Soil macrofauna (invertebrates) of Kazakhstanian Stipa lessingiana dry steppe

A study of soil macrofauna in the Naurzum State Nature Reserve, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Saryarka Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan,' reveals that the abundance and biomass of soil-dwelling invertebrates are significantly lower than in northern and western steppe regions. This finding highlights the unique ecological challenges faced by the dry, continental climate of the Turgai Plateau, where remnants of Virgin Stipa lessingiana steppes persist despite historical land-use changes during the Soviet Virgin Land campaign. The research provides a detailed analysis of the faunistic composition and community structure of these invertebrates, underscoring their critical role in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.

Bragina, Tatyana М. (2016). Soil macrofauna (invertebrates) of Kazakhstanian Stipa lessingiana dry steppe. Hacquetia, 15(2), 105–112. https://doi.org/10.1515/hacq-2016-0017