Development of a strategy for the conservation of rare and endangered species of medicinal plants in Kazakhstan

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

2 Department “Standardization, certification and Metrology” Non_profit Joint_Stock Company” K.I. Satpayev Kazakh National Research Technical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

3 Department of Civil Defense and Military Training of the Malik Gabdullin Academy of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kokshetau, Kazakhstan

4 Department of Biology, Institute of Natural Sciences, Kazakh National Women’s Pedagogical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

5 Auezov South Kazakhstan State University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan

6 Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkestan, Kazakhstan

7 Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

8 Department Food biotechnology, Almaty Technological University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

10.22124/cjes.2025.8708

Abstract

Being home to over 6,000 plant species, Kazakhstan is a world leader when it comes to biodiversity hotspots, and nearly 150 plant species of medicinal value are on the verge of extinction. According to the Red Book of Kazakhstan (2021), there are 42 species of medicinal plants in Kazakhstan that are "endangered" and "critically endangered," the main reason for which is loss of habitat (55%), over-harvesting (30%), and climate change (15%). Aiming for a comprehensive conservation plan, this research focuses on the site of major distribution areas of endemics such as Rheum tataricum and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, constructing a living gene bank with more than 1,000 seed specimens, and enhancing local community participation. It also suggests creating more stringent legislation to curb illegal harvesting and increasing protected territories to 20% by the year 2030. Preliminary findings suggest that the execution of this approach can guarantee the survival of 80% of the target species within the decade.

Keywords

References

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
Volume 23, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 369-375

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