The country was on the verge of revolution, a grueling war was waged on the western frontiers with Germany and Austria-Hungary, and in the depths of Russia on January 11, 1916, the first national Barguzinsky nature reserve was opened. Today, in the vastness of the Russian Federation there are more than one hundred nature reserves of various kinds. Consider the largest and most unique, focusing on the nature reserves of Russia, located in different parts of the country.
1
Altai Reserve
One of the first nature reserves in Russia, which was founded in 1932. In addition, it is the largest security zone, the territory of which covers an area of 881,238 ha.
Beautiful mountain ranges, numerous lakes have attracted tourists here for many years. It is noteworthy that not a single road was laid on its territory. And the real pearl of Altai is Lake Teletskoye, surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks.
Flora is represented by 1,500 species of unique plants. Twenty-two of which are quite rare and are listed in the Red Book. Also on its territory inhabited by 59 species of rare animals protected by the state. TheBiggest recommends that every Russian citizen visit these beautiful places at least once in his life.
2
Barguzinsky Reserve
Located in Buryatia, as we have already mentioned, the Barguzinsky Nature Reserve is the oldest in Russia.
On the western side, it is limited by the coast of Lake Baikal, and in the east it has spread its expanses on the slopes of the Barguzinsky ridge. In total, about 41 species of mammals live within its borders, but the surroundings of thermal springs are rich in rare plant species.
The first director of the reserve was Zabelin Konstantin, and one of the founders was the prominent Russian zoologist Zenon Svatosh.
3
Kronotsky Reserve
On the eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, there is a magnificent conservation complex that abuts against the Kronotsky and Kamchatka Gulf of the Pacific Ocean.
In relief, the Kamchatka natural miracle is represented by rugged mountainous terrain with many hills covered with dense forests. Most of the complex is occupied by wonderful reservoirs and unique valleys of geysers.
Above all this natural splendor rises one of the highest volcanoes in the world - the Kronotsky Sopka. The most beautiful places of Kamchatka were chosen by many animal birds, many of which live only in these latitudes.
4
Wrangel Island
In the photo: Wrangel Island
Founded in 1976 on two islands in the Arctic Ocean, the most northern reserve in Russia. The list of animals inhabiting the islands is limited to only a few species that were able to adapt to the harsh conditions of the North.
On the slopes of the mountains of Wrangel Island there are maternity dens of a polar bear, and on the shores there is the largest rookery of fur seals on the planet. On one of the capes in certain periods of their accumulates up to 800 thousand individuals.
The bird world is also diverse, sometimes a rare Canadian crane and a comb fly into the expanses of the Russian wildlife sanctuary.
5
Large arctic
This is one of the youngest, but also the largest reserve in the Russian Federation. In addition, it is the most unique, since its protection territory includes lands that have a completely different purpose.
Its territory is divided into two natural zones, represented by the Arctic tundra and Arctic deserts, and the security zone includes seven cluster sites.
The nature, represented by the rarest plant species that grow only in these latitudes, as well as rare representatives of the animal world, is also unique. On the island of Taimyr, for example, the largest herd of reindeer lives in nature.
6
Ubsunur Basin
Photo by: Alexander Leshchenok / CC BY-SA
The uniqueness of this place lies in the fact that the reserve of the Russian Federation consists of various natural zones that differ sharply from each other in natural conditions.
Here you can walk through the dense taiga, appreciate the endless alpine meadows, and also take a walk among the sandy desert. In a relatively small area fit various landscapes of nature.
The variety of relief zones led to the diversity of the animal and plant world. Northern species of plants are combined with southern herbs, and rare snow leopard and argali sheep are found on open spaces.
There are also cultural and historical monuments of the most ancient history of mankind.
7
Magadan Reserve
One of the most unique reserves not only in Russia, but also in the world. And its uniqueness lies in the fact that on its territory pristine ecosystems have been preserved that you will not meet in other parts of the world.
Most of the vascular plants growing here are protected by the state, and the fauna is quite diverse. Quite large populations of snow leopard, reindeer, sables.
It was founded in the south of the Magadan region in the early 80s of the last century, and now covers an area of 883 817 hectares. There are no transport routes and settlements on its territory, although the central part of the natural park is located within the city of Magadan.
8
Kivach
In 1931, a nature reserve was founded in Karelia, which was named after the waterfall of the same name located on its territory.
It is a waterfall that is one of the main attractions of the region, but in the early 30s there was a need to protect the majestic coniferous forests, for which they created a protected zone. This section of nature is unique in that all relief zones of the Republic of Karelia harmoniously fit here.
This part of Russia is most popular among tourists. For convenience, tourist and excursion routes have been laid, an arboretum and a museum of nature are decorated.
9
Lapland Nature Reserve
One of the largest conservation areas in Europe was founded in 1930 on the shores of Lake Imandra. The original purpose of the creation was to preserve the reindeer population.
Over time, the tasks expanded much, and the pristine natural landscapes of the mountains of the north of Russia entered the protection zone. Thanks to this, it is possible to maintain the integrity of amazing forests, whose age exceeds 3-5 thousand years.
In addition, the unique flora and fauna is represented by multiple species of rare animals and birds. And in 1995, an amazing project was launched in Russia, and the possessions of Santa Claus were established on the banks of the Chunozero.
10
Lower Svirsky Reserve
Wetlands and forests of the Leningrad Region in June 1980 became a conservation area, and received international status.
The reserve is famous for its unique wildlife. On its open spaces live more than 2 thousand animals. Wolverine, beavers, lynxes are found. Here is one of the largest brown bear populations.
The plant world is also not without uniqueness. More than 600 species of plants grow here. Forests of various types are especially valuable, from pine forests with simple lichens to birch forests and alder forests. The beautiful gray crane, and another 250 species of various birds chose these territories as nesting sites.
11
Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve
In the Serpukhov district of the Moscow region there is a specially protected natural zone, named after Mikhail Zablotsky. This corner of wildlife is the only reserve in the Moscow region and the smallest in the Russian Federation.
Here is a huge bison breeding nursery. It was with the aim of preserving their populations that they created a unique park. The tour plan includes a visit to the bison reserve.
It was created immediately after the war in 1945, and in 1979 it received the status of the biosphere, and received the international certificate of UNESCO.
12
Kuznetsk Alatau
In the very south of central Siberia, an amazing corner of wildlife with a unique ecosystem has found its place. Forests are surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks.
Moody cedars grow here, and the whole area is cut through by crystal clear streams that feed the most beautiful lakes. One of the most beautiful is Lake Kharatas, which is fed by mountain waterfalls, and trout is found in the waters of the lake. The place is very popular among Russian tourists, and for a good rest, small shelters with comfortable wooden houses have been created.
Summarize
So our review is completed, because to describe all the unique reserves of Russia, you will need a whole book. Many state reserves of Russia are national parks, in which tourists are allowed, albeit limited,. In recent decades, in connection with the development of industry and the application of the latest technologies, the problem of environmental protection has become the most acute.
Dozens of conventions have been signed at the international level, but the main thing is to cultivate a caring attitude to nature, and then our common home will remain clean and suitable for existence, and not just humans.
Thebiggest is waiting for your comments. Write which of these nature reserves you visited, share your impressions with our readers.
Article author: Valery Skiba
Editor's Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication in October 2017.