Altai Nature Reserve- a natural area, distinguished by its uniqueness, located on the territory of Russia, in Siberian mountains and is under special protection by the state. It has an impressive area of 881,238 hectares and is located on the waters of Lake Teletskoye.
In fact, the Altai Nature Reserve is the central and eastern part Altai Territory. It is distinguished by its incredibly picturesque rivers and even waterfalls. Mountain Altai, as well as incredible landscapes.
The climate is continental, but precisely because of the special topography of this region, one can observe a variety of climatic conditions such as wet summers or mild winters. It all depends on the part of the Altai Republic occupied by the reserve.
The reserve was founded in the 60s of the 20th century and the purpose of its creation is quite clear - to preserve the beautiful Lake Teletskoye, cedar forests and fauna. It still remains for scientists important issue studying the nature of this region. Their attention is occupied by: the ecosystem and natural processes, plants and animals.
It is represented by forests, occupying 45% of the territory, tundra, meadows, swamps and steppes. The most unusual plants are only here.
The most common and well-known are: pine, fir, spruce, larch, birch and great amount cedar forests are the most environmentally friendly in the world. It’s even hard to imagine that the age of one such tree in the forest can reach up to 500 years.
In general, we can say that the plants here are very diverse and make up an incredible amount different types- up to 1500, more than 100 species of mushrooms alone and almost 700 species of various algae. Many of them are listed in the Red Book and are incredibly rare.
What gives the landscapes a variegated look is climatic diversity, which is present here, as well as the variety of terrain with a huge number of altitudes that reach heights of up to 3500 meters.
The richest fauna of the reserve
The reason for the wide diversity of fauna is the fact that the reserve is located at the junction mountain systems Altai, Sayan and Tuva. Places with diverse climatic conditions have a beneficial effect on the development of the animal world and on the increase in their numbers.
The sable is the most striking inhabitant of the reserve, living in the taiga and feeding on pine nuts. Ungulate fauna: elk, maral, deer, roe deer, Siberian goat, musk deer and Mountain sheep- and these are just the most popular ones.
Two residents of the Altai Nature Reserve were included in the world Red Book: an incredibly beautiful snow leopard and Siberian musk deer. And the total number of rare, and most importantly, endangered species of animals is about 59.
The Altai Nature Reserve is an irreplaceable home for such large and wild predators, like: bears, wolverines, lynxes. The bird fauna includes 300 species and 16 varieties of fish. More than 50 types rare birds also listed in the Red Book. Lake Teletskoye is inhabited by perch, burbot, grayling, whitefish, taimen and pike.
Tigireksky reserve
The important and extraordinarily beautiful nature reserve “Tigireksky” is a kind of continuation of the Altai. Its location can be traced on the map in the southwestern part of the Altai Republic.
The purpose of its creation in 1999 is the preservation of the Altai-Sayan territory, characterized by mountainous terrain. In fact, this is the youngest reserve in Russia and the Altai Territory.
Taiga and forest-steppe carry main value in this colorful nature reserve. Unlike Altai, its relief is low and mid-mountain. The climate of the reserve is characterized by hot summer weather and cold winter.
Thanks to natural and climatic conditions, large area It is occupied by taiga, in the depths of which grow the most useful plants for pharmaceuticals, such as blueberries, viburnum, rose hips, bergenia, Rhodiola rosea and others.
Representatives of the fauna are, first of all, the largest animals: bears, deer, elk and roe deer. There is also a large number of animals such as: sable, squirrel, chipmunk, lynx, weasel, wolverine.
Tigireksky Nature Reserve is one of the few in Russia that owns ecological trail 70 km long, called “Big Tigirek”. The great news is that the Tigirek Nature Reserve is of tourist value and offers the opportunity for various excursions, which numerous researchers take advantage of.
Kulundinsky reserve
Quite small, in comparison with the previous ones, is the Kulunda nature reserve (reserve), located in the western part of the Altai Territory near the village of Kulunda in Russia.
The purpose of creating this small nature reserve was the reason for the preservation and protection of the quasi-natural territory, the largest in Russia, as well as Lake Kulundinskoye itself and the surrounding saline meadows and steppes.
These places and the lake are of great value as a permanent habitat for shorebirds that regularly migrate and nest here.
Katunsky Biosphere Reserve
The beauty and uniqueness of the Altai Mountains is impressive. First of all, its primitiveness and untouchedness by man are shocking. Katunsky biosphere reserve spreads over the territory of the Ust-Koksinsky region of the Altai Republic in Russia, it is located at the highest mountain point - the Katunsky ridge.
Flora of Katunsky natural unique reserve includes more than 700 plant species. The fauna is also diverse and worthy close attention. There are about 400 glaciers in the high mountains of the Katunsky Range, and ancient cultures are represented here by archaeological sites from different times.
Sanctuary "Swan"
It is also known that a special swan subspecies, whooper swans, spends the winter in the Altai foothills. The Swan Sanctuary is a temporary home for more than 300 swans and 2,000 wild ducks.
An interesting fact is that birds such as the peregrine falcon, steppe harrier, oystercatcher, falcon. The territory of the extraordinary reserve “Swan” is located extremely close to people and civilization, but it is still developing and has not been touched by human hands.
Property of Russia
The Altai Nature Reserve is the property of not only the individual republic, but also the whole of Russia. Only here you can see a wonderful combination mountain landscape and picturesque lowlands. Nowhere else does this kind of beauty and perfection of wild nature exist.
Here is the most fresh air, the most high mountains, the most beautiful animals and the most useful plants. If you study the world map in detail, you can be sure that there is no longer anything like the Altai Nature Reserve in the world.
It will be a great pleasure to visit any of the natural areas: reserves or wildlife sanctuaries, be it “Swan”, “Katunsky”, “Kulundiysky” or “Tigireksky”. Every piece of this living land is imbued with history and incredible love to everything living.
Visiting each reserve is entirely possible for tourists upon agreement with the administration. Eco-tourism is a new direction for a wonderful and useful pastime, and the impressions from such a trip will last a lifetime.
The nature of Altai is full of miracles and incredible discoveries. The reserve of the Altai Territory fascinates with its unpredictability and mountain-taiga landscapes. Everyone should see such beauty at least once in their life.
Only wild nature, mountains and forest. Complete isolation from civilization: throughout the entire territory of the Altai Nature Reserve there is not a single hotel or hotel, moreover, not a single road or highway, they are replaced by foresters’ paths. Not far from the reserve, small wooden houses are available for tourists for no more than 500 rubles per day. Lovers of extreme recreation and hiking come here.
Altai Nature Reserve- one of largest reserves in Russia . Unique and specially protected natural area Russia. The Altai Nature Reserve is included in the list of World Cultural and natural heritage UNESCO as “Golden Mountains of Altai”.
It is included in the "Global-200" (WWF) list - pristine or little-changed ecoregions of the world, which contain 90% of the planet's biodiversity.
It occupies one of the first places among Russian nature reserves in terms of biological diversity.
Where is
Located in the northeastern part of the Altai Republic, on the territory of the Turchansky and Ulagansky districts.
About the reserve
The Altai Nature Reserve sets itself the following goals:
- Protection of Lake Teletskoye;
- Rescue and protection of cedar forests;
- Protection of endangered animals (sable, elk, etc.);
- Assisting in the study of the region’s ecosystem;
It is surrounded by mountain ranges: in the North is the Abakansky Ridge (2890 m), in the South is the Chikhachev Ridge (3021 m), and in the East is the Shapshalsky Ridge (3507 m).
It’s not difficult to climb the mountains on foot and enjoy the pass beautiful view. On the territory of the Altai Nature Reserve there are 1190 lakes, all pure turquoise blue cold water and a lot of fish (protected by the state). The most big lake called Dzhulukul, more than 10 kilometers long, it is a unique reservoir of the Altai Nature Reserve.
The Altai Nature Reserve is one of the largest in Russia and the second in terms of biodiversity after the Far Eastern protected areas.
It is included in the World Wildlife Fund's Global 200 list - a list of little-changed ecological regions of the planet where 90% of the world's biological diversity is located.
Where is the Altai Nature Reserve located?
The world-famous protected area is located in the Altai-Sayan Mountains. Administratively, the reserve covers the Ulagansky and Turochansky districts of the Altai Republic. The reserve also includes the water area of Lake Terletskoye.
Characteristics
The area of the Altai Nature Reserve is more than 863 thousand hectares, the main part of which is forests, and the smaller part is water areas.
Due to the different topography of the reserve (highlands, highlands, canyons and gorges, valleys - the difference in altitude above sea level is 400 - 3,500m), the climate is mountainous and continental. Winter is long and cold, short summer humid and warm. Average annual precipitation - 870mm
Story
At the beginning of the 16th century, the inhabitants of Altai began to develop the territory of mountains, foothills, and mountainous regions. Local tribes of Mundus, Yamundus, Sayans and others hunted on this land. In the 18th century, nomadic tribes of local aborigines had already populated both banks of the Chulyshman River.
Altai Nature Reserve in winter. Terletskoe lake photo
The beauty of the local nature has attracted the attention of scientists, who have repeatedly drawn attention to the unique ecological system Altai region.
Based on the results of the study, numerous field expeditions, collected material and observations of flora and fauna, compiled maps and diagrams, the Altai Nature Reserve was officially opened in 1932.
The reason for the discovery was the need to preserve the ecosystems of Terletskoye Lake and the surrounding taiga, as well as to protect the population of animals that were subjected to intensive extermination - sable and deer. The reserve was closed twice, but since 1967 it has been operating continuously, and its boundaries have remained stable and unchanged since then.
Korbu waterfall photo
In 1998, the territory of the reserve was included in the UNESCO List as a natural heritage site. Since 2009, the reserve received biosphere status.
Altai Nature Reserve: animals
- Amphibians - 2 species (gray toad, sharp-faced frog);
- Reptiles - 6 species (patterned snake, common viper, steppe viper, viviparous lizard, sand lizard, common copperhead);
- Fish - 19 species (burbot, pike, taimen, perch, etc.);
- Birds - 343 species;
- Mammals - over 50 species.
Altai Nature Reserve animals photo
The fauna of the Altai Nature Reserve is typical for taiga zone. Steppe animals are in the minority here. Among the taiga mammals that live here are roe deer, moose, lynx, deer, squirrels, wolverines, chipmunks, and bears. In alpine landscapes you can see snow leopards, mountain goats, reindeer, argali, Altai vole.
There are also quite a lot of birds in the reserve - partridges, jackdaws, snowcocks, white-naped accentors, larks, redstarts; you can see golden eagles and falcons on the mountain rocks.
The steppe fauna is represented by marmots, gophers, gazelles, and birds - quails, partridges, hoopoes, and horned lark. Waterfowl – goldeneye, swan, mallard, merganser, etc.
Altai Nature Reserve: plants
The flora of the Altai Nature Reserve contains 4 characteristics different belts: steppe, forest, subalpine and alpine. Most of the Altai Nature Reserve is occupied by mountain taiga forests, which mainly include coniferous trees- fir, spruce, pine, birch.
The forest ends at approximately 2 thousand meters above sea level. In the north of the reserve there is a kingdom of fir, in the south there are cedars and larches. There is almost no undergrowth here, and the grass is mostly grass. Pines grow in lake valleys, spruces grow in mountain valleys, birch and aspen grow in places of former fires or clearings.
flora of the reserve photo
There are many clearings throughout the reserve where umbrellas, angelica, nettles, hellebores, and hogweeds grow. In alpine landscapes, birch forests and alpine meadows and lichen tundras are common. The main plants in the dwarf birch zone are dwarf birch and cuckoo flax moss.
In the alpine meadows grows lush grass with large stems - white-flowered geranium, fighter, bitterweed, moral root. In the meadows between the rocks grow violets, hyacinths, mytniks, and kopeks. In the steppe part of the reserve, the main flora is feather grass and fescue.
- The grass in the clearings in the Altai Nature Reserve grows so high that it can sometimes hide a rider on a horse; Terletskoye Lake is fed by 70 rivers, and there are many along the shores of the lake. beautiful waterfalls;
- There are almost 2560 lakes in the reserve;
- Terletskoye Lake is called “Small Baikal of Siberia”;
- The highest mountain lake in the reserve is Julukul, located at an altitude of 2200 m above sea level;
- Some cedars in the reserve are over 400 years old and reach two meters in diameter;
- The territory of the reserve is very difficult to pass. Movement is carried out along special huntsman trails;
- 8 types bats, living in the reserve are included in the Red Book of the Altai Territory;
- There are camera traps in the reserve, with the help of which staff monitor the animals.
cedar old-timer photo
We, people of the 21st century, accustomed to not moving away from civilization for more than a few days, no, no, are beginning to be nostalgic about those days when we could carefree walk in the park, live in the village or spend the night in a tent by the fire.
Is this still possible in modern world? “Of course,” seasoned travelers will answer. However, to realize your plan, you will have to carefully choose a place to relax. For example, go to the Altai Nature Reserve. Why should you choose this place? What is so unusual about it that for decades now, residents of the surrounding area have been coming here with pleasure every year? settlements, as well as guests from near and far abroad.
This article will not only tell readers what the Western Altai Nature Reserve is, but will also share a lot useful information necessary for comfortable spending time in nature.
general description
Altaic state reserve began its work quite a long time ago, on October 7, 1967, when on the territory of the reserve, which existed from 1932 to 1951, by decision local authorities a new protected green area was created.
It should be noted that purely geographically it is located in and covers the Turochaksky and Ulagansky districts of the Altai Republic.
The Altai Nature Reserve boasts an impressive area of 881,238 hectares.
Note that the length of the reserve’s territory from southeast to northwest is 230 km, and its width is 30-40 km.
Goals and objectives
The Altai Nature Reserve was created to achieve very specific goals.
We will try to list the most important ones:
- preserve the most valuable and rare beauty Teletskoye Lake and its landscapes;
- protect cedar forests;
- save the most important game animals that are on the verge of extinction, for example, deer, elk, sable and so on.
Also, the main goals of creating this reserve include the desire for constant stationary study of the nature of the region as a whole. The main task of the Altai State Nature Reserve is the opportunity to provide, preserve and study:
- typical and unique ecological systems;
- natural course natural phenomena and processes;
- genetic fund of flora and fauna;
- individual species and communities of animals and plants.
Features of the local flora
Nature reserves in general, like the above-mentioned territory in particular, are very rich in rare and sometimes even unique plants.
The most common tree species are fir, spruce, larch, and birch. High-mountain, environmentally friendly cedar forests are considered the real pride.
It's hard to imagine that sometimes the diameter cedar wood grown here can reach 1.8 meters, despite the fact that its age is a colossal figure - 400-450 years.
In general, the Western Altai Nature Reserve is rich and diverse. There are about 1500 species higher plants, 111 mushrooms. There are 272 species of lichens alone.
There are 668 species in the reserve known to mankind seaweed Seven species of lichens from the collection that the reserves of the Altai Territory can boast of are listed in the Red Book of Russia. Such lower plants include labora (both reticulata and pulmonata), stikta fringed and others.
It is interesting that in these parts there is a diverse species composition animals and plants. Significant variegation vegetation cover is created due to the local diversity of climatic and natural-historical conditions, as well as due to the complex terrain with heights, in some places reaching 3500 meters.
Of the 1,500 species of flora known here, there are endemics and relicts. The area of the reserve is not only quite impressive, but also very conveniently located: at the junction of the Altai, Tuva and Sayan mountain systems. Exceptionally rich animal world the reserve is defined by its diversity natural conditions, as well as the complexity of biogeographic boundaries and natural historical development.
Animals of the Altai Nature Reserve
One of the main species of fauna living in the Altai taiga is the sable. Pine nuts occupy a significant place in its diet, so the distribution of this animal throughout the reserve depends on the distribution of cedar, and the Altai Reserve has enough of these trees.
Among the ungulate species that live here are the deer, Siberian roe deer, Siberian goat, Siberian musk deer and mountain sheep.
Most numerous species Maral, a large taiga-mountain deer, is considered to be present in the area of the reserve. Like all deer, every year with the beginning of spring it sheds its antlers and grows new ones in return. Young antlers are called antlers. They are of great value as raw materials for medicines.
Rare inhabitants of the reserve
The forests of the Altai Nature Reserve are home to the Siberian musk deer. She does not have horns, but has well-developed fangs on her upper gum. Their length is approximately 10-12 cm. The musk gland of male musk deer can be used in the manufacture of high-quality perfumes.
This reserve, like the Altai Territory, is famous for its quality natural environment habitat of another rather rare animal - the Siberian mountain goat.
In the southern side, as well as in the adjacent territory, they are located in wildlife mountain sheep. True, it should be noted that due to extermination by both predators and humans, only a few dozen of these animals remain, so they, along with the snow leopard, are listed in the Red Book.
Few people know that only about 35 years ago a wild boar entered the reserve from Tuva. And today it is already quite widespread in the territory of this reserve, successfully reproduces and is gradually increasing in number.
The Altai Nature Reserve is considered home to large predators such as wolf, bear, wolverine and lynx. The bear lives in He is exceptionally mobile and develops quite higher speed when running. Before lying down in a den, it accumulates a huge amount of fat, which is considered healing. On spring evenings and mornings, bears can be seen grazing on the southern slopes of the mountains, where they eat young shoots.
Structure of the reserve
On this moment The Altai Nature Reserve consists of four departments:
- scientific;
- environmental education;
- security;
- economic.
One of the most important functions in the reserve is carried out with the help of the security department.
The main task of science is to study the natural course of processes in natural complexes located on the territory of the Altai Nature Reserve. With the help of scientists, research is carried out in different directions. Today, the scientific department of the Altai Nature Reserve takes an active part in the study of argala, musk deer, and snow leopard.
The environmental education sector was created with the aim of developing Russian society understanding the problem related to nature protection and environmental safety. In this regard, the reserve’s specialists hold various events not only with the guests of the reserve, but also with the population.
History of creation
On May 24, 1958, the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR issued a decree aimed at restoring this natural park, the area of which at that time was 914,777 hectares.
However, in the summer of 1961, the Altai Nature Reserve was disbanded again. During the period from 1965 to 1967, the scientific community of Siberia raised the question of the need to create such a special protected area within the territory of the reserve that was previously located here.
On March 24, the Executive Committee of the Altai Regional Council of Workers' Deputies decides to organize a specially protected zone in order to preserve the unique natural complex of the Priteletskaya taiga and Lake Teletskoye.
What to see first?
You can only get to the Altai Nature Reserve from Lake Teletskoye, so you will definitely have the opportunity to get to know and appreciate the so-called Altyn-Kolya.
This lake received its Russian name from the Cossacks, who first appeared here in the 17th century. Origin unusual name associated with the Altai tribe of Teles, who lived on the shore of the lake.
The reserve also has interesting routes, such as Lake Kholodnoye, Korbu, Kishte and Inaccessible waterfalls.
By the way, not everyone knows that the Korbu waterfall is located in the middle of Lake Teletskoye. It has a well-equipped observation deck and is 12.5 meters high. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the reserve.
Korbu Waterfall
This place is located on the Korbu river of the same name, which flows into Lake Teletskoye. The entire right bank of the lake is also located on the territory of the Altai Nature Reserve.
The waterfall creates a cloud of water dust that constantly hovers around it.
Guests of the reserve, located on the spacious observation deck of the waterfall, enjoy a magnificent view. In winter, when the river completely freezes, the Korbu waterfall creates a continuous picturesque ice wall.
You can get to the waterfall the only way: you need to cross the lake using a boat. This excursion is very popular among tourists. However, there is some danger for travelers getting to the waterfall along the lake, since there is a possibility that the waterfall will begin to rise or fall, which sometimes makes the trip almost impossible.
Since 1978, Korbu waterfall has been classified as a natural monument.
Kishte Waterfall
This stunning and picturesque place is located on the river of the same name, which flows into Lake Teletskoye along the right bank.
Tourists have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing beauty of this waterfall up close.
Please note that you can only get to the waterfall using a motorboat, since a pleasure boat does not enter it. The sound of falling water can be heard from the lake, which is why, in fact, it was called Kishte, which translated means “calling”.
It also has a second name - Soboliy. It should be noted that the waterfall is located on the territory of the Altai Nature Reserve, so in order to visit it, you need to have a special permit.
What is prohibited to do on the territory of the reserve?
Any activity that contradicts the goals of the reserve is prohibited. Therefore, on its territory you cannot:
- is located, passes and passes by unauthorized persons and vehicles;
- cut down forest, harvest resin, tree sap, medicinal plants and technical raw materials, collect wild fruits, berries, mushrooms, flowers;
- cut hay, graze livestock, place hives and apiaries;
- hunt and fish;
- build buildings, roads and other communications;
- pollute the territory with various waste and debris;
- damage or destroy information signs and stands of the reserve, as well as do anything that interferes with natural development natural processes and threatens natural complexes and objects.
Altai Biosphere Reserve- This amazing place, where many species of flora and fauna have been preserved. The purest lakes here coexist with the middle and high mountains, and the taiga coexists with the tundra. The Altai State Nature Reserve ceased to exist twice, but from 1967 to the present day it has been functioning again. This is definitely worth a visit for those who want to admire nature unspoiled by man, to see reindeer, snow leopard, and musk deer.
Where is it located and how to get to the Altai Nature Reserve
This unique place located in the northern and eastern parts of the Altai Republic. The territory of the reserve covers the Ulagansky and Turachaksky districts.
The main office of the reserve is located in the capital of the Republic, in Gorno-Altaisk, at the address: Naberezhny lane, building 1. Office phone number - 2-14-19, code - 388-22. Opening hours - from 8.00 to 16.00, lunch - from 12.00 to 13.00.
As for the central estate of the Altai Nature Reserve, it is located in the village of Yailyu, you can contact it by phone 8-495-645-22-62.
- First of all, you need to get to. The most convenient and fastest way to do this is by plane.
- If you decide to go by train, you need to take a ticket to Biysk station, and from there by regular bus or at Taxi get to Gorno-Altaisk.
- The next section of the road is the path from the capital of Altai to the villages of Yailyu or Artybash. The most convenient way to do this is by car(please note that to travel you must fill out an online application a month before your visit).
- You can also overcome part of the path on the boat- in the warm season.
Visit
To visit Altai nature reserve, you won’t have to save money for a long time - the entrance ticket will cost from 20 to 100 rubles (the exact cost depends on the chosen route and vacation spot).
It is best to go here in the summer, as well as in the first half of autumn. Traditionally September is best time
for relaxation on the lakes.
Tourists will not be able to stop at the cordons - this is not provided for. However, you can live in the villages, which are located in Artybash or Yogach - villages nearby (green tourism is well developed here), as well as at the mouth of Lake Teletskoye. There are tourist centers, campsites, and guest houses here. There is a guest house in Yailyu; here tourists are accepted for accommodation and local residents.
- There are several routes in the Altai Nature Reserve: to the observation deck at Korbu waterfall, route to Uchar waterfall– the cost of tickets in this case is 100 rubles per person daily.
- You can also go to estate in Yailya, to the cordons Karatash, Baigazan, Chelyush, Kokshi, an interesting journey through Belinskaya terrace– each of these routes will cost 50 rubles.
- Here's a visit eco-parking area “Urochishche Karagay” will cost only 20 rubles per tourist.
Flora and fauna of the Altai Nature Reserve
Plants of the Altai Nature Reserve
The highest species of vascular plants here include about one and a half thousand. Of these, 22 species are from the Red Book: lake grass, feather feather grass, Siberian kandyk, Zalessky feather grass, three species of Lady's slipper (swollen, large-flowered and true), Baltic fingerhorn, leafless migratory plant, as well as clopaceous neottiante, Lezel's liparis, helmeted orchis, Altai rhubarb , unfound wrestler, swollen-fruited oleaginous, Pascoe's wrestler, Siberian toothwort, Maryanova's cape, notched-leaved dendrathema, Altai kostenets, Rhodiola rosea.
There are almost five dozen plant species, which are listed in the Red Book of Altai.
Due to the vast area of the reserve, it includes various zones: this and taiga, And tundra, And alpine meadows, And steppe areas. As for the forest, or rather the taiga, it is predominantly dark coniferous (black): spruce, cedar, and fir grow here. Lower tier plants consist of ferns and tall grasses. Also in the undergrowth there are many rowan trees, bird cherry trees, viburnum bushes, red and black currants.
Found in the mountains and foothills bushes, for example, rhododendron (here it is called maral), gooseberry. Onions grow near Lake Teletskoye, and bergenia grows in dry areas. Almost everywhere - abundance herbaceous plants, including honey plants.
Animals of the Altai Nature Reserve
Thanks to the diverse flora Altai Nature Reserve here you can find a large number of various animals and birds. The answer to the question of what animals live in the Altai Nature Reserve will take a lot of space, because fauna is represented by no less diversity than the flora: according to scientific research, more than 65 species of mammals, 330 of birds, 6 of reptiles, 19 of fish, and three species of amphibians live here.
Since the Altai Nature Reserve contains several natural zones, some representatives of the animal world lead a sedentary lifestyle, while others move from one zone to another.
- In the Altai Nature Reserve found as very rare animals, listed in the Red Book, and more common representatives of the fauna. Here you can meet sable and bear, red deer and ermine, wolverine and roe deer, lynx and weasel, snow leopard and Siberian ibex, flying squirrel and weasel.
- When talking about what animals are in the Altai Nature Reserve, one cannot fail to mention chipmunks– these charming animals are found literally at every step.
- Concerning rare representatives fauna of the Altai Nature Reserve, it is worth first of all remembering snow leopard and Altai mountain sheep– they are listed in the International Red Book. And here reindeer is under federal protection.
In general, the fauna of the Altai Nature Reserve includes almost six dozen rare or endangered fauna– these are more than half of the animal species that are protected by law in Altai. It's not just about mammals: three species of insects and eight species of bats are also protected. - Birds of the Altai Nature Reserve– another pride of scientists. There are more than 330 species, of which a significant part (184) nest here. These include the steppe eagle, the gray crane, the white-tailed eagle, the great godwit, the demoiselle crane, the gray-headed bunting, and the Mongolian bullfinch. All of them are listed in the Red Book. There are also other protected bird species here, for example, stilt and Dalmatian pelican. 12 bird species are included in the international Red Book, and 23 - in the federal Red Book.
- There are a lot here and fish, including rare ones. One of most interesting species is taimen, a predator that lives in Lake Teletskoye.
- Many tourists are interested in what animal is depicted on the emblem of the Altai Nature Reserve. The logo includes an image of not one, but two inhabitants of the Altai Nature Reserve: snow leopard(i.e. snow leopard), as well as argali ram. The latter is one of the largest species of argali. This is what tourists most often ask about, wondering who is depicted on the emblem of the Altai Nature Reserve. It should be emphasized that both the argali and the snow leopard are not only a symbol of the Altai Nature Reserve, but also the flag species of the entire Altai-Sayan ecological region.
Mountain sheep are one of the rarest inhabitants of the reserve.
Sights of the Altai Nature Reserve
Among the nature reserves of Russia, the Altai Nature Reserve occupies a special place, since there are not only many rare species plants and animals, but also many natural attractions.
- One of most interesting places Altai Nature Reserve is Lake Teletskoye, included in the UNESCO list. It belongs to the most deep-sea lakes country, and its maximum depth recorded to date is more than 320 meters. They call it for the purest water younger brother Lake Baikal, and the locals call it Golden.
The clear waters of Lake Teletskoye are home to many rare species of fish. - Uchar, or Big Chulchinsky, is the largest cascading waterfall in Altai, the total height of which is 160 meters. It amazes with its beauty and scale, attracting many tourists.
Cascade waterfall Uchar is the largest in the Altai Mountains. - Not far from Lake Teletskoye there is another waterfall – Korbu. It can be reached by car, so this is where most tourists go.
The Korbu waterfall is located on the river of the same name, which carries its waters to Lake Teletskoye. - Very interesting and journey to "To the Tramp", as the locals call the group of Bascon waterfalls. They differ from each other in both size and power, forming a single natural ensemble.
- Julukul is a high-mountain lake, which is inferior to Teletskoye in size, but not in beauty. It is here that many species of fish spawn, and birds organize bird markets.
The high-mountain lake Dzhulukul amazes with its purity and beauty.
History of the creation of the Altai Nature Reserve
- As already mentioned, this protected area has complicated story. Initially, the idea of the Altai Nature Reserve, the purpose of which was to preserve species diversity flora and fauna of Altai, arose in 1929, when a large expedition was sent here. At the same time, they developed a plan according to which the reserve would cover about two million hectares (today the area is slightly less than 900 hectares), but it was not approved.
- A year later, the decision to create a reserve was nevertheless made, but the next expedition was organized to clarify its boundaries. In 1932 The Altai Nature Reserve began its existence.
- In 1951 together with the liquidation of the Office of Nature Reserves, the Altai Nature Reserve was abolished, but in 1958 it was restored. Having existed for three years - until the summer 1961 , it was disbanded again.
- In the mid-sixties, the public raised the question of its resumption, and in March 1967 The Altai nature reserve was again organized on the same territory as before. To the question of what the Altai Nature Reserve protects, the answer was given in founding document: complex of the Priteletskaya taiga, as well as Lake Teletskoye.
Did you know? According to the original documentation, Lake Teletskoye was supposed to become the center and real heart of the Altai Nature Reserve.
- Since then, this reserve has not stopped its work, and since 2009 included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Did you know? This reserve, together with Katunsky, forms the “Golden Altai Mountains"and has been included in the UNESCO list since 1998.
Interesting facts about the Altai Nature Reserve
- The Altai Nature Reserve presents a huge number of animals and plants, which allows it to be included in five nature reserves with maximum biodiversity.
- Reserve area makes up almost 10% of the territory of the Altai Republic, which makes it one of the largest in the country.
- Cedar forests- This is a special pride of the reserve: the age of the trees here exceeds four centuries, and the diameter of the cedars is up to two meters.
- Climate of the Altai Nature Reserve combines mountain and continental features, which makes it unique.
- The relief of the Altai Nature Reserve is very diverse: These include highlands, highlands, valleys, and gorges. The elevation difference here ranges from 400 to 3.5 thousand meters above sea level.
- The reserve's logo previously featured snow leopard and mountain sheep, however, this year, the anniversary year, a new emblem of the Altai Nature Reserve was approved, depicting a mountain with three heads. There is a tree on it that raises its branches up. Below the mountain seems to be washed clearest waters lakes.
Altai Nature Reserve – photos and videos
The snow leopard is another “mascot” of the Altai Nature Reserve.
The cedar forests are the pride of the reserve.
The Altai Nature Reserve is truly an amazing place where you can spend more than one week. Peering into clear waters lakes, listening to polyphonic bird choirs, watching animals and admiring the grandeur of waterfalls, you will experience the power of nature in a new way and be able to feel its splendor.
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