In Kazakhstan, there are 500 species of birds, 178 species of mammals, 150 species of fish and 62 species of reptiles and amphibians.  The rich diversity of Kazakhstan’s wildlife is based on the variety of natural and climatic conditions of the country.  The wildlife comprises internationally important species of threatened, rare and unique animals included in the Red Book and protected by a network of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves.  The Red Book of Kazakhstan includes 400 rare or threatened species of plants, 96 of insects, 18 of fish, 3 of amphibians, 10 of reptiles, 57 of birds and 40 of mammals, designated for special protection.