozybai 1-2, Ushbulak1-2, etc. it should be noted that among the listed monuments of special attention of scientists, the recently opened Parking lot Ushbulak-1 is a multilayer stratified monument ever discovered in this region. The study of this monument has been conducted since 2016 by the joint Russian-Kazakh expedition of Institute of archeology and ethnography of Siberian branch of Russian academy of sciences and the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the course of the work, several already known and new monuments of the stone age with surface and layered deposits of archaeological material were further investigated. To date, the work of the joint expedition is carried out in a planned manner.&nbsp

Calamagrostis altaica, a neglected species of the Chinese flora with notes on C. korotkyi (Poaceae, Agrostidinae)

Calamagrostis altaica, a forgotten name in Chinese Poaceae and formerly known only from the Chinese part of the Mongolian Altai, is reported to be the correct name for most of the gatherings from the northern part of Xinjiang, which are ascribed to Deyeuxia korotkyi and D. pyramidalis in Flora of China. Calamagrostis altaica is reported from the Kazakh Altai and the Chinese part of the Tarbagatai Range for the first time. In China C. korotkyi is restricted to Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia. The taxonomy of C. altaica is clarified and discussed, especially in relation to the morphologically similar C. arundinacea and C. korotkyi. Amended circumscriptions of C. altaica and C. korotkyi are given, together with illustrations of their spikelet and culm morphology and notes on their identification. The entire range of C. altaica and the Chinese distribution of C. korotkyi are described.

Pastoral livestock husbandry and rural livelihoods in the forest-steppe of east Kazakhstan

The socio-economics and organization of pastoral livestock keeping in the forest-steppe region of East Kazakhstan is analyzed based on interviews with 50 rural households in the Saur Mountains and 65 households in the Kazakh Altai. Though almost all families keep livestock, its economic significance is more important in terms of household consumption than with respect to the sale of livestock or livestock products on the market. Livestock husbandry is usually combined with small-scale arable farming and both branches of agriculture are mostly run in addition to other sources of income, since salaries in rural East Kazakhstan are low (60% of national average) and many people have no regular jobs. Agricultural products are only sold on local markets with limited success, as almost all villagers produce their own agricultural products. Prospects for rural development are limited, because of limited space for pasture and arable land in the mountainous study regions, and thus the village population is aging. Only a few families (mostly those with larger herds) practice transhumance to bring their livestock to mountain pastures during the summer.

Calendar Age of the Baigetobe Kurgan from the Iron Age Saka Cemetery in Shilikty Valley, Kazakhstan

AbstractThis study addresses the development of an absolute chronology for prominent burial sites of Inner Asian nomadic cultures. We investigate Saka archaeological wood from a well-known gold-filled Baigetobe kurgan (burial mound #1 of Shilikty-3 cemetery) to estimate its calendar age using tree-ring and 14C dating. The Saka was the southernmost tribal group of Asian Scythians, who roamed Central Asia during the 1st millennium BC (Iron Age). The Shilikty is a large burial site located in the Altai Mountains along the border between Kazakhstan and China. We present a new floating tree-ring chronology of larch and five new 14C dates from the construction timbers of the Baigetobe kurgan. The results of Bayesian modeling suggest the age of studied timbers is ~730–690 cal BC. This places the kurgan in early Scythian time and authenticates a previously suggested age of the Baigetobe gold collection between the 8th and 7th centuries BC derived from the typology of grave goods and burial rites. Chronologically and stylistically, the Scythian Animal Style gold from the Baigetobe kurgan is closer to Early Scythians in the North Caucasus and Tuva than to the local Saka occurrences in the Kazakh Altai. Our dating results indicate that the Baigetobe kurgan was nearly contemporaneous to the Arjan-2 kurgan (Tuva) and could be one of the earliest kurgans of the Saka-Scythian elite in Central Asia.