Saryesik-Atyrau Desert

There are a great number of small lakes and ponds in the desert, as well as occasional grasslands, that support a varied animal and bird population.

In September 2017, English explorer Jamie Maddison completed a 70-mile, 30 hour ultra-marathon to make the first recorded on-foot crossing of the desert.

[2][3] The Saryesik-Atyrau Desert borders the Ili River delta in the west, which is home to a large wild boar population.

The wild boar are mainly found in the reed beds, but enter the fringes of the desert.

The Asian wild ass (Equus hemionus kulan) however, is extinct in the area.