In the light of the many places of interest that are popular with fans of natural attractions.Shikotan Island attracts lovers of eco-tourism to its unique topography and diversity of biological resources.There are no volcanoes are not found and aggressive predators.The mild climate and relatively flat terrain (the highest point - 405 meters) create favorable conditions for visiting the island in any season.
history of this wonderful island, the world learned through the second Kamchatka expedition, which took place in 1733-1743.His first name - Figured it very accurately reflects the characteristic line of rugged shores.Subsequently, this small plot of land began to carry the name of its discoverer - Russian seafarer MP Shpanberg.Today he is best known as the island of Shikotan, which translated to the local language means "the best place."
Given the strategic location of this area, "fight" for it is carried out between the two countries: Russia and Japan.Japan over half a century trying to return the Kuril Islands.Shikotan Island already belonged to her from 1885 to 1945.Another important milestone is a major earthquake in 1999, after which a large number of local people left the land.Today the situation is regulated.
geographical position in the North Pacific is a small archipelago - Kuril Islands.Shikotan Island is located in one of the two parallel ridges (Minor) constituting the geographic feature.It is considered the largest and has the coordinates 43 degrees 48 minutes north latitude and 146 degrees 45 minutes east longitude.The island is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Territorial unit
In Russia, there is only one administrative district, which is located on the islands, it's Sakhalin region.Shikotan Island is part of the South Kuril District of the administrative unit and has an area of 182 square meters.km.The length of this small plot of land in length - about 28 kilometers and a maximum width - slightly more than 9 kilometers.
Bay
Map Shikotan Island demonstrates how often indented coastline.Therefore, among the attractions that it is known, in a separate group of isolated numerous bays:
- Malokurilskoye .It is considered the most "convenient", as gently sloping beach allows ships to moor directly at the pier.It is common taiga lush vegetation, which is typical for this region.
- Dolphin .This bay is named for the eponymous ship, which in the early 20th century were the study of the territory.It is famous for dangerous stones block the entrance to the courts, and the picturesque lagoon, formed at the mouth of the River Island.Bay during the winter months icebound that distinguishes it from the rest.
- Crab .Here, as in other coastal areas of the island, conducted mining Far Eastern crab and saury.It reaches a depth of 15 meters, which makes it a transit point for all fishing vessels.The bay is a lighthouse, named after the discoverer of the island.
- Church .This is the most attractive place for lovers of sea landscapes.Proof of this is its other name - "Bay Aivazovsky."
Capes
multiple cusps of sushi are also unique attractions that characterize the island as one of the most picturesque.It:
- Cape Edge Light .This is the most popular among visitors to the island a place that ends abruptly steep and rocky precipice height of 40 meters.This cape is visited by all tourists arriving on Shikotan.Reviews of eyewitnesses who were able to visit the edge of the cliff, show that such a scary name is justified.It offers a beautiful view of the water expanses of the largest ocean in the world.Interestingly, many confuse the name of the cape and the islands, and believe that the End of the World - the name of the latter.
- Cape Voloshin .This is a very scenic cliff, piled rocks rocky.It was named in honor of Russian watercolorist - the artist, who in the early 20th century created a haven for creative people in crisis situations.Kuril Islands today is a place of pilgrimage known "painters" who draw their inspiration from a unique source of natural beauty.
Flora
island is famous for the lush pine forests of fir, spruce, juniper and larch, which is a characteristic feature of the region.
- unique stone-birch forests are also the hallmark of the local scenery.They are closer to the coast, the only exception is the eastern part of the island.
- local bamboo (Kuril) and yew are found in numerous undergrowth, which are concentrated near streams.
- tea, which grows on the island, popular with travelers and local communities.Its infusion is used to healing the body, and it is included in the menu card of all food items.
- Along with the vegetation characteristic of the northern regions, where there are also typically "southern" items, such as acacia, grapes and vine.
- poisonous tree.This shrub has a very fleshy leaf blades.Contact with any part of this plant can cause an immediate reaction of the skin - burn.But it should be noted that the danger of this plant can only be in a very short time.
Fauna
Shikotan Island differs from its "neighbors" a large variety of fauna:
- Birds.Here many birds wintering wildlife species, such as eagles and swans.Such birds as the sandpiper, long-tailed duck, and others., Stop on the island to relax during their seasonal migrations.
- Animals.Here there are animals that belong to protected categories: sea otters, seals (Anthurium, spotted seals and sea lions), wild horses.
- Numerous creeks of the island inhabited by salmon and brown trout.
Conclusion In the future, Shikotan Island could become one of the most unique centers specializing in marine diving.The plans of the local tourism industry, creating special facilities for fans of underwater sports, as there are all the conditions for the implementation of such projects.
