Growth of Kazakhstan’s Saiga Population Slows
Images | Depositphotos
Kazakhstan’s saiga population has reached approximately 4.7 million animals following the spring aerial survey, although population growth has slowed, according to the Kazakhstan Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity.
Survey data show that the Ural population numbered around 2.7 million animals, up 17.4% from the previous year. The Betpak-Dala population was estimated at approximately 1.87 million animals, an increase of 16.9%, while the Ustyurt population reached about 119,000 animals, up 52.6%.
The total saiga population in Kazakhstan is estimated at 4.689 million animals, 17.9% higher than in 2025.
The slower growth rates of the Ural and Betpak-Dala populations are directly linked to population management measures, under which 196,173 saiga were removed. This level of removal did not reduce the overall population, but it acted as a limiting factor on further growth. In addition, increased mortality caused by the severe winter conditions of 2025-2026 (dzhut) must also be taken into account," experts said.
Specialists noted that aerial surveys provide an estimated population assessment with a certain margin of error and do not constitute a direct count of every animal. Nevertheless, the data make it possible to monitor population trends and support informed conservation and species management decisions.
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Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry Comments on Detention of Kazakh Citizen in U.S. Terrorism Investigation
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is aware of the arrest in the United States of a Kazakh citizen suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities.
An investigation is currently underway and all circumstances surrounding the case are being clarified. Additional information will be provided as official details become available," the ministry said in response to an inquiry from a Kazakhstan Today correspondent.
According to media reports, U.S. security services detained a Kazakh citizen on June 5 in the city of Commerce, California.
The detention is reportedly linked to suspicions of connections with terrorist organisations, according to media reports.
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Lawmaker Calls for Greater Transparency on Foreign Grant Spending in Kazakhstan
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Lawmaker Calls for Greater Transparency on Foreign Grant Spending in Kazakhstan
Mazhilis deputy Magerram Magerramov has submitted an inquiry to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, proposing an expansion of the information published in Kazakhstan’s registry of recipients of foreign funding.
The lawmaker said that many organisations receiving foreign funding have "for decades functioned as mouthpieces of hostility toward their own country, systematically undermining public trust in state institutions under the guise of human rights rhetoric and creating fertile ground for destabilisation."
According to Magerramov, the data published by the State Revenue Committee does not provide a full picture of how foreign funds are used. He noted that the registry lacks information on specific projects, funding objectives, contractors, subcontractors and ultimate recipients of the funds.
Magerramov also drew attention to the activities of international foundations, including Open Society Foundations, National Endowment for Democracy and European Endowment for Democracy. He noted that the activities of these organisations are restricted or prohibited in a number of countries.
In this regard, the lawmaker proposed expanding reporting requirements for foreign-funded entities and publishing:
• information on specific projects and programmes;
• data on contractors and subcontractors;
• information on ultimate beneficiaries;
• project outcomes, including research, media initiatives and public campaigns.
We emphasise that this is not about banning NGOs. It is about ending the practice of withholding information from the public when, through the expenditure of billions of tenge, an environment hostile to the state is systematically being created in Kazakhstan. In the context of hybrid warfare, transparency is a matter of preserving sovereignty," the inquiry states.
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Almaty Residents Concerned by Markings on Trees Along Kok-Zhailau Trail
Images | Photos from eyewitnesses
Residents of Almaty have discovered dozens of markings on trees along the hiking route to Kok-Zhailau through the Kazachka Gorge. Local residents submitted photographs and video footage of the marked trees to the news agency's editorial office.
According to eyewitnesses, various symbols, including numerical markings, have been painted on tree trunks. The markings have raised concerns among hiking enthusiasts, who fear that the trees may be slated for removal.
The markings on the trees are alarming. If the forestry authorities quietly cut down this many trees under the guise of construction work, it would be a crime. Most of the marked trees show no signs of being dead or dying," a comment sent to the editorial office said.
The images show trees marked with numbers and other symbols painted on exposed sections of their trunks. At present, however, no official explanation has been provided regarding the purpose of the markings in this area.
In response to concerns raised by residents, the agency has sent inquiries to the administration of the Ile-Alatau State National Natural Park and relevant specialists, requesting clarification on the purpose of the markings.
The editorial team is awaiting official comments.
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Puppy Rescued After Abuse in Shymkent Finds New Home with Russian Singer
Images | Фото: Instagram/iz_kletki_v_dom
A puppy that was severely abused in Shymkent has found a new home with Russian singer Anna Asti.
According to volunteers from the animal rescue community iz_kletki_v_dom, a group of children placed the puppy in a plastic bag and repeatedly threw it onto the asphalt. When the animal was taken to a veterinary clinic, it was covered in blood and in critical condition.
Veterinarians diagnosed the puppy with multiple internal injuries and bruising.
His name is Mishutka. He has been adopted by Anna Asti. He is now in Moscow," the volunteers said.
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KTZ Explains Delayed Launch of Stadler Passenger Railcars
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New Stadler passenger railcars have not yet entered service in Kazakhstan due to concerns regarding their braking system, Talgat Aldybergenov, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), said at a government briefing.
As the national rail operator, we cannot put railcars into service without ensuring the safety of our passengers and the safe operation of trains on our network. As soon as all of our concerns have been addressed, the railcars will be launched," Aldybergenov said.
KTZ noted that the Stadler passenger railcar project has been under implementation for nearly two years. According to the company, tests conducted in December last year revealed issues with the braking system, which were subsequently confirmed by the manufacturer.
Additional testing of the railcars was carried out between February and May. Test reports covering operations at various speed levels are currently awaiting approval by Stadler.
KTZ stressed that the identified deficiencies were discovered during standard certification and inspection procedures that all new railcars must undergo before entering commercial service.
Stadler has confirmed the existence of these non-compliances. Since February, we have been conducting tests. However, there is a difference in positions. We maintain, and are confident, that the braking systems currently do not comply with regulatory requirements. We insist on this position and have all the supporting evidence, which has also been provided to the manufacturer," KTZ said.
During a government meeting, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said further delays in the introduction of Stadler rolling stock were unacceptable amid continuing passenger complaints about the condition of railway carriages.
Complaints from passengers about the condition of railcars continue to be received. Further delays in the delivery of Stadler railcars are unacceptable," the prime minister said.
Bektenov instructed the Ministry of Industry, together with KTZ and Stadler, to ensure the delivery and commissioning of the passenger railcars as quickly as possible while fully complying with all technical safety requirements.
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Robotaxi Service Introduced in Almaty
Images | gov.kz
A robotaxi service has been unveiled in Almaty. The autonomous ride-hailing system will be introduced in stages, beginning with a pilot phase involving limited testing before being expanded as the technology's safety and reliability are confirmed, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport said.
According to the ministry, the service will include 24/7 communication with dispatch centres and insurance coverage for all trips. The autonomous vehicles will be operated using artificial intelligence, continuous traffic analysis systems and safety-response algorithms.
The Ministry of Transport is currently preparing the regulatory framework required for the operation of robotaxis. Draft legislative amendments have already been developed to define key concepts, establish rules for the use of autonomous transport, outline the responsibilities of government agencies and introduce the necessary legal mechanisms.
The ministry noted that international experience has demonstrated the successful use of autonomous technologies in a number of countries and that their introduction in Kazakhstan could help drive the development of high-tech sectors of the economy.
Almaty and Astana are being considered as the main locations for pilot projects due to their advanced digital infrastructure and elements of intelligent transport systems.
The rollout of robotaxi services will be carried out gradually, with strict compliance with safety requirements at every stage.
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Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry Warns of New Fraud Scheme
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Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs has warned citizens about a new fraud scheme in which scammers use the names and photographs of senior law enforcement and security officials.
According to the ministry, fraudsters create fake accounts on messaging apps and social media platforms, posing as public officials, former colleagues or acquaintances. Using various pretexts, they attempt to persuade people to urgently transfer money or lend funds.
The ministry urged citizens to remain vigilant and not trust messages requesting money transfers, even if they appear to come from people they know.
The Interior Ministry also reminded the public never to share SMS verification codes, bank card details, passwords or other personal information with third parties, click on suspicious links or install unknown applications.
If such messages are received, citizens are advised to verify the information by contacting the person through a known phone number or official communication channels. The ministry also urged Kazakhstanis to remain cautious and warn their relatives and friends about such scams.
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Almaty Tourism Days Held in Hong Kong
Images | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong SAR, PRC, the Department of Tourism of Almaty city, and Kazakh tourism operators took part in the International Travel Expo (ITE) in Hong Kong.
The exhibition featured over 500 international tourism organizations and companies, with more than 30 countries showcasing their national pavilions.
During the event, Kazakh tourism representatives presented the country’s tourism potential, established connections with Chinese and Hong Kong partners, and agreed to enhance collaborative efforts to attract more visitors to Kazakhstan.
On June 11, 2026, as part of the expo, the "Almaty Tourism Days" roadshow was held in Hong Kong.
The official opening ceremony was addressed by representatives of the Consulate General and Yerkebulan Abikhan, Head of the Tourism Promotion Department of the Department of Tourism of Almaty city. Attendees included representatives from Hong Kong government agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural and artistic figures, heads of local tourism companies, and media representatives.
As part of the roadshow, representatives from Kazakh tourism companies, (Sky Way, Turan Asia, Vision Travel, and others), conducted B2B meetings with Hong Kong tour operators and signed memorandums of cooperation. The parties agreed to intensify efforts to promote tourist travel from Hong Kong to Kazakhstan.
The evening program offered guests a taste of Kazakh culture, featuring national cuisine, traditional dances, and musical performances accompanied by folk instruments and commemorative souvenirs were distributed.
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