Abstract
The paper summarizes modern data on the phytogeography, ecology and typology of the main plant communities of the steppe areas of Kazakhstan. The patterns of zonal steppe vegetation on the plains and altitudinal vegetation sequences in the mountains are shown. A new map of the phytogeographic regionalization is given. The paper reviews human impacts on the steppe vegetation of Kazakhstan and their degree of usage and transformation, and discusses the conservation status of steppe ecosystems in a network of protected areas, as well as the current status of steppe biodiversity in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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Acknowledgments
We wish to thank all those who assisted in conducting researches in Kazakhstan and editing of this article. Special thanks to Mrs. Heather Triplett for her viewing the English version.
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Rachkovskaya, E.I., Bragina, T.M. (2012). Steppes of Kazakhstan: Diversity and Present State. In: Werger, M., van Staalduinen, M. (eds) Eurasian Steppes. Ecological Problems and Livelihoods in a Changing World. Plant and Vegetation, vol 6. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-3886-7_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-3886-7_3
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