The largest nature reserves in the world, surprising by their nature

Самые большие заповедники в мире, крупнейшие на Земле в 2023:  фото и описание

There are more than 500 protected areas organized on the planet, which make up 10% of the Earth's surface. States create these specially protected places in order to support the diverse nature of the planet. This article presents a list of the ten largest nature reserves in the world - marine and land.

Papahanaumokuakea

The largest nature reserve in the world by area, Papahanaumokuakea is located in the waters of the northwestern Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean and is the National Marine Sanctuary of the Hawaiian Archipelago. It consists of groups of islands, atolls and reefs.

The main of the islands are presented below:

• Kure Atoll.
• Atoll Halfway.
• Pearl & Hermes Atoll.
• Lisyansky Island.
• Laisan Island.
• Maro Reef.
• Gardner's Peristy Mountains.
• Frigate Shoals.
• Mokumanaman.
• Nihoa.

The reserve is part of UNESCO and belongs to the U.S. territory. Its area is 1.5 million square kilometers.

The highest and lowest points in the park: the depth is 5,600 meters and the height is 275 meters above sea level.

The relief represents:

• the depths of the abyss;
• underwater mountains and shores;
• 2 eroded islands;
• uplands and atolls;
• coral reefs that make up 69% of the entire park;
• shallow lagoons;
• shoals and dunes;
• arid grasslands and shrubs;
• hyper-saline lake.

Papahanaumokuakea is the largest reserve archipelago in the world

The climate of the reserve is tropical. There are two seasons: summer and winter. The warmest month is September with an average daytime temperature of +30 Celsius and night-time temperature of +25 Celsius. In summer the temperature ranges from +28 to +29 Celsius. In winter the temperature is about +25 Celsius by day and +22 Celsius at night. There are over 7000 different animal species living in Papahanaumokuakea.

The 1,350-kilometer stretch of coral islands, seamounts, shores and shoals supports an incredible diversity of corals, fish, birds, marine mammals and other flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the Hawaiian island chain.

Many of the islands and shallow waters are important habitat for rare species. The land areas are home to 4 bird species that are found nowhere else in the world. Historical and eco-tours are not offered at this time.

Greenland National Park

The largest reserve in the world in the northern part of the planet is Greenland National Park. Its location is in Denmark, in the northeastern part of the island of Greenland with inland lands. It belongs to the biosphere reserves and is not included in the municipality. Its area is 972 thousand square kilometers, which exceeds the size of more than 160 states combined.

The topography of the protected area is represented:

• plateaus;
• mountain ranges;
• glaciers;
• The longest and deepest fjord in the world, Scoresby Sand, is located here.

The climate in the area of the park is arctic. The average annual temperature is -9.8 to -16.7 degrees Celsius. In summer the temperature ranges from +3 to +6 and in winter from -30 to -50 degrees Celsius.

Much of the park is covered with ice and lacks fertility, but the remainder is covered with Arctic plants, including heather and mosses. The presence of vegetation depends on the period, which is short. When winter, lasting 8 months, comes to an end, nature blooms. The flora of the reserve consists of 300 endemic species. Among the fauna noted are:

Mammals	Birds
Sheepsheads, or musk oxen. Polar Bears. Walruses. Whales. Arctic whites. Arctic foxes. Weasels. The hoofed lemming.	Poonies. Common redpolls and tundra redpolls. Lapland plantains. The stones are common. Grouse of the tundra. Ravens. Different kinds of geese.Predatory: Gyrfalcon. Owl White. Long-tailed Skua. The Lesser King Eider: This bird provides vegetation for the land by carrying marine nutrients.

Almost all species of birds breed outside of Northeast Greenland. This is due to the harsh long winters. Only crows, tundra grouse and geese do not change their habitat. The reserve does not accept tourists, the entrance is only available to scientists. The entire population of the territory is employees.

Chagos

Chagos Reserve is an archipelago consisting of 7 groups of coral atolls, which belong to the territory of Great Britain. It includes 55 islands with an area of 60 sq. km, and the rest is an underwater world. Chagos is located in the Indian Ocean, 1770 km east of Mahe Island, and 500 km south of Maldives. The entire area of the marine reserve is 54.4 thousand sq. km.

Climate: tropical. Winds constantly blow. Average annual temperature: +26.2 degrees Celsius. The relief is lowlands. The highest point above sea level - 7 m. All islands and reefs of the reserve - the coral type.

The flora and fauna on land in the Chagos Reserve consists of a small number of species. The main representatives of the fauna are: 20 species of birds and many tropical fish. The flora is mainly represented by coconut palms. The underwater world of the reserve includes the greatest number of diverse marine animals and plants. One of the rarest species of turtles lives here.

The main attractions: the Bank of Greater Chagos with the inner lagoon and the Marine Reserve. The population is represented only by the military and scientists, so tourism is not developed here due to the closed territory. Only in a few areas of the archipelago is possible to engage in diving or surfing.

Kavango-Zambezi Reserve

The largest transboundary nature reserve in the world is the Kavango-Zambezi.

It is located in southern Africa and consists of several territories of 5 states:

• Zimbabwe.
• Zambia.
• Botswana.
• Angola.
• Namibia.

It includes several areas of the continent, parks and some areas that are around the listed. It covers an area of more than 520,000 square kilometers. The heads of the 5 countries created a single reserve to preserve the integrity of the park. In 2014, a project to create one visa for visitors was launched, which is developing to this day.

The park is notable for its Victoria and Ngonje Falls, the Makgadikgadi Depression and the Okavango Delta, with attractions including Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River. The park has a diverse climate and terrain due to its size. A tropical and subequatorial climate prevails. Summer temperatures reach +35 degrees centigrade and winter temperatures are +15 to +25 degrees centigrade.

The flora consists of ecozones: savannah, grassland and forest biomes. There are more than 3,000 plant species, of which 100 are endemic.

Fauna includes:

• 197 species of totally non-endemic mammals. It is home to the largest number of African elephants and the last populations of wild dogs and white rhinos on the continent.
• There are 128 species of reptiles and 50 species of amphibians.
• There are 600 species of birds.
• There are 300 species of butterflies.

Phoenix Islands

The Phoenix Islands are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, near the Gilbert Islands to the east and west of the Line Islands. The protected area is part of the Republic of Kiribati. The Phoenix Islands are an archipelago of eight atolls surrounded by a ring of reefs.

Their names:

• McKean Island.
• Birnie.
• Kanton Island.
• Sydney.
• Phoenix Islands.
• Nikumaroro.
• Orona.
• Enderbury Island.

The area of the protected area is 408 thousand square kilometers. Most of the atolls are part of UNESCO. Climate: tropical, hot and humid. Temperatures range from +25 to +27 degrees Celsius.

The fauna of the Phoenix Islands includes 800 species: only 18 species of mammals and 44 species of sea birds. The shores are inhabited by hermit crabs, turtles and lizards. 500 species of fish and 120 species of coral live in the coastal waters. Vegetation is represented by coconut palms, shrubs and 40 species of plants. Most common are Heliotrope, Scevola, Sesivium and other plants.

Almost all of the Phoenix Islands are uninhabited, so tourism is not developed here. Those wishing to visit the reserve by boat and sleep in tents.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef Reserve is located in the Coral Sea near the northeast coast of Quisland, mainland Australia. The marine park covers 344,400 square kilometers.

The reserve is divided into six protected areas: from strictly controlled areas, where only scientists can enter, to recreational areas (amounting to only 7% of the park area), where tourism is allowed. The climate in the reserve is subequatorial, and the topography is islands and corals.

The main attraction of the park is the Great Barrier Reef (60-250 km wide and 2,300 km long). There are 3,000 coral reefs, 300 coral islands and 150 coastal islands. The marine park consists of an underwater part and a land part.

The flora in the terrestrial part contains 40 species of vegetation. There are groves of coconut palms, evergreen casuarinas and small patches of rainforest in the interior of the islands. The underwater part of the park consists of sea grass, a variety of brown, green and red algae, and the main species are single-celled algae zooxanthellae, which make the corals have bright colors.

The underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef has numerous colonies of clams, echinoderms, jellyfish, worms. A total of 1500 species of marine fish have been recorded here. Butterflies and 240 species of birds are found in the reserve.

Banff, Canada

Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885 and covering about 7,000 square kilometres, is located right in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In fact, once in the park, you'll see an endless array of glaciers and entire icefields, many impenetrable pine forests (with a fascinating aroma, of course), numerous Alpine landscapes and the green waters of Lake Louise. Banff is ideal for hiking, bird and animal watching, and rock climbing. Few reserves in the world can boast such unspoiled nature.

Tropical Forests of Atsinanana, Madagascar

Atsinanana plants are the primordial virgin forests of the island of Madagascar. They are without a doubt a UNESCO heritage site, located in six national parks in eastern Madagascar. Incidentally, plants and animals evolved in these places in isolation and appeared more than 60 million years ago. The lemurs and primates found here are endangered, but they are not an exception. Since almost all the inhabitants of these forests are rare animal species, they also need to be protected.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Off the coast of Queensland is the largest "living thing" on the planet. In addition, this magnificent ecosystem spans 2,300 km and consists of nearly 3,000 reefs and a thousand islands in the Coral Sea. The area covers over 340,000 sq km. This reserve is home to incredible fish species. In fact, without a bit of exaggeration it is a place that you will not find in nature. Coral reefs are a miracle, you can just look at the images from space and you will understand everything. And if you see everything live, your life is unlikely to remain

Fuji Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan

The territory of the reserve includes the area of the incomparable Mount Fuji (and its five lakes), the Hakone area and the Izu Peninsula. There are many lakes, mountains, hot springs, tropical vegetation. For example, you will see the incredibly beautiful sakura, glowing with soft pink petals in the bright rays of the Tokyo sun. In fact, the whole park shines mostly in purple, green and blue colors. Be sure to visit Shiraito Waterfall, the Jogasaki coast. Incidentally, the Izu Islands, like some other reserves, are an ideal place in the world for diving and have

Galapagos Marine Reserve

The largest nature reserve in the world at sea - Galapagos. It is located on the territory of Ecuador, the Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago, which includes 19 islands. Its area is 133 thousand sq. km. The area is included in UNESCO.

The relief of the archipelago is formed by volcanic activity and is represented by rocky shores on top and coral reefs underwater. There are volcanoes still active in the protected area: on Fernandina Island, Sierra Negra, and Wolf, located on Isabella Island. The archipelago height above sea level does not exceed 1707 m.

The climate is subequatorial, hot and dry, with an average temperature of +24 degrees Celsius. There are two seasons: rainy (December-April) and dry (July-October).

The fauna of the archipelago numbers:

• 60 bird species, 50% of which are endemics;
• 42 species of reptiles;
• 15 species of mammals;
• 79 fish species.

The largest tortoise on the planet, the elephant tortoise, lives here. The reserve is also notable for the Galapagos penguins, which are the only ones that can live comfortably on the equator. The flora of the reserve includes 500 species of vegetation, all of which are endemic. You can visit the national park, but you need to follow certain rules.

Ayr and Tenere

Africa's largest conservation area is the Ayr and Tenere Reserve, located in the northern part of Niger, northeast of the city of Agadez. It is a reserve of national character in Niger, located in the middle of the Sahara. The park is included in UNESCO and occupies an area of 77,000 square kilometers.

The reserve is a great variety of barchans and deserts, valleys and cliffs, canyons and mountains. Relief: 2/5 of the territory is represented by mountain ranges of Ayr to 2 thousand meters above sea level, and the rest is a dune sea in the desert Tenere.

Climate: continental, hot and arid. There are 3 seasons: relatively cold season (September-February), hot season (March-June) and wet season (June-September). The average annual temperature varies from +15 to +35 g. Celsius.

At the center of the desert conditions is a small area of life. The flora of the reserve has 350 species of vegetation, and the fauna includes: 160 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 18 species of reptiles and 1 species of amphibians. Due to the fact that there is almost no population in this area, there is still animal life.

The discovered remains of rock inscriptions and ruins of ancient settlements are the cultural value of the park. At present, the population within the reserve is about 5 thousand people, of whom about 1 thousand are cultivators and cattlemen.

Almost all visitors travel in convoys of cars organized by travel agencies based in Agadez and Arlit. The reserve has 2 small rest homes and a museum.

Rangel St. Elias

Rangel St. Elias Reserve is located in southeast Alaska, U.S. It is a national park and is part of UNESCO. The area covers 53.3 thousand sq. km. The main attractions are the glaciers and mountains with the active Wrangel volcano.

The topography of the park is formed:

1. The highest point is Mount St. Elijah, at 5,489 meters above sea level;
2. glaciers, rivers, and forests, which makes up 1/4 of the territory;

The park is home to Alaska's largest glacier, Hubbard Glacier, which is 122 km long and still growing. The climate is harsh with high relative humidity and permafrost with strong winds. In winter the average temperature is -20 Celsius, and in summer it is +15 to +20 Celsius.

The flora and fauna of the national park are characteristic of the mountain tundra. There are 1,535 species of Alaskan flora and 69% of Yukon flora in the reserve. This great diversity is explained by the presence of several climatic zones and a considerable area.

More than 1,000 species of vertebrates and 900,000 caribou are found in the state. There are 32 species of predators. The national park has developed tourism. The reserve is open year-round, with operating hours and seasons varying. Visitation is free.

Great Limpopo

The Great Limpopo Nature Reserve is located in southeastern South Africa and belongs to the territories of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

It is transboundary, that is, it combines several large parks:

• "Limpopo, Banhine, Zinave, Maputo in Mozambique.
• "Gonarezhou in Zimbabwe.
• Kruger in South Africa.

The area of the park is 37,572 square kilometers, but at the moment it is expanding, which is projected to be up to 100 thousand square kilometers. Climate: humid, tropical.

Relief:

• the lowlands of Mozambique;
• plain up to 450 m above sea level;
• granite plateaus and plateaus in the western part of the park;
• Mount Lebombo.

Attractions: the red cliffs of Chilijo in Zimbabwe and the discovered traces of ancient settlements in South Africa. The flora of the park has more than 2 thousand species of vegetation.

The reserve is home to 147 mammal species, 18 of which are already in the Red Book.

In the Park:

• 1,500 leopards;
• 100,000 Impalas;
• 2,000 hyenas;
• 1,500 lions;
• 1,000 elephants;
• 1,500 water goats;
• 3,500 big kudos;
• 14,000 blue gnu.

There are 505 species of birds and 116 species of reptiles. Features of tourism: Since the reserve is located on the border of 3 African countries, then exceptions were made for visitors - one visa is made for 3 countries in South Africa. Visiting is paid.

The largest protected areas in the world provide for the expansion of their boundaries, so the information provided about the area is approximate. Tourists are not allowed access to all protected areas. This is necessary in order not to harm endangered species of flora and fauna of the planet.

Video about the world's protected areas

The largest national parks and reserves:

Russia's largest nature reserves

In our country there are GZs with an area of more than 10,000 square kilometers. In fact, on many of them could fit at least five large metropolises! Almost all of the largest reserves in Russia are geographically fragments of Siberia. They consist of areas that are difficult to pass. It is very cold here.

Great Arctic Reserve

It has a size of 41,692.22 square kilometers. It was established in 1993. It includes mainland cordons (the bed of the Lower Taimyr, Middendorff Bay, Chelyuskin Peninsula). There are isolated sites: Dikson-Sibiryakovsky, Karsky, Pyasinsky (islands), the Nordscheld Archipelago. The local landscape is stone moraines covered with ice and snow from above. This is the coldest protected zone in the country. Local vegetation includes moss, small flowers and fungi. The relict fauna is lemmings, wolverines, foxes, stoats and other furs. Major mammals are white and bogeyman.

Komandorsky Reserve

It is equal to 36,486.79 square kilometers and occupies the islands of the same name (the largest of them - Beringa, Ary Kamen, Toporkov and Medny). Created in 1993, its main attraction - extended nesting places of rare marine fauna, including the Commander fox and the Canadian goose. Of plants the Red Book includes sea scaup and several varieties of clogs. Of water bowls - Sarannoye Lake (Beringa Island). On the same spot is the only Commander settlement - Nikolskoye village, near the village is a polar airfield.

Wrangel Island

The area of the eastern piece of the Chukotka Autonomous District (separated from the mainland) is 22,256.5 hectares. It was proclaimed a protected area in 1976. Its main feature is the low mountains of arctic tundra (occupying 2/3 of its territory). Two varieties of rare flowers are found in this rugged terrain, as well as the habitat of the snow goose and eider, which give birth anywhere else in the world. This land is also called the most prolific nature reserve in Russia - there is a high population of polar bears. In fact, this is the main "maternity house" of the voracious

Putoransky Reserve

"Putorana Land covers 18,872.51 square kilometers. It appeared in the register of federal protected areas back in 1988 - on the Putorana plateau (west of the Central Siberian plateau, near Lake Khantai). The landscape is mountain-lake-taiga, relict vegetation - "classic" taiga and arctic forest tundra trees. Putorana is the habitat of the largest population of wild reindeer. The snow ram (also included in the Red Book of Russia) is also found here.

Taimyr Nature Reserve

The extreme north of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, namely the Taimyr Peninsula, possesses 17,819.28 square kilometers of protected land. It received its status already in 1979. It consists of 4 clusters. The water bodies are the Taimyr River and Lake Taimyr. The reproduced flora is 222 species of moss and 265 lichen types, the local fauna is muskoxen.

Ust-Lena Nature Reserve

The GZ at the mouth of the Lena River boasts an area of 14,330 square kilometers. This biosphere "sanctuary" received its borders in 1985. We are talking about most of the Bulunsky region of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), which contains the entire Lena delta. The climate here is polar sea, the landscape is exclusively water and tundra. Only three plants, goose and gull sandpiper, also little swan and pink gull are found from the Red Book inhabitants. The nearest settlement to the cordon is the Tiksi settlement.

Kronotsky Reserve

The largest nature reserves in Russia are also located in the Far East. For example, the Kronotsky Nature Reserve ("year of birth" - 1934) occupies the tip of Kamchatka Krai. Its area is 11,476, 19 square kilometers. And there are three sections on the peninsula - Kronotsky, Koryaksky and South Kamchatka. Large water areas are Lake Kurilskoe, Kumble and Kronotsky, as well as the Levyi Schepina, Stanichnaya, Kronotsky, Tyushevka, Anna and Kambalny rivers. Among protected plants are Elman birch and shrub (pine and alder). There are acclimated populations of brown bear and wild northern eel.

Russia's most famous nature reserves

The status of "Russia's largest nature reserves" does not yet mean that they are the most famous. Other protected areas fall into this category - those that are stunning in their beauty or uniqueness, as well as transport accessibility or convenience.

Barguzin Nature Reserve

In the first place is the north-eastern shore of Lake Baikal, protected since 1916, which is the "pearl of Buryatia" with the size of 374,322 hectares. I need not remind you that the visitor will find here the cleanest and deepest fresh water in the world, as well as dozens of species of coniferous and deciduous forests. One should only pay attention to our most favorite local tracts - the neighborhood of Davsha and Ust-Barguzin villages. From here "campers" raft down picturesque rivers.

Ussuri Nature Reserve

It occupies the second position in the list "The most famous reserves of Russia" Only a deaf person hasn't heard about the tiger of the same name these days. President Putin personally controls the protection of this cat species. Perhaps the Ussuri tiger will even appear on one of the Russian banknotes! The place of the toothy beauty is the protected since 1934 territory of the Ussuriisk urban district and Shkotovsky district of Primorye. And this reserve has unforgettable beautiful nature - the southern spurs of Przhevalsky mountains covered with various wood, the Komarovka river,

Altai Reserve

In the ranking of the most beautiful mountains of Russia after the Caucasus immediately goes the Ala-Tau mountain system ("colorful mountains" - their slopes are really "covered" with all the colors of the rainbow). Officially in Russia these ranges are called Altai. But the most relict place is only on the right bank and in the upper reaches of the Chulyshman River. Talk about more frequent. There are 1190 lakes in forest hollows, the most "tourist" among which is Teletskoye. Altai recreation received special status in 1932 - because of rare birds of prey. Read a review in Altai Reserve in a separate article

Russia's oldest nature reserve

One of the repositories of endemic flora and fauna has the title "Russia's oldest reserve". It is the Barguzin Reserve (included in the register of the most visited). The fact is that the Russian Provisional Government decided to protect its nature from encroachment by poachers and miners on December 29, 1916. Despite the difficult internal political situation and troubles on the eve of the New Year, the then leadership found time and effort to pass a relevant law. It is worth saying that restrictive measures to exterminate certain animals were also in

According to the new style, the oldest reserve in Russia celebrates its birthday on January 11.

Russia's youngest nature reserve

Everything is clear with chronologically the first protected recreation area in Russia, but which GZ, on the contrary, is the youngest protected area in Russia? Its name is the Kologriv Forest, and its location is the north-east of the Kostroma region. The decision on its status was taken by the government relatively recently - in 2006. Nearly 58 940 hectares of thickets of taiga (dark-coniferous) forest lie near the Kologriv settlement - along the Vetluga and Unzha rivers. The purpose of this area is to preserve the specified plant massif.

Russia's most popular nature reserve

The most popular nature reserve in Russia is determined by only one parameter - statistics of attendance in recent years (regardless of its beauty or amenities). The Kivach Nature Reserve turned out to be the most popular. The waterfall and the surrounding massive coniferous forest in the Republic of Karelia (almost 11,000 hectares near the village of the same name on the Suna River) attract thousands of people. By the way, the Suna River bed is full of other picturesque tracts. The number of tours to this location is "off the charts". And it should be noted that the entire Karelian region has become a "tourist

Russia's Wettest Reserve

There is such a thing as "the wettest nature reserve in Russia" - the Caucasus Nature Reserve, or rather, its boundary with the Sochi National Park to the south. It is here that the place with the highest humidity and record rainfall in our country is located. Even without considering evaporation and runoff, the gorges surrounding the Achishkho mountain range (which is exactly the boundary line of the state reserve and national park) receive almost 3,300 millimeters per year! There is a threat of floods and even avalanches. In the heat it's very hot to breath here

Russia's Most Fertile Reserve

Belogorye is the most fertile nature reserve in Russia. Why so? The local plains (2,131 hectares of the historical regions Yamskaya Steppe, Otrasievy Yary, Lysyie Gory and Stenki Izgorye) have an arable layer over 60 centimeters thick. The depth of the fertile strata depends directly on the depth of the cultural (archeological) layer. And it is extremely high here - dozens of nationalities lived in this area - numerous Neolithic agricultural tribes, the Srubna culture, Scythians, Alans, Northern Slavs, the Turkic states, the MongoloTatars, Russian

Russia's highest reserve

The Kabardino-Balkarian reserve is the highest nature reserve in Russia. No wonder its full name already contains the word "mountainous". Its highest "floors" are Dykhtau (5204) and Koshtanau (5152). "So Elbrus is higher anyway!" you might say. Yes. But Elbrus is part of the Elbrus Nature Park, which is not a protected land (which is clearly visible thanks to hundreds of hotels, shopping centers and sports complexes). The Kabardino-Balkarian reserve extends over 82,642 hectares. Its tracts are inhabited by such rare animals as jackal, Caucasian ul

Russia's northernmost nature reserve

The reader will be interested to know that the Great Arctic is the northernmost nature reserve of Russia. It lies on the borders of the Arctic Circle. Although Russia has "more arctic" peninsulas and islands, they have no recreational value.

Russia's southernmost nature reserve

In 1987 it was decided to turn several heterogeneous biosphere complexes on the border of Tarumovsky and Buynaksky districts of the republic into a protected area (the total size of this "motley" reserve is 19,061 hectares). This is a wintering site for rare migratory birds, including flamingos (they love the local tiny lakes). The Sarykum tract (the largest sand dune in Eurasia near Makhachkala) was also added here. Besides deserts there are colorful semi-deserts and bald hills (the Kizlyar Gulf).

Russia's westernmost nature reserve

The Kaliningrad Region of Russia is the deepest in Europe. However, it has only nature parks, not nature reserves. But in second place, as you know, is the Pskov Region. And on its land there is a GZ. So, Polistovsky is the westernmost nature reserve in Russia. Administratively, it is part of the Bezhanitsky and Loknyansk districts of the region. It refers to the area between the Polist, Hlavitsa and Tsevla rivers and also Lake Polisto, which appears in the old Russian birch-bark charters. The landscape is lush, marshy. Of trees there is hazel, oak, maple, lime, rare

Russia's easternmost nature reserve

The easternmost nature reserve in Russia is Wrangel Island. Then lies the dead part of Chukotka. On the same meridian (only to the south) are the U.S. islands!

Russia's smallest nature reserve

After Crimea joined Russia, this place replaced Galichya Gora on the "position" of the smallest nature reserve of the country. We are talking about the very edge of the Crimean land, where a part of Nikita village is located, namely Nikitsky Botanical Garden and the coast that separates it from the sea. Its area is only 240 ha, the longest trail (considering the rough terrain) is 800 meters. The reserve was created back in 1973 by the Ukrainian SSR authorities. Its purpose was to preserve the landscape with ruins of Ruskafil-Kale.

Russia's most unusual nature reserve

Which of our reserves received the title "The most unusual reserve in Russia"? Most tourists, local historians and scientists agree that it is the Ubsunurov Hollow. This is the Russian part of the Russian-Mongolian transboundary object - the lowlands between the Altai Mountains and Lake Ubsu-Nur (the lake itself belongs to the MNR). The protected area of the tract is 898,064 hectares. But this area in the Tyva Republic contains all the landscapes of the temperate zone of the Earth: steppe, forest-steppe, forested foothills, rocky mountains (sheltered by bushes), flood meadows and semipalmated

U.S. Reserves and National Parks

The natural beauty of the United States is in no way inferior to that of Canada or Russia. There are mixed forests and vast canyons, as well as rivers and lakes with bustling waterfalls. The vast reserves and parks of the United States attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to their land every year. There are so many protected areas in the States that it is difficult to decide immediately where to spend your vacation or weekend. Let's look at the most famous and popular national parks in America.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

The Canyon in Utah is less famous than its neighbors, the Grand Canyon and Zion, because of its remoteness, but its beauty is just as majestic as that of neighboring national parks.

Bryce is up to 2,700 meters high. Its ochre and yellow cliffs are shaped like a Roman amphitheater. Tourists love to see the sunrise in this canyon, and those who have the patience to wait until sunset are also rewarded with amazing views and the game of light.

Monument Valley Between Utah and Arizona

The park, run by the Navajo tribe, is famous for its own Valley of Monuments, a wonderful place created by nature, but because of the bizarre rocks and hills it seems to be a man-made creation.

A road from Flagstaff leads to the Monuments. The tourist center in the Valley is located at the entrance. It starts at 6 a.m., and during the warm season it is open until 8:30 p.m. There you can buy a map of the Valley, pick up and register a route, and buy various small items.

There is a fee to enter the national park, with an adult ticket price of about $20.

Monument Valley has been the setting for many Hollywood westerns and sci-fi movies.

Monument Valley borders Stone Arches National Park, where you can see the symmetrical Rainbow Arch of natural origin.

Death Valley Between California and Nevada

Death Valley is another wilderness area in the U.S. The national park of the same name has hiking and biking trails that can be used by hikers.

You can get to the tourist part of Death Valley from Las Vegas by a special bus from the tour company. Other transport does not go there, so for a private trip you will have to rent a car.

Yellowstone, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho

The huge reserve occupies territories in three American states at once. The highlight of the park is its geysers. Hot jets of water gushing out of the ground make an indelible impression on viewers.

Yellowstone's waterfalls and the large number of animals in the reserve have made this natural site a UNESCO heritage site. There is a long road through the park that takes you to all the main attractions of the reserve. It is 230 kilometers long.

The city of Salt Lake City is close to the park, and buses run from there to the park entrance. There are 9 hotels, stores, gas stations, and campgrounds in the park.

Yosemite, Calif.

Yosemite National Park has been on the UNESCO heritage lists since 1984. The park is almost entirely made up of wild forests, mountains and caves, with only 5% of land filled with any infrastructure.

Yosemite is home to more than 400 species of animals, including bobcats, black bears, and deer.

The park is 300 kilometers from the city of San Francisco, from where tours are organized to Yosemite. The California Nature Reserve is considered one of the first parks that appeared on American soil.

Katmai

It is located in Alaska on an area of 1.6 million hectares. The national park and reserve was formed in 1980. The most curious object is the Valley of Ten Thousand Smoke. More than a hundred years ago it was filled with ash, and the Leta River formed canyons of cooled rock. Now there is no smoke, but the name remains. Bears over 2000 individuals. They are monitored through the cameras installed in the park.

Big Band

The national park and biosphere reserve is located on the border with Mexico, Texas. It has existed since 1944 and covers 324,000 hectares. Desert climate, cracked earth, cacti as the main vegetation are typical features of the park. Hiking, rock climbing, bird watching are popular. You can also cross the Rio Grande and find yourself in a Mexican village.

Cuyahoga Valley

It is the only national park located in Ohio between the cities of Cleveland and Akron. It was formed relatively recently - in 2000.

The Blue Falls attracts the most tourists, and the park also offers horseback riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as historic train and kayak tours.

Joshua Tree

This national park was founded in 1994 and covers more than 3,000 square kilometers in southeastern California.

The park is the intersection of two deserts: the Mojave and Sonora deserts. The plant life here corresponds to the desert terrain, the most popular object is the "Joshua tree," a succulent of the Yucca genus.

The main attraction - rock complexes that attract experienced and novice climbers. Popular among climbers (but not marked on all maps) Hall of Horrors.

Olympic

The park is located on the peninsula of the same name in Washington state.

For a long time the park was isolated from the mainland, and its natural and animal world was formed separately. That is why the Olympics are home to 15 species of animals and 8 plant species that are found only in this corner of the world.

The reserve is home to an impressive 2,400-meter high mountain range that gives the west and east of the peninsula a different climate. To the west are the Hoh and Quino rain forests, some of the best examples of temperate rainforest in the country, with 60 glaciers, 11 rivers with waterfalls, and 117.4 miles of wild Pacific beach.

Badlands

The park is located in southwestern South Dakota and was established in 1978.

Indians and pioneers called this place "bad land": it is not fertile and extremely uncomfortable to walk on. The landscape of the reserve is variegated hills honed by erosion. These rocks were under softer rocks for many years, which have since been destroyed by water and wind.

Because erosion has exposed very deep layers of earth, the remains of three-toed horses, saber-toothed tigers, and other extinct animals have been discovered there.

Haleakala

This national park is located on the island of Maui, Hawaii, and was established in 1961.

Most of the park is unspoiled wilderness. The park itself is divided into two parts: apex and coastal. The main attraction is the crater of the dormant volcano Haleakala. A huge crater, more than 3 kilometers wide, is strewn with volcanic objects.

In addition to the crater, you can visit Hosmer's Grove - this man brought plants to Hawaii from other places: many did not survive, some mastered, and others have grown so big that they have become a threat to native plants.

Zion

Utah has an abundance of national parks, but Zion (or Zion) is the first and most popular. It opened in 1909 and is located near the town of Springdale.

The main attraction is the canyon of the same name, the second most popular is Kolob Canyon. The most breathtaking is the view from Angels Landing observation point, but it is not easy to get there.

Another attraction of the park is the Weeping Rock, which has water droplets on its surface that resemble tears.

Shenadoah

The park is part of the Blue Ridge Range (Appalachian Mountains) in Virginia, established in 1935.

The park is known for its waterfalls, the height of the fall of the highest - 29 meters. It is called Overall Run, the way to it on the hiking trail is about 5 km.

On the hills and in the foothills there are cacti, mountain laurel, tulip tree and ferns. Oak, maple and chestnut are common. Of animals can be seen white-tailed deer, red lynx, baribala and bear.

Along the ridge of the ridge is a highway with parking lots equipped for observation. From them go hiking and biking trails.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Until 1540, the Grand Canyon was inhabited by Indian tribes. Thanks to Roosevelt, the canyon became a popular hunting and fishing destination, and then it was declared a wilderness area.

The name speaks for itself. The Grand Canyon is larger than any other such place on earth. The natural depression is 500 km long and 1.6 km deep.

Even today there are archaeological excavations in the canyon lands. The forests, rocks, and caves are home to birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

There are helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon. There are hotels, camping sites, and souvenir shops. You can choose to travel through the park by the following modes of transportation:

• Bicycle;
• Train;
• Horseback riding;
• Hiking route;
• Airplane;
• Balloon.

The infrastructure of this reserve is well developed. Part of the park in winter is closed to the public, but its southern areas are always full of tourists from all over the world.

From Flagstaff to the canyon is possible by shuttle or bus. The distance between the park entrance and the city is about 100 km.

Mount Rainer

The park is located in Washington state, Pierce and Lewis County, and was founded in 1899.

The main attraction is the stratovolcano (volcano, composed of tephra, lava and volcanic ash) Rainier. Its height exceeds 4200 m. Around it are pristine forests, untouched by man, waterfalls, subalpine and alpine meadows and about 25 glaciers.

The most popular is the area on the southern slope of the volcano, which is called Paradise (which means "paradise"). In total, the park includes more than 40 tourist sites.

Denali

The park is located in central Alaska. It was founded in 1917 and was called Mount McKinley.

The main attraction of the park is the highest peak in North America, part of the Alaskan Range, Mount Denali. Its height exceeds 6,000 m. In addition, the park has lakes of glacial origin and about 650 species of plants.

An excursion is considered successful if it was possible to meet a sheep, a moose, a reindeer, a wolf and a grizzly.

Entry on their own transport is allowed only for the first 24 kilometers, after that - only on the park buses.

In addition to the bus tour, there are hiking trails, a small plane tour, and a direct rock climb up the mountain.

Mammoth Cave

Located in Kentucky and established in 1941, the main attraction is the cave itself. Its name has nothing to do with mammoths, it just emphasizes how huge it is. Mammoth Cave joins the others and is part of the Flint Ridge Cave System.

There are many amazing things in this cave: frozen waterfalls, the Hall of Stars, which got its name thanks to the inclusions of quartz crystals sparkling against the limestone walls, the Concert Hall, where violinists sometimes perform, the alley of stalactites and stalagmites and much more.

Excursions vary in length and complexity of the route. The simplest lasts about an hour, and complex require prior preparation.

Glacier, Montana.

In the U.S. state of Montana, which borders Canada, there is an amazingly beautiful Glacier Nature Preserve. The nature there is untouched by man, and abounds with rivers, hills, forests, and fields.

To get into the Glacier, you have to pay $12 to enter, motorists pay for the right to enter it $25. The park stretches over 4,000 square kilometers. The best time to visit it is from May to October.

The Glacier lands are home to glaciers that may soon disappear from the face of the earth altogether. The park has many trails for eco-tourism enthusiasts.

The water route from Glacier Bay by boat is very popular. It is possible to view the park from a helicopter, as well as to drive along its roads by car. There are hotels, stores and gas stations, trailer sites, and campgrounds on the territory of the reserve.

Great Smokey Mountains, North Carolina

If you ask an American what the most famous nature reserve in the States is, he will point to the Great Smoky Mountains. More than 9 million tourists visit this park every year.

On the lands of the reserve there is such a hiking trail, the length of which exceeds all similar ones by several times. The national park includes 150 hiking trails.

The main tourist "thing" of the park are the ruins of ancient Indian settlements. The infrastructure of the reserve is underdeveloped, there is only one hotel on Mount Le Comte. You can stay overnight in campsites, but many of them do not provide electricity or water.

The park's forests and mountains amaze with their colorful, colorful and changeable character. The fog often descends from the mountain ranges, thanks to which the reserve is called the "Smoky Mountains".

Wind Cave

The park is located in the foothills of the Black Hills in South Dakota, founded in 1903.

The main attraction of the park - Wind Cave, the fifth longest in the world. Its length exceeds 220 km. It is the result of the action of thermal waters on limestone rocks. The cave is a large labyrinth and many galleries. The cave is equipped for tours, offering routes of varying difficulty.

Hawaii Volcanoes, Hawaii

The grandiose Mauna Loa volcano reaches 9,000 meters in height and is located in the Hawaii Volcanoes Reserve, where you can see the process of lava eruption from a safe distance.

There are many geysers and craters in the park, where they organize a kind of jeep safari for a thorough tour of the natural sights.

A visitor's center, the Jagger Museum, observatory, and stores make up the infrastructure of Hawaii Volcanoes. Despite the proximity of lava monsters, there are campsites and small trailer parks in the preserve.

Torrey Pines, Calif.

Torrey Pines is a nature preserve that is closely adjacent to the city of San Diego. The total area of the park is 2,000 acres of land. The geographic composition of the preserve includes the following sites:

• The beach of the same name;
• Rocks and cliffs;
• Laguna;
• Forests and hills.

Rare migratory birds nest near these protected areas. Torrey Pines is home to wild cats, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and unique pine trees.

Visiting a park with unique flora and fauna entails some restrictions, so Torrey Pines can be visited during the day. Picnics are also allowed on the coast. There are many coastal uplands in the reserve, where in season you can see the migration of whales.

Everglades. florida.

The enormous and biologically important Everglades Preserve in the U.S. is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to endangered species of animals and reptiles. The Preserve is home to the tropics and plants that are found nowhere else on the map.

A million and a half acres is an impressive area of the reserve, so a trip there should be planned with time to spare. Entering the protected area will cost motorists $20. There are many towns near the park where you can book a tour or take a boating course. This national park also sells annual passes to visit it. The price of such a pass will be about $40.

Africa's Largest Reserve - Africa's Best National Parks and Reserves

The largest nature reserve in the world has appeared in Africa. It is called Kavango Zambezi. The complex is located on the borders of five states: Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The total area of the reserve exceeds 44 million hectares. The protected area includes 36 nature reserves and the land surrounding them. Kavang Zambezi is home to almost half of all elephants in Africa, over 600 different plant species and about 300 bird species.

With the formation of protected areas such as the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA for short) transnational reserve in Africa, endangered species that are prone to migrating (elephants and rhinos) feel completely safe in a vast area the size of Sweden.

Tourist paradise

This land is home to many world-famous attractions, such as Victoria Falls. Although this African reserve was founded only recently (2011), one of the main goals of the five states was to create conditions for the free migration of all animal species. In addition, for these countries, nature reserves and national parks in Africa are major tourist attractions. Every year thousands of tourists from around the world come to this unique transboundary nature reserve.

Animals

The elephants are undoubtedly the main representatives of fauna living in the complex. It may be hard to believe, but almost half of the total number of elephants in Africa live in the protected area. 600 plant species grow on these vast territories, including many unique ones. 300 species of birds find their home in the most picturesque areas of the region.

South Africa is a land of surprising combinations of the incompatible. The country's stunningly beautiful landscapes are concentrated in nature reserves and national parks.

Kruger Park

The cross-border area of 20 thousand square kilometers is between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Elephant and lion, buffalo and rhinoceros, leopard feel quite comfortable here.

Statistics confirm the uniqueness of these places. The area occupied by this African reserve can be compared to the territory of Wales. It is countless picturesque meadows and pastures, coastal forests, which are home to about 150 species of mammals, including the largest population of rhinos.

A five-hour drive from Johannesburg, South Africa's largest metropolis, you can see wildlife and have an unforgettable experience. For example, in Kruger Park you can watch a lion fight a crocodile.

The most intrepid tourists can go on guided tours, accompanied by armed guards. Nature reserves and national parks in Africa are best visited in winter. During this time, the vegetation is not so vigorous and does not obstruct the view. Animals can be seen near the many water bodies, and at this time the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.

Royal-Natal

One of the most picturesque mountain ranges in Africa is the Drakensberg. The name translates as the Dragon Mountains. Sharp mountain tops here are smoothly transformed into green slopes, which are covered with bumps and hills.

Royal Natal National Park is located in a not very large area (2,500 square kilometers), part of the Ukahlamba Complex, a World Heritage Site. Despite this, the Drakensberg is one of the most famous mountain formations on Earth.

Sedeberg Nature Reserve

This mountain range is located 200 km north of Cape Town. Sedeberg Africa Reserve consists of many sandstone hills, dense thickets of fynbos, and the magnificent Mount St. Rock. Excursion routes last from one hour to several days.

During such a walk you can enjoy the wildlife of these places. You can climb steep slopes to the picturesque hills - Wolfberg Arch or the Maltese Cross. Tourists prefer to stay at Sandrif base. There is an observatory and a huge wine library. The best time to go is from April to August. This is the best time for hiking weather.

Mapungubwe

African national parks amaze tourists with the beauty of pristine nature. Mapungubwe is no exception. It is located along the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, in the Limpopo River Valley. Here, giraffes and elephants, baboons and leopards stroll leisurely between the trees.

Mapungubwe is on the World Heritage List and is a historical value, so if you are in Johannesburg, be sure to come here.

In ancient times this area was the center of the South African kingdom. In 1300 B.C. there were nine thousand people living here. Archaeologists have discovered hills with burial places, which were buried unique values, for example, a golden rhinoceros figurine. It is better to come here in June and August.

Blyde River.

Africa's wildernesses and parks vary in their natural landscapes. This canyon deserves to be seen for yourself. It towers over the Blyde River and seems to jut down from the peaks of the Drakensberg Ranges with the magnificent crowns of thousands of beautiful trees.

The green gentle slopes, with sandstone and limestone hills above them, make this place even more beautiful. The most famous of them is the rock of Triple Rondavel, with its huge vaults and semicircular tops that resemble the roofs of rondavels (African houses).

It is better not to visit the nature reserves of Africa from January to March. During this time, travel is not very comfortable - moist air descends from the mountains, and there is a risk of malaria.

Isimangaliso

The name of this wetland park means "miracle" in Zulu. The national park covers an area of 3,320 square kilometers, an ecosystem of world significance. Isimangaliso is covered with lakes, swamp forests, coral reefs, the largest river delta on the continent and about 220 km of beaches on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Africa's reserves, large and not so large, are mostly prepared to welcome tourists. For example, Isimangaliso Park has excellent conditions for diving and horseback riding. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can go kayaking and observe wildlife.

This park, 375 km from Durban, is especially good from June to October, when there is no exhausting heat and the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.

Namakua

Not all nature reserves in Africa can boast such unique vegetation as Namakuwaland, located along the coast of South Africa. It is often called the Garden of Africa, blooming in the spring with a thousand colors. It is a true decoration of the arid continent. From early August to late September you can see this beauty with your own eyes.

The park is located near Cape Town. It is a true treasure trove of rich flora. The blooming of the daisies in this park is a mesmerizing sight.

Kgalgadi Transboundary Park

A "wild island" of land on the red-hot sands of the Kalahari Desert, Kgalgadi Park is located in the transboundary zone between Botswana and South Africa, the world's largest wilderness area and is home to many animals - lions and ostriches, leopards and cheetahs - that survive in this arid land.

Ktugalgadi Park is a great place to watch the big cats, but you have to be careful - you could end up with a lion on the same path at any moment.

Table Mountain

The national park, which has such a strange name, is located in the Cape Peninsula and offers a stunning view of Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa.

In this park there are many great opportunities for outdoor activities. You will be offered to paraglide from the Lion's Head Cliff. You can rock climb on the highest slope of Table Mountain, walk along the scenic trails. Locals recommend climbing up the mountain through the meadows of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

Golden Gate

The Maluti Mountains are 300 km northeast of Bloemfontein and offer early morning herds of grazing antelope. The magnificent sight of the mountains at sunset, when the slopes turn golden, gave the park its name. Brandwag Mountain is particularly beautiful as it is visible from every angle.

Tsavo Conservation Area, Kenya

Tsavo West

Consisting of Tsavo West, Tsavo Eastas well as Chulu Hills National Park, it is the largest park in Kenya and boasts the largest population of elephants in the country. Tsavo West is the most popular of these parks with Ngulia Rhinoceros Nature Reserve as well as a crocodile and a hippo Mzima Springs. Chaimu Crater is a great place to see birds of prey. The dense foliage, especially in the northern areas of the park, makes the wildlife more challenging, but the lush landscapes make a great backdrop for photos. Mountaineering is also a popular activity in the park.

Tsavo East, halfway between Nairobi and Mombasa, is much more arid than its western brother. Large herds of mermaid elephant in red dust here, baobabs dot the parched plains, and the palm ravines of the Galana River snake through the dry landscape. Other highlights include the world's longest lava flow, Плато Ятта</b>; водопады; и разнообразие дикой природы, включая слонов, носорогов, меньшего куду и львов. Национальный парк Чюлу-Хиллз охватывает холмистые зеленые холмы, а также пещеры и вулканические конусы и кратеры. Это одно из лучших мест для осмотра горы Килиманджаро и предлагает фантастические возможности наблюдения за птицами.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, presides over this diverse park, which is famous for its large herds of elephants. It is Kenya's second most popular national park after the Masai Mara National Reserve and contains five different habitats within its boundaries, including a swamp system, dense forest, savannah and a dried layer of Lake Amboseli. These contrasting ecosystems provide wildlife diversity and abundance of big cats like cheetah and lion as well as waterbuck, gazelle, impala and over 600 bird species. sl Masai Village near the park and learn about this fascinating tribe who live around the park boundaries.

The best nature reserves in Kazakhstan

Aksu-Zhabagli

The first of the country's reserves was established in 1926. It is located in the south of Kazakhstan and covers an area of almost 132 thousand hectares. The symbol of the territory is the Greig tulip. This flower is actively exported. The flora has over 1700 species. Of the rare fauna are the endangered snow leopard and two endemics - subspecies of argali ram and Talas marmot.

Almaty

The reserve appeared on maps in 1931. Refers to the territory of the Zailiisky Alatau Range. The area - about 72 thousand hectares. There is a division into altitude belts. The first stretches from the forest-steppe to a height of 1600 meters and is covered with deciduous forests. The second level is limited to the mark 2800 meters, and there are predominantly conifers. The next level - mostly Alpine meadows. And above 3500 meters begin glaciers and bare rocks. Developed river network, many lakes.

Naurzum

It was founded in 1931, but was closed for 15 years, until 1966. The area - more than 191 thousand hectares. The territory of the reserve is divided into three zones. Naurzum - lake systems, pine forest standing on aeolian sands, different types of steppes. Sypsyn - waterlogged lakes, spike forest, mixed grass-sandy steppes and dry meadows. Tersek - pine forest, mostly tipchak-sandy steppes, Dana-Bike river valley.

Barsakelmes

It occupies more than 160 thousand hectares from Kyzylorda oblast. The date of creation is 1939. The reserve is divided into two cluster areas: Barsakelmes and Kaskakulan. The only reserve in the CIS, which is located in the zone of ecological disaster. All because of the Aral Sea level drop. Extreme natural conditions allow researchers to observe accelerated processes of evolution and climate change.

Korgalzhynski

It was established in 1968 and currently occupies an area of more than 543,000 hectares. The reserve is only 130 km from the capital city. The main value of the territory is the wetlands. Dalmatian pelicans, murres and flamingos live here. There are both fresh and salt water bodies. Local Lake Tengiz is part of an international network of unique lakes. The reserve is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Markakolsky

It was formed in 1976 in the vicinity of the lake of the same name. The area is almost 103 thousand hectares. The range is wide: from steppes to stony tundras and alpine meadows. Flora is diverse - about 700 species of plants. Among the fauna species are rare, such as the snow leopard and the American mink. The waters of Lake Markakol are not too rich in fish, but you can catch a tench, a gudgeon or a char.

Ustyurt

It is located in the Mangistau region. It was formed in 1984 to protect the Ustyurt plateau and its northern deserts. The area of the reserve is more than 223 thousand hectares. The reserve has several types of soil, so the flora is diverse - 263 species. Cheetahs used to live in these areas in the past, but became extinct in the 1960s. Leopards replaced them, their numbers are small. In Ustyurt, there is only one amphibian species - green toad.

West Altai

It is located in the east of the country. Its area is more than 86 thousand hectares. The purpose of the reserve's creation in 1992 was to protect the biogeocenoses of the Altai mountain system. The ridges here are not too high. The granite remains of the Linear Squirrel are recognized as a geological monument. The river network is developed, and water bodies are mainly fed by melting snow. In West Altai is the largest upper bog of the region - "Gulbishche".

Alakolsky

The area of 65.5 thousand hectares became a protected area in 1998. The main protected areas are concentrated in the delta of the Tentek River and on the islands of Lake Alakol. The reserve's employees are engaged in restoration of the relict gull population, creating favorable living conditions for them. Not only fishing is prohibited in the buffer zone, but also parking of watercraft. Since 2013, Alakolsky is included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves Network.

Karatau

It was established in 2004 on an area of 34.3 thousand hectares. It is located in the central part of the Karatau Ridge. There are many rivers and seasonal streams on the slopes of the highlands. Three deserts come close to the reserve. In the last century the composition of fauna has changed greatly. Disappearing species and a decline in populations are the main reason for establishing the reserve. The flora is not fully studied, but 76 endemics have already been identified.