The second edition of the illustrated
science-popular book ‘Steppe Mammals of Kazakhstan’, featuring marmots,
jerboas, saiga antelopes, and wolves, was presented in Astana. The book
provides information on more than 90 species of mammals inhabiting the Kazakh
steppe. It was created to showcase each species in its natural habitat and to
explain how these animals influence the country’s ecosystem. The publication is
based on field research conducted by zoologists and ecologists. Readers will
find seasonal landscapes, life-size illustrations of animal tracks, migration
maps, and insights into how these animals survive harsh winter conditions, as
well as the threats they face, including land cultivation, wildfires,
infrastructure development, and overgrazing. According to the authors, the book
is primarily intended for schoolchildren and biology students, but its vivid
illustrations will also appeal to younger children. The visual content offers a
clear and engaging introduction to Kazakhstan’s rich biodiversity.
«This project has actually been underway for
five years. The first edition in Kazakh was released in 2023, and many schools
are already using the books. Teachers organize various educational quests and
use the book for open lessons. We have now released the Russian-language
version. There is also strong demand for an English-language edition, and we
plan to update the Kazakh version in the future as well,» shared book editor
Elmira Mustafina.
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