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Nature and Environment

The steppe

October 28, 2016

Like the ocean, the steppe seems an endless, vast expanse. In winter it appears desolate but it spring it awakens with life and is full of surprises.

https://p.dw.com/p/2RqWl
Steppe in Kasachstan
Image: DW/A. Warnstedt

My favorite: The steppe

For conservation biologist Steffen Zuther, the Kazakh steppe is both beautiful and surprising. The seemingly endless expanse of land slumbers each winter only to come alive with plants and animals in spring. It's also a great place for stargazing.

 

About "My favorite"

With all the talk of endangered species, the value of biodiversity and the usefulness of ecosystems, we sometimes forget why plants and animals are really worth protecting: because we love them, or depend on them for our own wellbeing. People from all walks of life and in all parts of the world have a favorite species. The reasons are many - perhaps because it is beautiful, or fascinating, or it helps them secure a livelihood. Meet some of these people and their favorites in our series "My favorite."