Altai Biosphere Reserve: interesting facts, sights and photos. Altai State Nature Reserve Significance of the Altai Reserve

We, people of the 21st century, accustomed to not moving away from civilization for more than a few days, no, no, and begin to nostalgic for those days when we could walk carefree in the park, live in the village or spend the night in a tent by the fire.

Is it still possible in modern world? “Of course,” seasoned travelers will answer. However, to implement the plan, you will have to carefully choose a place to stay. For example, go to the Altai Reserve. Why should you choose this place? What is so unusual about it that for decades now, both residents of neighboring settlements and guests from near and far abroad come here with pleasure every year.

This article will not only tell readers what the West Altai Reserve is like, but also share a lot of useful information necessary for a comfortable pastime in nature.

general description

Altaic state reserve began its work quite a long time ago, on October 7, 1967, when a new protected green area was created on the territory of the reserve, which existed from 1932 to 1951, by decision of the local authorities.

It should be noted that purely geographically it is located in and covers the Turochaksky and Ulagansky regions of the Altai Republic.

The Altai Reserve boasts an impressive area of 881,238 hectares.

It should be noted that the length of the territory of the reserve from the southeast to the northwest is 230 km, and the width is 30-40 km.

Goals and objectives

Altaic nature reserve was created to achieve very specific goals.

Let's try to list the most important ones:

preserve the most valuable and rare in beauty Lake Teletskoye and its landscapes;
protect cedar forests;
save the most important game animals that are on the verge of extinction, such as deer, elk, sable and so on.

Also, the main goals of creating this reserve include the desire for a permanent stationary study of the nature of the region as a whole. The main task of the Altai State Nature Reserve is to provide, preserve and study:

typical and unique ecological systems;
natural course natural phenomena and processes;
animal genetic fund and flora;
individual species and communities of animals and plants.

Features of the local flora

The reserves in general, as well as the aforementioned territory in particular, are very rich in rare, and sometimes completely unique plants.

The most common are such tree species as fir, spruce, larch, birch. Alpine ecologically clean cedar forests are considered real pride.

It is hard to imagine that sometimes the diameter of a cedar tree growing here can reach 1.8 meters, despite the fact that its age is even a colossal figure - 400-450 years.

In general, the West Altai Reserve is rich and diverse. It has about 1500 species of higher plants, 111 fungi. There are 272 species of lichens alone.

There are 668 species of algae known to mankind in the reserve. Seven species of lichens from a collection that reserves can boast of Altai Territory, is listed in the Red Book of Russia. Such lower plants include laboratory (both reticulate and pulmonary), bordered stikta, and others.

It is interesting that in these parts there is a diverse species composition animals and plants. Considerable variegation of the vegetation cover is created due to the local variety of climatic and natural-historical conditions, as well as due to the complex relief with heights reaching 3,500 meters in some places.

Of the 1500 species of flora representatives known here, there are endemics and relics. The area of the reserve is not only quite impressive, but also located very well: at the junction of the Altai, Tuva and Sayan mountain systems. Exceptionally rich animal world The reserve is determined by the diversity of natural conditions, as well as the complexity of biogeographic boundaries and natural historical development.

Animals of the Altai Reserve

One of the main species of representatives of the fauna living in the Altai taiga is the sable. The nuts of the cedar tree occupy a significant place in its diet, so the distribution of this animal in the territory of the reserve depends on the distribution of cedar, and the Altai Reserve has enough of these trees.

Of the ungulate species of animals, deer, Siberian roe deer, Siberian goat, Siberian musk deer and mountain sheep live here.

The most numerous species in the area of the reserve is the maral, a large taiga-mountain deer. Like all deer, every year with the beginning of spring, he sheds his antlers, and new ones grow in return. Young antlers are called antlers. They are of great value as raw materials for medicines.

Rare inhabitants of the reserve

Siberian musk deer is found in the forests of the Altai Reserve. She has no horns, but there are well-developed fangs on the upper gum. Their length is approximately 10-12 cm. The musk gland of male musk deer can be used in the manufacture of quality perfumes.

This reserve, as well as the Altai Territory, is famous as a natural habitat for another fairly rare animal - the Siberian mountain goat.

In the south side, as well as in the adjacent territory, they are located in wild nature mountain sheep. True, it should be noted that due to the extermination of both predators and humans, only a few dozen of these animals remained, therefore they, together 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 common in the territory of this reserve, it successfully breeds and gradually increases in number.

The Altai Reserve is considered home to large predators such as wolf, bear, wolverine and lynx. The bear lives in He is exceptionally mobile and develops a fairly high speed when running. Before going into the den, he accumulates a huge amount of fat, which is considered healing. In spring evenings, as well as in the morning, bears can be seen grazing on the southern slopes of the mountains, where they eat young shoots.

The structure of the reserve

On the this moment Altai 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 protection department.

The main task of the scientific is to study the natural course of processes in natural complexes located on the territory of the Altai Reserve. With the help of the scientific staff, research is carried out in various directions. Today the scientific department of the Altai Reserve is accepting Active participation in the study of argala, musk deer, as well as snow leopard.

The Environmental Education Sector was created with the aim of shaping the Russian society's understanding of the problem related to nature protection and environmental safety. In this regard, the specialists of the reserve 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 an order aimed at restoring this natural park, whose area at that time was 914,777 hectares.

However, in the summer of 1961, the Altai Reserve was again disbanded. During the period from 1965 to 1967, the scientific community of Siberia raised the issue of the need to create such a special protected place within the territory of the reserve 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 Teletskoye taiga and Lake Teletskoye.

What to see first?

You can get to the Altai Reserve only from Teletskoye Lake, so you will definitely have the opportunity to get to know and appreciate the so-called Altyn-Kolya.

Russian name this lake received 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.

Also in the reserve there are interesting routes, such as Lake Kholodnoe, waterfalls Korbu, Kishte and Inaccessible.

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 its height is 12.5 meters. 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 Reserve.

The waterfall forms a cloud of water dust that constantly hovers around it.

Guests of the reserve, located on a spacious observation deck of the waterfall, enjoy a magnificent view. In the winter season, when the river freezes completely, the Korbu waterfall creates a continuous picturesque ice wall.

There is only one way to get to the waterfall: you need to cross the lake using a boat. This tour is very popular among tourists. However, there is some danger for travelers getting to the waterfall by the lake, as there is a possibility that the top or bottom will begin, which at times makes the trip almost impossible.

Since 1978, the Korbu waterfall has been in the status of a natural monument.

Waterfall Kishte

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.

Note that you can only get to the waterfall with the help of a motorboat, since a pleasure boat does not enter it. The noise of falling water can be heard even from the lake, therefore, in fact, it was called Kishte, which means “calling” in translation.

It also has a second name - Sable. It should be noted that the waterfall is located on the territory of the Altai Reserve, so in order to visit it, you need to have a special permit.

What is forbidden to do in the reserve?

Any activity that is contrary to the goals of the reserve is prohibited. Therefore, on its territory it is impossible:

is located, pass and pass by unauthorized persons and vehicles;
cut wood, harvest resin, tree sap, medicinal plants and technical raw materials, collect wild fruits, berries, mushrooms, flowers;
mow hay, graze cattle, place beehives and apiaries;
hunt and fish;
build buildings, roads and other communications;
pollute the territory with various waste and garbage;
damage and destroy information signs and stands of the reserve, as well as do anything that interferes with the natural development of natural processes and threatens natural complexes and objects.

It is located in the northeastern part of the Altai Republic, on the territory of Turachaksky and Ulagansky districts. The central estate of the reserve is located in the village of Yailu, the main office is in the city of Gorno-Altaisk, the capital of the Altai Republic.

Area: 881,238 ha, including 11,757 ha of Teletskoye Lake.

Main ecosystems: Siberian taiga, lakes, taiga middle and low mountains, subalpine and alpine middle and high mountains, tundra-steppe highlands, tundra middle and high mountains, glacial-nival highlands.

Altai State Nature Reserve is the most unique specially protected natural area Russia, an object of world cultural and natural heritage UNESCO, includes part of the water area of Lake Teletskoye - the pearl of the Altai Mountains, "little Baikal" Western Siberia. It occupies one of the first places among Russian reserves in terms of biological diversity.

The main purpose of creating the reserve is to preserve the most valuable and rare in beauty Lake Teletskoye, its landscapes, protect cedar forests, save the most important game animals that were on the verge of extinction - sable, elk, deer and others, as well as constant stationary study of the nature of the region as a whole. The Altai Reserve also ensures the preservation and study of the natural course of natural processes and phenomena, the genetic fund of flora and fauna, individual species and communities of plants and animals, typical and unique ecological systems.

Along the boundaries of the reserve there are high ridges: in the north - Abakansky, in the south - Chikhachev, in the east - Shapshalsky. From the west, the territory is bounded by the valleys of the Chulyshman, Karakem and Lake Teletskoye rivers. Several separate mountain ranges are located in the center of the reserve, the highest mountain here is Bogoyash (3143m).

Numerous rivers of the reserve are very picturesque - with powerful rapids, rifts, quiet reaches and waterfalls. On the Chulcha River there is the largest waterfall in Altai - "Impregnable", its height is 150m. In the middle and lower reaches, the rivers have steep, forested slopes, their channels are cluttered with stones, the flow speed reaches 2-5m per second!
There are 1190 lakes in the reserve, the largest and most famous of them are Dzhulukul, located at an altitude of 2200m above sea level, and Teletskoye, or Altyn-Kolyu - Golden Lake. Due to its great depth, this lake contains a huge amount of excellent fresh, oxygenated, clean water.

Relief features and transfer conditions air masses give rise to great diversity climatic conditions with a general continental climate. The northern part is characterized by warm and humid summers, snowy and relatively mild winters. In the southern part of the reserve, the climate is more severe, in winter frosts reach -30ºС.

You can get to the reserve only along Teletskoye Lake, so you will definitely get to know and appreciate Altyn-Kolya. The Russian name was given to the lake by the Cossacks-pioneers who appeared here in the 17th century; it comes from the name of the Altai tribe Teles, which lived on the shores of the lake.

In summer, along the shores of Lake Teletskoye, one can observe numerous, unusually beautiful waterfalls that carry their waters into the lake. Most of the waterfalls are inaccessible to the public, with the exception of the main waterfall of Lake Teletskoye - Korbu, which annually gathers several tens of thousands of tourists at its foot during the summer season. In the visit center of the Altai Reserve "Altaisky Ail" in the village of Yailu, you can get acquainted with the traditional culture of the indigenous small people of the Tubalars

Several interesting routes are organized in the reserve, including to the Korbu ridge, Kishte, Korbu, Unapproachable waterfalls, Lake Kholodnoe.
The Korbu waterfall, 12.5 meters high, is one of the most beautiful in the reserve. It is located in the middle part of Lake Teletskoye, has a well-equipped observation deck and information stands.

Diversity of flora and fauna

The species composition of plants and animals is interesting for its diversity. The complex relief with altitudes up to 3500 m, various climatic and natural-historical conditions create a significant diversity of the vegetation cover of the Altai Reserve. The vegetation of the reserve is represented by forests, alpine tundra, meadows, swamps and steppes. Forests occupy more than 45% of the area of the reserve and are represented by fir, mixed, cedar massifs, there are small spruce and pine forests. Pure pine alpine forests are the pride of the reserve. Cedars here reach 1.8 m in diameter and are 400-600 years old. In general, the rich and diverse flora of the reserve includes 1500 species of higher vascular plants (of which 20 species are listed in the Red Book of Russia, 49 species in the Red Book of the Altai Republic), mushrooms - 111 species and 272 species of lichens. There are 668 species of algae in the reserve, seven species of lichens are included in the Red Book of Russia: laboratory pulmonaria, laboratory reticulata, bordered stikta, etc.

A significant area of the Altai Reserve is located at the junction of the mountain systems of Altai, Sayan, Tuva, the complexity of the natural and historical development and biogeographic boundaries, the variety of natural conditions determine the exceptional richness of the animal world of the reserve. In the protected area, you can also meet inhabitants of high latitudes ( reindeer, white partridge), and a resident of the Mongolian steppes ( gray marmot), and many typical "taiga dwellers". All commercial mammals of the southern taiga are found in the near-Teletsky area of the reserve. The most widespread species are sable and maral, musk deer, wild boar, elk, roe deer and others live. Of the predators here live: brown bear, wolf, badger, wolverine, sable, lynx and otter. Among the birds: capercaillie, hazel grouse, white partridge, there are golden eagle, black stork. Grayling, taimen, lenok are found in Lake Teletskoye and its tributaries. There are 70 species of mammals on the territory of the Altai Reserve. Of these, two species are listed in the International Red Book (IUCN) - Snow Leopard snow leopard and Altai mountain sheep argali. The reindeer (forest subspecies) is listed in the Red Book of Russia.

59 rare and endangered species of animals live on the territory of the Altai Reserve, which is about 52% of all animal species protected in the Altai Republic. 8 species of bats are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Altai, the habitat of which is the Altai Reserve.

Of the 326 species of birds nesting and living in the reserve, 2 species are listed in the International Red Book (white-tailed eagle and peregrine falcon), 33 species are listed in the Red Book of Russia and 34 species in the Red Book of the Altai Republic. , Black stork, Mongolian lark.

Eco-education and excursions in the Reserve

Multi-day itineraries:

Pos. Yailu - Minor pass, 40 km;
- cordon Karatash - pos. Yaylyu, 30 km;
- Kokshi cordon - Korbu ridge, 12 km;
- cordon Chelyush - Lake Kholodnoe, 12 km;
- Cordon Chiri - Lake Chiri, 15 km.

One day routes:

Kordon Kokshi - waterfall, 3 km;
- Belinsky terrace, 3 km;
- Chulyshman river - impregnable waterfall, 7 km.

Viewpoints:

Korbu waterfall,
- Kishte waterfall.

At first glance, the nature of Altai seems harsh and strict. In fact, it has quite favorable and comfortable climatic conditions, and in this regard, magnificent landscapes. These regions are a great place to spend your vacation time. Here you can take leisurely walks, admiring the rich picturesque landscapes, as well as take more extreme and active walks along more difficult routes.

It is not for nothing that the Altai State Nature Reserve was created in these places. The Altai Territory is famous for its unique natural attractions. The richness of flora and fauna is striking and delighting. Pine forests growing on sandy soils along the banks of rivers are peculiar here. Salt lakes with healing water are a real gem of the region.

About where the Altai Reserve is located, and what natural resources it contains, you can find out by reading the information presented in the article.

The history of the creation of the reserve

The Altai Reserve was founded in 1932, and the current borders were marked only in 1968. Location - the Chulyshman river basin. This state-protected area is included in the top ten largest reserves in Russia. The territory occupies an area equal to more than 881,000 hectares, 13 thousand of which are in water bodies and more than 247 thousand in the forest zone. It is part of Altai. Protection of the unique natural Siberian complex and further study of the ecosystems of the region is the goal of creating the reserve. This zone occupies 9.4% of the territory of the Altai Republic.

The central estate of the reserve (Turochaksky and Ulagansky districts, north-eastern part of the Altai Mountains) is located in the village of Yailyu. The main office is located in Gorno-Altaisk (the administrative center of the republic). The reserve is part of the "Golden Mountains of Altai" (under the protection of UNESCO).

Description

The territory of the Altai Reserve is a protected zone, the boundaries of which are outlined by the high ridges of the Altai Mountains: the northern border is the Torot ridge, the southern border is the spurs of the Chikhachev ridge (height 3021 m), the northeast is the Abakan ridge (height 2890 m), the eastern border is the Shapshal ridge (height 3507 m). The western borders pass along the Chulyshman River and along the shores and waters of Lake Teletskoye, which is a real pearl of the Altai Mountains. They call it the "little Baikal" of Western Siberia.

This unique nature protection object contains in its territories a diverse flora and fauna of the water area and shores of the beautiful Teletskoye Lake, cedar forests, populations of rare animals, as well as endemic plants.

Climate

Mountainous and continental climate prevails on the territory of the Altai Reserve. The first predominates in the region of the Altai ridges, and the second is due to the fact that the protected zone is located in the central part of the mainland, where to a greater extent weather the anticyclones of Asia and the air masses of the Arctic influence.

The formation of climate conditions also depends on the characteristics of the landscape of individual zones of the reserve. In the southern part, there are the valleys of Lake Teletskoye and the Chulyshman River, so this area is characterized by mild winters and cool short summers. There is practically no snow here, the total amount of precipitation per year is approximately 500 mm. Where the mid-mountain zone of the taiga is located (the northern part of the reserve), on the contrary, winters are mostly cold. Snow falls at the end of October. Summer air temperature reaches +30 °C. The annual rainfall is approximately 900 mm.

Landscape Features

The Altai Reserve strikes the imagination with a variety of landscapes. A place was found here in the tundra, taiga forests, meadows and steppes. In Lake Teletskoye with a water area of 223 sq. km. The waters of 70 rivers and streams flow in, among which the largest is Chulyshman. 150 waterfalls adorn the coast of this beautiful reservoir.

Most of The reserve is located within 1450-1650 meters above sea level. The height of the ridges themselves reaches 3-3.5 thousand meters. Mountains are characterized by pronounced altitudinal zonality. Coniferous taiga is replaced by woodlands. A little higher stretch alpine meadows and tundra, where low shrubs and lichens predominate. Mountain areas are rich in lakes and springs (the entire water area is 15 thousand square meters).

Animals of the Altai Reserve

Due to the presence of abundant and diverse vegetation in these places, favorable conditions have been created for the life of many animals. More than 66 species of mammals, 3 species of reptiles, about 19 species of fish, 86 amphibians live here.

Thanks to the creation of the reserve, the sable population (a valuable representative of the marten family) has been restored. There are also massive predators such as wolves, bears, wolverines and lynxes. Otters and badgers live, as well as ermine. Animals of the Altai Reserve are represented by 8 species of artiodactyls. These are musk deer, elk, deer, Siberian roe deer, mountain sheep, wild boar, reindeer and ibex. There are many squirrels in the reserve, and in the forests near Lake Teletskoye you can find several varieties of rare representatives of bats: brown ear bat, whiskered bat, red evening bat, Brandt's bat and others that live only in the landscapes of the reserve and are listed in the Red Book of Altai.

Birds

In total, 343 species of avifauna live in the Altai Biosphere Reserve. They live in the forests of nutcrackers (or nuts), feeding on pine nuts. Due to the fact that they bury them in the ground for future use, the number of young seedlings increases. A motley hazel grouse lives in the reserve, which is almost invisible due to its pockmarked camouflage plumage.

Quails and gray partridges fly over the valley of the Chulyshman River. Migratory birds fly to lakes different types waders), as well as nesting ducks (16 species). For example, in the area of swamps and lakes of the Chulyshman Highlands there are nests of the common teal (small duck). The Shapshal Range fell in love with the rare bird Altai Ular.

Ichthyofauna

Among the 18 species of fish inhabiting the lakes and rivers of the reserve, the most valuable are grayling, taimen, dace, perch, sprat, lenok, char and sculpin.

Grayling, taimen, osman and Siberian char, which are found in Chulyshman, rise to spawn in Dzhulukul (alpine lake). This reservoir is considered the most "fish" reservoir in Russia. Burbot, perch, pike, Pravdina whitefish, lenok, dace, sculpin and local Teletskoye sprat are found in Lake Teletskoye, which is not particularly distinguished by the variety of food.

Plants

The Altai Reserve in its vast territories places mountains and alpine meadows, coniferous forests and mountain tundra, turbulent rivers and the purest alpine lakes. These regions are rich in diverse vegetation. Among tree species, Siberian cedars, larches, firs, pines, spruces and dwarf birches are the most common. The pride of the reserve is the alpine forests of cedar. The diameter of the trunks of some of the oldest specimens (age from 300 to 400 years) reaches two meters.

Other representatives of the flora: 1500 varieties of higher vascular plants, 136 species of fungi, 668 species of various algae and 272 species of lichens. Giant herbs grow under the trees, impassable places are rich in thickets of raspberries, currants, bird cherry, viburnum and mountain ash. More stony mountain slopes are chosen by bushes of wild gooseberry and bushes of evergreen deer. Among the plants there are also relict ones (more than 20 species), including woodruff, European hoof, circe, raven, etc.

Red Book

Of the 1.5 thousand varieties of vascular plants of the Altai Reserve, 22 are included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and 49 in the local Red Book. From the plants of the Red Book of Russia, feathery and Zalessky feather grasses, Altai rhubarb, 3 varieties of the Venus slipper, Siberian zubyanka, etc. grow here.

Two species of 68 mammals of the reserve are included in the lists of the International Red Book. This is the Altai mountain ram and snow leopard. The Red Book of Russia includes reindeer and some rare species of insects.

22 species of birds out of 343 are included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. Among them are black stork, mountain goose, common flamingo, white-tailed eagle, steppe eagle, etc. The International Red Book includes 12 species, including steppe harrier, curly pelican, imperial eagle, white-eyed pochard, long-tailed eagle and white-tailed eagle, black vulture, bustard, etc.

Tourism

The Altai Reserve allows for scientific research and observation of changes in natural processes. The goal is to assess changes in the flora, fauna and seismic state of the entire region, as well as to study the Altai ecosystems.

Without a special pass, it is forbidden to be in protected areas. Only excursions by tourist groups are possible, the routes of which are designed to get acquainted with the nature of the area, ecological features and preserved historical monuments, represented by burial mounds, stone tombs and ancient statues of the Turkic peoples. Most popular routes:

waterfall impregnable;
orchard and Belinsky terrace;
Chulcha river and Uchar waterfall;
Bascon waterfall;
zigzag Chichelgansky;
cordon Kokshi;
Minor pass and Yailyu village.

There are also viewing platforms available for tourists at the foot of the Kishte and Korbu waterfalls.

Altai Reserve- one of the oldest of the modern reserves. This is evidenced by the fact that the territory of the reserve is included in the UNESCO list with the marking "Golden Mountains of Altai", which also includes plateau Ukok And teletskoye lake. In addition, this reserve is one of the largest in Russia. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is surrounded on almost all sides mountain ranges, and on the south side it is washed by Lake Teletskoye.

The year of foundation of the Altai Reserve is 1932. For all the years of its existence, the reserve was liquidated several times, or its area was changed, then restored again. To date, the Altai Reserve is spread over an area of more than 880 thousand hectares, and with an average latitude of about 35 km, it stretches to the South for 250 km. There is not a single road inside the reserve, which complicates accessibility, but nevertheless attracts tourists even more.

Plateau Ukok.

A wild forest with rare paths occupies a significant part of the Altai Reserve. However, not a small area is occupied by lakes with cold water, which experts counted 1190 in the reserve zone.

Teletskoye lake.

The local mountain landscapes are extraordinarily beautiful, and very close is the highest point of the Altai Mountains and Siberia - Belukha Peak. Only experienced tourists with special equipment can climb there, but the view of the Altai Territory from there is simply amazing.

Gorny Altai - Mount Belukha.

Abakan Ridge, Abakan River Valley.

Big Chulchinsky waterfall (sometimes called Uchar, which in Altai means impregnable).

The features of the relief and the conditions for the transfer of air masses give rise to a significant variety of climatic conditions with a general continental climate. The northern part is characterized by warm and humid summers, snowy and relatively mild winters. In the southern part of the reserve, the climate is more severe, in winter frosts reach -30ºС.

The vegetation of the reserve is represented by forests, alpine tundra, meadows, swamps and steppes. Forests occupy more than 45% of the area of the reserve and are represented by fir, mixed, cedar massifs, there are small spruce and pine forests. Individual specimens of cedar reach the age of 600 years. The flora of the Altai Reserve includes about 1,500 species of plants, many endemics and relics: notched-leaved dendranthemum, vesiculate arthropod, Siberian kandyk, loose sedge.

Altai reserve.

The diversity of the animal world is determined by the complex natural and historical development of the region. Here you can meet the inhabitants of high latitudes (reindeer, white partridge), and the inhabitant of the Mongolian steppes (gray marmot), and many typical "taiga dwellers". Predators Presented brown bear, trot, wolverine, sable. Among the birds: capercaillie, hazel grouse, white partridge, there are golden eagle, black stork. Grayling, taimen, lenok are found in Lake Teletskoye and its tributaries.

Animals of the Altai Reserve.

November 25, 2014

In the north-eastern part of the Altai Republic, in a region of pristine purity and inviolable nature, on the shores of the picturesque lake Teletskoye, the Altaisky Biosphere Nature Reserve extends. The entire area of its territory is 881 thousand hectares, almost 250 thousand hectares of which are forest zones, and 13 thousand hectares are water bodies.

The Altai Reserve, formed in 1932, is currently considered one of the rarest natural reserves in Russia, a pristine and little changed ecoregion. Since 1998, this protected area has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Biological diversity within the biosphere reserve is 90%.

Features of the reserve

The vast area of the nature reserve with mountain peaks, mysterious coniferous forests, alpine green meadows, mountain tundra and the purest reservoirs stretches from north to south for as much as 230 km. Its complex landscape with altitudes up to 3500 m, excellent climatic zones and natural conditions provide a variety of vegetation cover.

The most common trees are fir and pine species, cedars, birches and larches. Of particular importance are the old alpine cedar forests (with trees up to 1.8 m in diameter), which are approximately 400 to 450 years old.

This protected area in the Republic of Altai, like other reserves in Russia, is very important for the conservation of rare species of animals and plants that are threatened with possible extinction. Among them are birds - demoiselle crane, black vulture, and plants - Altai onion and rhubarb, Siberian kandyk and others. It is noteworthy that the reserve has its own emblem, which depicts the snow leopard irbis, as well as the Altai mountain sheep argali - the most significant and protected animals of the region.

The real kingdom of lakes is located on the territory of the reserve - these are more than 1270 large lakes, many rivers, streams and waterfalls. Unusually and beautifully transparent alpine lake Dzhulukul is a place where various species of birds live in large numbers, as well as spawning of rare and valuable fish species. It is located at an altitude of 2200 m, and its length is more than 10 km.

Home calling card Lake Teletskoye is considered to be the reserve, it is also called the pearl of the Altai Mountains and “little Baikal”. It is noteworthy that the border of the protected area runs in the middle of the reservoir, therefore, open visiting by tourists is allowed in this part. The diverse species composition of flora and fauna is very interesting to study. Of the 1500 species of vascular plants, 22 are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. And 49 plants are listed in the Red Book of Altai.

Possibility of visiting

To visit the protected area, a permit or a special pass is required, so to obtain them, you must first apply to the central office of the reserve or fill out an electronic form on the official website of the reserve.

Designed specifically for tourists with an environmental focus. Eco-education is possible both in multi-day and one-day routes.

In the villages of Iogach, Yailu and Artybash, located near the reserve, camp sites, campsites and guest houses have been built. In the village of Artybash there is an information center for tourists, where you can get information about tourist services and accommodation options. In addition, some locals offer to live in their homes.

Landmarks and monuments

During water-walking excursion tours with an ecological and educational purpose, guests of the reserve have the opportunity not only to get acquainted with the flora and fauna, but also to learn about the work of inspectors and employees of the reserve.

Routes give nature lovers the opportunity to get acquainted with the following sights:

Korbu waterfall with an observation deck;
Waterfall Kokshi with an observation deck;
Bascon Falls;
Fruit garden of the Belinsky terrace;
Chulyshman river and impregnable waterfall;
Uchar waterfall (height 160 m);

In addition to attractive natural attractions, an integral part of the protected complex are stone monuments and ancient statues, the remains of mounds and irrigation systems, as well as other traces of ancient peoples living on this land. Among them are the monuments of the Turkic times - Stone-Wars and Stone-Dog.

The telegram bot of our tender platform for the selection of trips will help you form an application for this region.

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