SPATIAL-TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF THE DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF GREIGS TULIP (LAT. TULIPA GREIGII) IN THE LANDSCAPES OF TURKISTAN REGION AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Akhmetova D. Dunets A.N.
2025 Editura Universitatii din Oradea

Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites
2025 #61 Issue 3 1542 - 1552 pp.

The present study investigates the spatial-temporal patterns of Tulipa greigii distribution across the heterogeneous landscapes of the Turkistan Region, southern Kazakhstan. As a flagship species with high conservation and ecotourism value Tulipa greigii is increasingly affected by climate variability and landscape fragmentation. The aim of the research is to identify the ecological parameters governing tulip distribution and to assess the potential for sustainable ecotourism based on floral landscape dynamics. The methodology integrates field ecological surveys, multi-seasonal remote sensing (Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8), and geospatial modeling using NDVI and NDMI indices. Additionally, public interest and ecotourism potential were assessed through digital footprint analysis on social media platforms (Instagram and TikTok), as well as national visitation statistics. Geostatistical tools were employed to analyze spatial trends and vegetation stress patterns across six key study locations selected for their landscape diversity. Findings reveal a strong correlation between seasonal soil moisture levels and the spatial presence of Tulipa greigii. Higher vegetation indices were observed in slope-adjacent piedmonts and montane meadow belts, which also correspond with increased social media activity during the blooming season. The results confirm the role of geomorphological position, hydrological balance, and digital visibility in determining ecotourism hotspots. This study demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary methods in understanding plant distribution and promoting nature-based tourism. By integrating biophysical indicators with geospatial technologies and public engagement metrics, the research provides a holistic framework for identifying ecologically significant zones under pressure from climate change and human activity. Moreover, the proposed approach highlights the utility of coupling traditional ecological monitoring with digital analytics to track spatial interest trends and ecological vulnerabilities. The study contributes to the scientific basis for the development of adaptive conservation strategies, fostering synergies between biodiversity protection and regional ecotourism planning. It provides regionally grounded and practically oriented recommendations for harmonizing biodiversity conservation efforts with the development of digital ecotourism strategies, tailored specifically to the ecological and socio-spatial characteristics of Central Asia’s dryland landscapes.

ecotourism , NDMI , NDVI , social media , spatiotemporal analysis , Tulipa greigii , Turkistan Region

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L.N. Gumilyev Eurasian National University, Departament of Physical and Economical Geography, Astana, Kazakhstan
Altai State University, Department of Scientific and Innovative Development, Barnaul, Russian Federation

L.N. Gumilyev Eurasian National University
Altai State University

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