Abstract
The study of the biological characteristics and resource potential of medicinal plants is an important task in modern botany and pharmacognosy. One of the promising medicinal species in the flora of Kazakhstan is Ferula songarica, which is characterized by a high content of biologically active compounds and valuable pharmacological properties. The aim of this study was to identify populations of F. songarica in natural conditions in Central Kazakhstan and to assess plant raw material resources. Field studies were conducted in 2024–2025 using a route-reconnaissance method at eight key sites located in the Ulytau and Karaganda regions. During the study, plant density, morphometric parameters, yield, exploitable raw material reserves, and potential harvest volume were determined. It was established that natural populations containing F. songarica are characterized by a sparse spatial distribution of individuals. The density of reproductive plants ranges from 0.36 to 6.05 plants/10 m², and plant height is 83.06–133.2 cm. The yield of roots, calculated on an air-dry weight basis, was 3,580–7,010 kg/ha, and that of aboveground parts was 234–315 kg/ha. The total area of plots suitable for raw material harvesting was 281.5 ha. The exploitable stock of roots is estimated at 1,874.85 tons, and that of the herbaceous parts at 79.22 tons. The potential harvest volume of roots is estimated at 183.8 tons, and that of aboveground parts at 55.43 tons. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting F. songarica raw materials in natural conditions for the production of medicinal and parapharmaceutical products.