Kazakh semi-desert

Ecoregion: Kazakh semi-desert
Landscape in West Kazakhstan Region
Ecoregion territory (in yellow)
Ecology
Realm	Palearctic
Biome	Deserts and xeric shrublands
Geography
Area	678,400 km2 (261,900 sq mi)
Countries	Kazakhstan
Coordinates	48°40′N 63°6′E / 48.667°N 63.100°E / 48.667; 63.100

The Kazakh semi-desert is an ecoregion in the deserts and xeric shrublands biome, located in Kazakhstan. The climate is semi-arid and continental, with a total annual precipitation of 160 millimetres (6.3 in), and mean temperatures in January averaging −15 °C (5 °F) and in July 23 °C (73 °F). It is a transitional area between the steppes and the deserts of Central Asia and supports flora found in both biomes, predominantly grasses, particularly Stipa species, and shrubs such as Artemisia species. A number of mammals and birds are found in this ecoregion but the habitat is threatened by overgrazing and fragmentation from human encroachment. However, a recent reduction in livestock numbers in Kazakhstan is allowing the native plants a greater opportunity to regenerate.