Studying typologies of hunting areas using GIS technologies in specially protected natural areas of Kazakhstan

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 1Department of “Forestry and Land Resources” Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Kazakhstan, Almaty

2 Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of Forestry and Land Resources” Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Kazakhstan, Almaty

3 Candidate of Biological Sciences, Department of "Physical and Economic Geography" L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University Kazakhstan, Astana

4 Department of Forestry and Land Resources, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Kazakhstan, Almaty

10.22124/cjes.2025.8652

Abstract

The article focuses on the characterization of hunting grounds through the application of GIS technologies. The research involved an in-depth study of the biological diversity of mammals, assessing the typology of their habitats. Utilizing GIS technologies, the study analyzed the spatial distribution of rare animal species, such as predatory mammals, within specially protected natural areas of Kazakhstan, particularly the Andalusia State Natural (Zoological) Nature Reserve and the Ile-Alatau State Natural Park. Drawing on the findings from the project and surveys, we classified the areas into distinct types of animal habitats based on ecological conditions, topography, and soil-plant characteristics. For the first time, data on the typology of hunting grounds, including the categorization of their types and numerical indicators for each, were collected to support hunting planning. Consequently, a division map of the Andasai Nature Reserve and the Aksai branch of the Ile-Alatau National Natural Park was generated in GIS format for previously unclassified land types. Following the interpretation of the results, planning and cartographic resources for various types of hunting grounds were created, reflecting the actual area of the natural reserve. These resources can be utilized to enhance biotechnical and hunting operations conducted in the Andasai Nature Reserve and the Ile-Alatau State National Nature Park, contributing to improved security measures.

Keywords