Karatau State Nature Reserve is located in the central part of the Karatau mountain range in the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan.
It was organized in 2004. Its area is 34,300 hectares. The Karatau reserve borders with Moyinkum, Kyzylkum and Betpak Dala deserts. The highest point is Mynzhilki Mountain at an altitude of 2,176 meters. The slopes of Karatau are divided by the valleys of numerous rivers, such as Bayaldyr, Biresik, Khantagi, Taldybulak. However, none of them reaches the artery of the Syrdarya river, losing their water at the foot of the slopes.
The Karatau reserve is inhabited by 3 species of mammals from the Red Book of Kazakhstan. These include the Karatau argali, the Indian porcupine, and the stone marten. In general, the fauna is represented by 152 species of animals. 12 endangered bird species can be found on the territory of the reserve : white stork, black stork, snake eagle, dwarf eagle, steppe eagle, golden eagle, bearded vulture, saker falcon, demoiselle crane, houbara bustard, owl.
The flora of the Karatau counts more than 1,600 plant species. There are many rare endemic species.
Today, the reserve often attracts the groups of tourists, lovers of wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts.
