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WATER, LAND AND FOREST RESOURCES

"REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE"

Alibek Abdibek 1 , Kurmankul Abayeva 1 , Mukhtar Baibatshanov 1 , Daniyar Dosmanbetov 2 , Tanjarbay Allambergenov 3

1 NJSC "Kazakh National Agrarian Research University"; 2 Almaty Branch of the “A.N. Bukeikhan Kazakh Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry” LLP; 3 "Agriculture, Selection and Seed Production of Agricultural Crops" of the Karakalpak Agricultural and Agrotechnological Institute

doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/47 pp. 459-469 Admitted 07.10.2025 Published 30.12.2025

Abstract

This article explores the reintroduction of the kulan (Equus hemionus) into the “Ile-Balkhash” State Nature Reserve, focusing on their adaptation to new ecosystems and the biological rationale behind the project. The study examines the biological characteristics of the species, including distribution range, body structure, weight, behavior during calving and reproduction.

The natural and climatic conditions of the kulans’ habitat are thoroughly analyzed, including data from nearby hydrometeorological stations, geological structure, topography, climate, hydrological regime, soil cover, and vegetation.

The article discusses methods of monitoring the animals in special observation areas and enclosures. During the acclimatization phase, attention is given to supplementary feeding and mineral provision, along with the behavioral patterns of kulans during feeding. To meet the animals’ physiological needs, feed amounts are calculated based on existing biotechnical standards and presented in tabular form. The composition and variety of forage plants consumed by kulans in their primary habitats are also provided.

Data from spring and autumn surveys of vertebrate species in the reserve are presented. The study describes how kulans form large herds during autumn and winter, as well as their behavior during the rutting period, pregnancy duration, and sexual maturity. It also notes the well-developed senses of vision, hearing, and smell in the species.

"Ile-Balkhash" State Nature Reserve kulan (Equus hemionus) Ile River acclimatization monitoring plots population range enclosure Red Book fauna biodiversity conservation biotechnical measures

01 Introduction

The full text of the article is available for download in PDF format on the right panel.

02 References

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Citation Links

[1]2025. "REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE". Izdenister natigeler. 4 (108) (Dec. 2025), 459–469. DOI:https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/47.
(1)"REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE". Izdenister natigeler 2025, No. 4 (108), 459-469. https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/47.
"REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE". (2025). Izdenister Natigeler, 4 (108), 459-469. https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/47
"REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE". Izdenister natigeler, [S. l.], n. 4 (108), p. 459–469, 2025. DOI: 10.37884/4-2025/47. Disponível em: https://kazvetjournal.kaznaru.edu.kz/index.php/research/article/view/1135. Acesso em: 15 sep. 2026.
“‘REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE’”. 2025. Izdenister Natigeler, no. 4 (108) (December): 459-69. https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/47.
“‘REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE’” (2025) Izdenister natigeler, (4 (108), pp. 459–469. doi:10.37884/4-2025/47.
[1]“‘REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE’”, Izdenister natigeler, no. 4 (108), pp. 459–469, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.37884/4-2025/47.
“‘REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE’”. Izdenister Natigeler, no. 4 (108), Dec. 2025, pp. 459-6, https://doi.org/10.37884/4-2025/47.
“‘REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE’”. Izdenister natigeler, no. 4 (108) (December 30, 2025): 459–469. Accessed September 15, 2026. https://kazvetjournal.kaznaru.edu.kz/index.php/research/article/view/1135.
1."REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE". Izdenister natigeler [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 30 [cited 2026 Sep. 15];(4 (108):459-6. Available from: https://kazvetjournal.kaznaru.edu.kz/index.php/research/article/view/1135
1."REINTRODUCTION OF THE KULAN (EQUUS HEMIONUS) IN THE FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM OF THE ILI RIVER WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE ILE-BALKHASH STATE NATURE RESERVE". Izdenister natigeler. 2025;(4 (108):459-469. doi:10.37884/4-2025/47