Each region of the country has its own attractions.But the most interesting places where the main importance is given to natural resources.For example, Astrakhan region is famous for its salt lake Baskunchak and Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve.
description and location
Reserve is known for its diverse landscape.There are beams, caves, grottos, craters.Its territory is Mount Bogda and large number of caves.For example, in the Lake Baskunchak there are more than 20. Also, there are the famous Green Garden Tracts and Sharbulak.In addition, the reserve is a lake Karsun located in sinkholes, but in the hot season, it is almost completely dry.The whole area covers 18,478 hectares.
Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Reserve on the map is not difficult to find.It is Akhtuba district (north-east), near the border with Kazakhstan.South feature touches the Caspian depression.But the main area is located around Lake Baskunchak.It is worth recalling that it is the largest salt lake in the entire country.
purpose and history of the reserves
in 1997 adopted a resolution on the organization Bogdinsko-Baskunchak reserve.First, this area is a nature reserve.But since the complex landscape of the area has a unique, and in this area there is a large number of plants listed in the Red Book, the government found it necessary to take measures to protect these natural resources.In addition, semi-desert landscape and the way of rare migratory bird routes running through these places, are the subject of scientific research.Also Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve is a haven for nesting birds listed in the Red Book.
Flora Reserve
on the formation of the flora of the reserve reflected several factors.This variety of landscapes and relief forms, especially the soil, as well as the relative youth of the territory.But it's not all the conditions that have influenced the formation of the native vegetation.Near the lake Baskunchak found 36 species of lichen.But it is noteworthy that one of ten species are listed in the Red Book (Astrakhan region conducts its books).
Local scientists who conduct research in the reserve, say that there are about 450 plants belonging to the vascular.It should be noted that this area is a semi-desert area, so Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Reserve has a relatively poor flora.But while there are growing rare and endemic plants.There are three types that are listed in the Red Book of the country.This feather grass, tulip Gesner and larkspur Crimson.Also in the Red Book of the Astrakhan region is 30 higher plants.
main species in the reserve are the steppe and semi-desert plants.By predominant here can be attributed Compositae, legumes, cereals and cruciferous.
Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve: animals and birds
Since the reign of the area of semi-desert, is mainly inhabited by animals that are able to survive in extremely dry and hot conditions.But it is important to note that due to the presence of reservoirs here you can meet wetland species.In addition, the shrub and tree plantings allow birds to nest, unadapted to the conditions of semi-desert.
Fauna studied birds are not as deep and currently has about 190 species.But here are found representatives of the steppes, semi-desert, shrubland and wetland inhabitants inhabitants.Since the territory of the reserve is located on the migratory paths of birds fauna periodically enriched.22 species of birds that live here are rare and listed in the Red Book of the country.
Mammals There are 41 species here.Of these 10 predators.There are also rodents.A total of 19 species.Most often, then you can see a small gopher.In some areas of the reserve land is almost completely covered with mink these rodents.It is home to hamsters, yellow gophers, voles, jerboa.Since there are many protein in the territory of foxes, wolves, Korsakov, who feed on them.
In addition, the reserve is home to mammals ligation.This little animal is found only here and listed in the Red Book of Russia.
Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Reserve inhabits more than 700 species of insects (mainly beetles) and 30 spiders.But it is worth noting that this area is under-explored.A special feature of this area is a huge number of midges, which are particularly active in June.
Reptiles are a total of 12 species.The most curious is squeaky gecko.This species is rare and is listed in the Red Book of the country.It is found only here on the mountain Bogd.
Ponds Reserve
Most notable in this area is salty lake Baskunchak.It is one of the largest in Europe.Its area reaches 106 square meters.km.The surface of the reservoir is below sea level.Salt deposits alternate with layers of clay sand and silt.Around 30-50 years of the dam have been established here because of the heavy rains and ravines began drains.
Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve on their territories posted another remarkable body of water - the lake Karasun.Its area covers 0.6 hectares.It is located in a vast sinkholes is draining.It feeds the lake of meltwater and rain.
Mountain
The reserve is a mountain called Big Bogdo.Its height of 149.6 meters.It consists of a salt dome, which is covered with clay, limestone and sandstone.You can notice this landmark from afar.The researchers, who began his work here, the main attention is focused exactly on this mountain and lake Baskunchak.Big Bogdo is wonderful at any time.In the spring and summer on the mountain, you can meet rare plants that are not found in other parts of the reserve.
Tourism
This Russian State Nature Reserve has two hiking trails that are designed for travelers.The first has a length of 12 km.It begins at Lake Cordon and sent to Surikovoj beam.Behind the ravine begins the ascent to Mount Bogda.The descent runs along the eastern slope and stretches along the shore of the lake.Baskunchak to Kordonsky beams.
second route starts from the south-west of Mount Bogda and large stretches along the eastern side to Surikovoj beams.Also, the path is held at the Lake.Baskunchak and ends in Kordonsky beam.These two routes are very scenic.Administration of the reserve can be found in Akhtubinsk.
