Since 2018, as part of the “INtroduction of the Amur tiger tot he Ile River Delta”, Bukhara deer has been actively reintroduced to the rezervat (through joint efforts of WWF and the Kazakh government). The current population is estimated at 200 individuals, however, maintaining a stable population is challenging due to prolonged drought stressing important forage species. Bukhara deer also require access to freshwater, and Lake Balkhash is highly saline. To address these issues, ACBK, in collaboration with staff the nature rezervat and experts from the Institute of Zoology Kazakhstan, worked to repurpose drinking water wells originally developed during the soviet era for geo-exploration to be used as wildlife watering holes. More than 50 years have passed since the wells were drilled, and 2 wells were restored in areas with high deer concentrations. Pumping equipment is powered by solar panels and, although it can be fully automated remotely. Rezervat staff can monitor wells during their routine inspections.