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Cause for concern across the Eurasian Continent
Palaearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Kazakh upland
The proposed Central Kazakhstan Reserve would be the first reserve to protect the intact Kazakh uplands. However, the countrys current social and economic difficulties have resulted in a sharp decrease in funding for nature conservation activities. In addition, mining may become a threat to the native habitats here.
Palaearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Middle East steppe
Unfortunately, this ecoregion looks nothing like it did before human settlement. As part of the "cradle of civilization," it has been intensively used for thousands of years. Shrubs and woody riparian plants continue to be removed for household use. Natural wetlands have been degraded or destroyed by drainage for agriculture or diversion of water for irrigation. Beds of reed grass are burned to encourage plant growth that is better for cattle grazing. Hunting pressure on waterfowl and game birds, including the great bustard, is heavy and uncontrolled.
Palearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Mongolian-Manchurian grassland
Livestock grazing is a concern here because the number of goats raised on the grasslands has increased due to the high prices for cashmere wool. Goats eat a wide range of plant species and often consume the entire plant, and this has degraded the grasslands over a broad area. In Mongolia, many people have returned to rural lifestyles, and the number of herdsmen is reported to have tripled in the last ten years and the number of livestock to have increased by 30 percent. Wetland habitats are threatened by reed cutting, hunting, egg collection, and overfishing.
Palearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Pontic steppe
Although the Danube Delta is now protected, it was heavily damaged by the draining necessary for agricultural development. Other wetlands areas face the same threat, and the grasslands are also threatened by agricultural conversion. As habitats decrease, pressure on plants and animals increases. Many of the animals described above are threatened or endangered. Population pressures from expanding cities and towns increase these threats, as does pollution from large industries and water diversion projects.
Palearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Sayan Intermontane steppe
Some of this steppe ecoregion is in pristine condition, although most of the meadowed steppes are now used for agriculture. Nomadic herders travel with their grazing cows, camels, horses, deer, sheep, and goats throughout the region, presenting the risk of overgrazing. Other potential threats include expanded land cultivation, irrigation, invasion of exotic species, and mining--especially because there are currently no protected areas within the region.
Palearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
South Siberian forest steppe
During the last century, almost all lands in this ecoregion that could sustain agriculture were cleared of forests. This action and overgrazing have led to the almost complete loss of many of the original natural communities. Left relatively untouched are unproductive areas such as those with stony steppe vegetation.
Palearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Tian Shan foothill arid steppe
Significant areas of the steppe have been lost to agriculture. The grazing of domestic sheep and goat is widespread. Local residents hunt animals for meat and parts that they can sell, while foreigners hunt for sport. The reserve system does not provide adequate refuge to this unique collection of plant and animal residents.
Human activities that threaten biodiversity here include agriculture, livestock grazing, and hunting and poaching. Birds migrating to south Asian wintering spots are often threatened by habitat conversion in these areas. American mink is an introduced species that has overtaken the European mink in its native territory. Its presence in this ecoregion may also pose a threat to the native Siberian mink.
Some parts of this region have been severely modified by agriculture and aquaculture, especially the growing of rice and the pond-rearing of shrimp. Also, between 36,000 and 52,000 shorebirds are trapped each year by hunters. Pollution from nearby oil fields, land reclamation for commercial and industrial development, and rising sea levels constitute additional threats.
