In accordance with the 2026 Work Plan of the Almaty State Nature Reserve and Order No. 01-74/36-нқ of the Reserve Director dated May 4, an inventory of the natural populations of Sievers apple (Malus sieversii Ledeb. M. Roem.) was conducted from May 12 to 22.
The field survey was carried out with the participation of B.T. Aitekeev, a specialist from the Republican State Enterprise Kazakh Forest Inventory Enterprise, together with the scientific staff of the Reserve.
Field studies were conducted at selected sites within the mixed broadleaf forest zone located at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
The inventory revealed a total of 2,016 Sievers apple individuals within the Reserve, including 1,465 mature trees and 551 young saplings.
Analysis of the age structure showed that medium-aged trees (30–50 years old) predominate within the population. Young saplings account for 27.3% of the total population, indicating a stable process of natural regeneration.
The presence of all age classes—from young saplings to senescent trees—demonstrates a well-developed age structure and confirms the continuous process of natural regeneration. Furthermore, the relatively high proportion of young individuals indicates that the population belongs to a growing (progressive) population type.
The phytosanitary assessment revealed no significant signs of damage caused by diseases or pests. Overall, the study confirmed that the natural populations of Sievers apple within the Reserve remain stable, possess high ecological resilience, and have sufficient potential for sustainable natural regeneration.
UNESCO/MAB
Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Committee for Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan