This study presents an integrative investigation of four rare and threatened plant species—Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin, Astragalus rubtzovii Boriss., Schmalhausenia nidulans (Regel) Petr., and Rheum wittrockii Lundstr.—native to the Ile Alatau and Ketmen ridges of the Northern Tian Shan in Kazakhstan. Combining chloroplast genome sequencing, geobotanical surveys, and anatomical and population structure analyses, we aimed to assess the ecological adaptation, genetic distinctiveness, and conservation status of these species. Field surveys revealed that population structures varied across species, with T. kok-saghyz and S. nidulans dominated by mature vegetative and generative individuals, while A. rubtzovii and R. wittrockii exhibited stable age spectra marked by reproductive maturity and ongoing recruitment. Chloroplast genome assemblies revealed characteristic patterns of plastid evolution, including structural conservation in S. nidulans and R. wittrockii, and a reduced inverted repeat region in A. rubtzovii, consistent with its placement in the IR-lacking clade of Fabaceae. Morphological and anatomical traits reflected habitat-specific adaptations such as tomentose surfaces, thickened epidermis, and efficient vascular systems. Despite these adaptations, anthropogenic pressures including overgrazing and habitat degradation pose significant risks to population viability. Our findings underscore the need for targeted conservation measures, continuous monitoring, and habitat management to ensure the long-term survival of these ecologically and genetically valuable endemic species.

The article presents the results of ecological and biological analysis of species composition of five rare and endangered endemic plant species of southeastern Kazakhstan listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The importance of this research topic is determined by the need for a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the ecological and biological characteristics of rare plant species growing in the southeast of Kazakhstan. The studies were conducted in the southeast of Kazakhstan (Zailiysky Alatau, Ketpen), where the objects of the study were representatives of rare and endangered endemic plant species: Astragalus rubtzovii Boriss, Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin., Schmalhausenia nidulans (Regel) Petr. Betula Jarmolenkoana Golosk., Rheum wittrockii Lundstr., from natural populations. The study of the state of the coenopopulation of rare and endemic plant species was carried out by route and semi-stationary methods. The novelty of the work is that for the first time the most complete ecological and biological characteristics of rare and endangered endemic plant species of the southeast of Kazakhstan are given, their biological features and habitat characteristics are studied. In the study area, 5 identified rare and endangered endemic plant species are represented by 2 types of life forms, where the predominant group among rare and endemic species is hemiocryptophytes (perennial plants) and one species is represented by a phanerophyte - a woody plant (Betula jarmolenkoana).

This article presents a study of a slow-moving landslide in the Kaskelen River valley (Ile Alatau, Kazakhstan), which poses a threat to local infrastructure and a dacha settlement. The investigation was conducted using data obtained from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). High-precision digital elevation models were used to analyze the morphometric characteristics of the landslide, identify deformation zones, and calculate slope stability parameters. The landslide occurs in loess-like loams that lose strength when saturated with water, with a maximum recorded displacement rate of up to 59 cm per year. Stability coefficient calculations indicated critical conditions in areas with slopes greater than 15°. Monitoring using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) is recommended, along with engineering measures such as drainage systems and geogrid reinforcement. The findings highlight the importance of integrating UAV technologies with traditional field methods for effective landslide risk assessment in mountainous regions.

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the population structures, anatomical adaptations, and chloroplast genome organizations of three rare tree species—Fraxinus sogdiana Bunge, Celtis caucasica Willd., and Betula jarmolenkoana Golosk.—from the Northern Tien Shan region of Kazakhstan. Field surveys revealed species-specific demographic patterns, with F. sogdiana and B. jarmolenkoana populations displaying a complete age spectrum and signs of ongoing regeneration, while C. caucasica exhibited a lack of juvenile stages, indicating regeneration failure. Anatomical analysis of leaf and stem tissues highlighted adaptive features aligned with habitat conditions: F. sogdiana showed mesophytic traits suited for riparian environments, C. caucasica displayed xeromorphic structures reflecting drought tolerance, and B. jarmolenkoana demonstrated structural reinforcement adapted to high-altitude stressors. Whole chloroplast genome sequencing revealed conserved quadripartite architecture across species, with minor variations in gene content and inverted repeat boundaries suggesting lineage-specific evolution. The findings underscore the ecological sensitivity and conservation priority of these species and provide foundational data for future ecological monitoring, restoration efforts, and phylogenomic research in Central Asian montane ecosystems.

The article discusses the results of studies on the degradation of soil and vegetation in the mountainous areas of Ile Alatau and the Uzynkara Range. The data of geobotanical studies of high-mountain and mid-mountain pastures of Ile Alatau and the Uzynkara Range showed the dominance of vegetation degradation over other processes. The soils of the mountainous areas are characterized by the thickness of the humus horizon, high gross humus content, large reserves of calcium and magnesium and a small phosphorus content. As our studies have shown, the thickness of the humus horizon of the studied soils is 40-60 cm, they are distinguished by a high fertility potential, but this potential is limited by such factors as soil trampling and the degree of pasture degradation. At the same time, with an increase in pasture degradation, there is a decrease in the humus layer, a decrease in the content of humus and nutrients in the soil. The assessment of plant communities as indicators of pasture degradation in the study area showed that due to excessive and unregulated grazing, the vegetation cover has been subjected to anthropogenic degradation. There is a transformation of the species composition of plants, a decrease in the productivity of pasture forages, soils, which in turn leads to a deterioration in the mechanical properties of soils: an increase in density in the 0-10 cm layer increases by 0.11%, valuable silt particles are washed away in the upper part of the profile, the content of water-stable aggregates and their water resistance decreases.