Flora and fauna baseline studies along KATS route ^{GRI 304-2}

In 2023 KPO conducted its first baseline surveys of vegetation condition along the KATS section located in West-Kazakhstan Oblast.

Baseline surveys of the flora and vegetation condition along the KATS pipeline route within WKO boundaries was conducted at various type points:

• points near water crossings;
• points on ecosystems;
• points near monitoring stations as part of PEC.

Total 57 points were surveyed, with plant samples taken to determine the pollutants content. To assess the baseline condition of ecosystems along the KATS route, the assessment of fauna biodiversity was also carried out. 

During the study, 326 species of higher plants from 202 genus of 64 families were registered.

In terms of the ratio of genus and species, the following families predominated:

• Asteraceae (composites) – 31 genera (15.3%), 58 species (17.8%).
• Poaceae (Gramineae, grasses) – 25 genera (12.4%), 38 species (11.7%)
• Brassicaceae (crucifers) –14 genera (6.9%), 15 species (4.6%)
• Fabaceae (Leguminosae) – 11 genera (5.4%), 19 species (5.8%)
• Rosaceae (rose family) – 11 genera (5.4%), 17 species (5.2%)
• Lamiaceae (Labiatae) – 11 genera (5.4%), 14 species (4.3%)

Among the plants noted during field study, perennials predominated - 201 species, annuals were in second place (67 species), and shrubs were in third place (20 species).  Slightly fewer biennial shrubs were recorded (19 species).  Trees – 10 species, subshrubs and dwarf subshrubs – 4 species each, shrubs – 1 species.

In 2023, during the baseline surveys performed along the KATS export pipeline route within WKO boundaries, five species of flora included in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the list of endangered species were registered: Carnation andrzejowskianus (Dianthus andrzejowski), Woodland tulip (Tulipa biebersteiniana), Schrenck's tulip (Tulipa shrenkii), Fischer's star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum fischeranum), White water lily (Nymphaea alba).

In 2024 KPO conducted its first baseline surveys of vegetation condition along the KATS section located in Atyrau Oblast.

Baseline surveys of flora and vegetation condition along the KATS pipeline route within AO boundaries was conducted in spring 2024 at various type points:

•             points near water crossings;

•             points on ecosystems;

•             points near monitoring stations as part of PEC.

Total 36 points were surveyed, with plant samples taken to determine the pollutants content. Plant samples were taken to determine the pollutants content.

During the survey, 85 species of plants from 62 genera were registered.

Among the plants noted during field study, the following species predominated: annuals – 52 % of the species, perennials – 40 % of the species, shrubs – 3 %, dwarf subshrubs – 3 %, subshrubs – 1 %, and trees – 1 %.

In 2024, during the baseline surveys performed along the KATS export pipeline route within the AO boundaries, one species of flora included in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the list of endangered species was registered: Schrenck's tulip (Tulipa shrenkii)

All these key species are the representatives of local flora.  Their preservation depends to a greater or lesser extent on the integrity of natural steppe and coastal ecosystems. In future, during the flora and vegetation monitoring along the KATS pipeline route within the WKO boundaries, it will be necessary to pay special attention to the state of populations of those species, as the most sensitive component of the ecosystems, which will help to determine the degree of impact from the KPO activities and from other land users on the ecosystems.  This will help to coordinate further actions of all stakeholders to protect and increase biodiversity in the region.