During summer holidays, many people who go to the mountains or forest pick flowers to bring home. However, such actions are subject to legal liability. Kazakhstan has many rare and endangered plant species. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Hundreds of plants listed in the Red Book
Currently, 387 plant species are included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The list of rare and endangered plants is approved by a government resolution.
Some rare plant species in Kazakhstan:
- 01Vitaly's skullcap
- 02Kok-saghyz
- 03Walnut lotus
- 04Yellow water lily
- 05Karatau skullcap
- 06Ostrovsky's tulip
- 07Kazakhstan eremurus
- 08Greig's tulip
- 09Spring adonis
- 10Korolkov's tulip
- 11Curly lily
- 12Turkestan keklik
- 13Steppe larkspur
Penalties for picking rare plants
According to Article 339 of the Criminal Code, it is prohibited to pick, collect, store, and transport rare and endangered plants. The following penalties are provided for these actions: - a fine of up to 3,000 MCI (in 2026 – up to 12.95 million tenge) - correctional labor - community service for up to 800 hours - restriction of liberty for up to three years - imprisonment for up to three years In addition, the violator's property may be confiscated. Also, deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to five years may be applied.
Examples
Earlier, in the South Kazakhstan region, a resident who picked and sold flowers listed in the Red Book was held accountable. And this year, a video spread in the Ordabasy district, Borzhar rural district, showing a tractor trampling Greig's tulips. In the Turkestan region, persons illegally collecting plants listed in the Red Book were detained (November 17, 2025).