Habitat type of
del
grass ocean stretches for miles as far as the eye can see and there
nor another person sight. This is the stunning view of the most
recognisable landscape of Kazakhstan - the steppe
The Kazakh steppe covers almost 894,500 square kilometres and makes up
one third of the country. One of the most extreme environments in the world
this wild, harsh grassland has no natural shelter from the strong winds and
bitter cold that come from the north Temperatures in the winter drop to a
freezing -35C and in the summer it can get as hot as 35º C.
Despite the difficult climate the steppe is a treasure of agricultural products and
natural resources From meat, mik grain and vegetables to the raw materials
for Industry such as coal zinc and lead, it provides everything necessary for
Kazakhstan's cities
The steppe is also the habitat of a lot of different une oecles of wildlife
from the steppe pika to the critically endangered Sana antelope The steppe
winds even bring fresh clean air that dears away the pollution in the cities.
The steppe is the birthplace of Kazakh culture. The difficulties people faced
throughout the years living on the steppe and adapting to its environment and
temperatures shaped their deep respect for nature. But like a lot of places in
the world, the steppe now faces the challenge of climate change. However,
the importance of the steppe to their identity continues to inspite the Kazakhs
to preserve it for future generations.
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