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Dimeyeva L.A., Salmukhanbetova Zh.K., Malakhov D.V. MAPPING RANGELANDS OF WILD UNGULATES IN THE BARSA KELMES NATURE RESERVE (KAZAKHSTAN) // Arid Ecosystems. 2022. Vol. 28. № 4 (93). P. 153-162. | PDF

The article presents a medium–scale Rangeland map of the Kaskakulan cluster area in the Barsa Kelmes Nature Reserve, where wild ungulates – kulans, saigas and goitered gazelles live. Ground and remote sensing data were used  to develop the map. The author’s methodology and a set of spectral indices were used processing satellite data. Based on the interpretation of satellite images, maps of seasonal rangeland yields have been developed which were considered in calculating the aboveground phytomass. The legend to the map is a system of headings that take into account zoning, ecological and physiognomic vegetation types and soil conditions. The types of rangelands are reflected in the legend by 15 mapping units, for each the aboveground phytomass for the seasons of the year is given.The map can be used for assessment of forage resourses of the territory and determination of the permissible number of wild ungulates to maintain ecosystems in a balanced state.

Keywords: Aral Sea, forage resourses, remote sensing, yield, medium-scale map.

Financing. The research was carried out with the financial support of the Mikael Zukkov Foundation (ScpFoundation / Greifswald, Germany) through the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

DOI: 10.24412/1993-3916-2022-4-153-162

EDN: HLTHXW