Using biogeographic approaches, the mapping of protected species of terrestrial vertebrates in the Republic of Kazakhstan was analyzed and carried out to identify places of high faunal diversity and assess the effectiveness of their protection by a network of specially protected natural areas. An analysis was made of the spatial distribution of protected species of terrestrial vertebrates by taxonomic groups (mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, 109 species in total) and their totality, as well as by protection status; places of concentration of protected species of vertebrate animals were established as priority for the protection of territories in the Republic of Kazakhstan and an assessment was made of the effectiveness of locating the existing network of specially protected natural areas. The maps were made using the grid mapping method, which makes it possible to compare the results obtained with other arid macroregions. The role of a number of reserves, national parks, and large reserves in the protection of biological diversity is shown. Recommendations for the development of a network of specially protected natural areas in order to preserve areas of high biodiversity, as well as the tasks of further research in this direction have been formulated and substantiated.

На примере национальных парков Республики Казахстан проведена медико-географическая оценка территорий с высокой туристической привлекательностью и активным развитием природных маршрутов. Было выявлено число и разнообразие нозоформ природноочаговых инфекций, а для нескольких перспективных для туристов национальных парков и природных резерватов выполнено медико-ландшафтное картографирование с локализацией природных очагов актуальных зоонозов. В большинстве парков в Казахстане существует опасность заражения бешенством, бруцеллезом и клещевым энцефалитом. Наиболее высокие показатели заболеваемости людей связаны с туляремией и бруцеллезом. На ландшафтных картах выделены участки туристических маршрутов, которые попадают в границы природных очагов зоонозов и представляют опасность заражения людей. Представленная схема медико-ландшафтной оценки может применяться при планировании туристических маршрутов в особо охраняемых природных территориях, а также способствовать минимизации затрат по мониторингу и контролю эпидемиологической ситуации на посещаемых туристами участках.

The potential risk of natural focal infections for tourists and park visitors has been analyzed and assessed based on the example of Karkaraly National Park (NP), which is located in central Kazakhstan. The medical and geographical characteristics of the area were carried out with three approaches: (1) assessment of natural preconditions for the emergence and existence of natural foci of infections, (2) mapping of the existing natural and anthropurgic foci of infections on a landscape basis, and (3) analysis of population morbidity according to medical statistics data. On the whole, the medical and geographical situation in Karkaraly NP is assessed as most favorable among other NPs in Kazakhstan: it has the lowest number of nosoforms, a small number of natural foci, and a low morbidity rate. However, a certain risk of infection does exist, since the anthrax burial site and rabies foci, as well as tularemia foci in populations of aquatic and semiaquatic rodents, partial overlap with the popular tourist routes in the park. The natural foci of infections of current interest are confined to hummocky and low-mountain, forest landscapes; however, they have both natural and anthropogenic preconditions.

This paper provides a medical–environmental and biogeographical assessment of potential natural hazards in the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve (Republic of Kazakhstan) with consideration of the tourism activities planned there. The exposure factors were analyzed for allergenic and poisonous plants and natural disease foci. The medical–geographical risks are caused by the existence of five natural foci of nosological entities in the reserve, among which tularemia and brucellosis have high morbidity levels in the region. The mammals inhabiting the reserve act as carries of natural-focal diseases, and a large number of poisonous and allergenically active plants grow there. This indicates that the presence of the corresponding risks require regular medical and environmental monitoring. The presented methodological scheme used to assess natural hazards may also be applied to other arid areas and regions.

This paper is dedicated to the medical–geographical assessment of seven regions in the Republic of Kazakhstan where national parks have been designated that have potential for ecotourism development. The authors have grouped the regions by the level of population morbidity in order to identify their regional medical–geographical parameters and background (reference) characteristics. A medical–geographical map chart of the Republic of Kazakhstan showing the complex of natural focal diseases has been produced. Administrative regions with different medical–geographical risk levels have been identified. This makes it possible to develop detailed medical–environmental monitoring programs, combined with organizational and management actions in areas visited by tourists.