Which problem do we face?
The central steppes of Kazakhstan once were home to a large number of wild ungulates, birds, reptiles and insects. One of the key species are the kulan, the Asiatic Wild ass. By grazing and fertilizing they transform the grasslands into a unique ecosystem. However, poaching led to an expulsion of kulan from the vats grasslands. Today, there are again two small reintroduced populations in the south of the country - but they cannot access the central plains due to geographical and anthropogentic barriers.
What do we want to change?
We bring back kulan from the south of Kazakhstan to the central steppe. They will be the base for a new, stable population that can roam a habitat the size of France. Our long-term goal is the restoration of the entire steppe ecosystem with its native fauna and establishing a refuge for migrating herds of large mammals, similar to the Serengeti in Africa.
How do we get there?
We capture a larger group of wild kulan close to Almaty. Veterinarians then chose animals fit for transportation. These wild ass will be transported by helicopter 1300 Kilometers across Kazakhstan into the central steppe. Before being released into the wild, the animals will spend at least half a year under close observation in an acclimatization enclosure. Satellite collars enable us to track and protect them also post-release.
In order to establish a stable population of a few hundred kulan, we need to translocate around 30 - 50 individuals within the next 10 to 15 years.
Where are we now?
The first nine kulan stepped onto the plains in 2017, being followed by two more in 2019. Since then, already two foals were born in the enclosure. Three of the released kulan died due to natural causes or poaching. After being put on hold by the pandemic, we can now finally continue our efforts of bringing the kulan back home.
With your donation you will not only contribute to the protection of a single species but also to stabilizing and safe-guarding the entire steppe ecosystem. 100% of the donation will be used for project purposes only. Thank you very much!
