Bogdino-Baskunchak reserve. State nature reserve in the Astrakhan region

Each region of our country has its ownAttraction. But especially those places where the main value is given to natural resources are especially interesting. For example, the Astrakhan region is famous for its salt lake Baskunchak, as well as the Bogdino-Baskunchak reserve.

Description and location

The reserve is known for its diverselandscape. There are beams, caves, grottoes, funnels. On its territory there is a mountain of Big Bogdo and a lot of caves. For example, in the area of ​​Lake Baskunchak, there are more than 20. Also here are the famous tracts of the Green Garden and Sharbulak. In addition, the territory of the reserve has a lake Karsun, located in a karst funnel, but in the hot season it dries almost completely. The whole territory occupies 18 478 hectares.

Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve on the mapit is not difficult to find. It is located in the Akhtuba district (north-east), near the border with Kazakhstan. The southern feature touches the Caspian lowland. But the main square is located around Lake Baskunchak. It is worth recalling that this is the largest salt lake in the whole country.

The purpose and history of the creation of reserves

In 1997, a resolution was adopted on theorganization of the Bogdino-Baskunchak reserve. Previously, this area was a natural reserve. But since the landscape complex of this area is unique, and also there is a large number of plants listed in the Red Book, the government of the country considered it necessary to take measures to protect these natural resources. In addition, semi-desert landscapes and the paths of rare migratory birds that lie in these places are the subject of scientific research. Also Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve remains a shelter for nesting of birds listed in the Red Book.

Flora of the reserve

On the formation of the reserve's florasome factors. This variety of landscapes and relief forms, the characteristics of the soil, as well as the relative youth of the territory. But these are not all the conditions that influenced the formation of local vegetation. Near the Lake Baskunchak there are 36 species of lichens. But it is noteworthy that ten of them are in the list of the Red Book (the Astrakhan region guides its Book).

Local scientists who conduct research inThis reserve, claim that there are about 450 plants related to vascular. It should be noted that this territory is a semi-desert zone, therefore the Bogdino-Baskunchak reserve is characterized by a relatively scarce flora. But here, rare and endemic plants grow. There are three species that are listed in the Red Book of the country. This feather-grass feather-grass, the tulip of Gesner and the brimstone. Also in the Red Book of the Astrakhan Region there are 30 higher plants.

The main species in the reserve are steppe and semidesert plants. The dominant here can be considered as composite, bean, cereal and cruciferous.

Bogdino-Baskunchak reserve: animals and birds

Since there are semi-deserts in this area,here basically live those animals that are able to survive in extremely arid and hot conditions. But it is important to note that due to the presence of water bodies here one can meet near-water species. In addition, shrub and tree plantations allow nesting to birds that are not adapted to semi-desert conditions.

The fauna of birds is not so deeplyCurrently there are about 190 species. But here there are representatives of the steppes, semi-deserts, arboreal and shrubby inhabitants and water-dwelling inhabitants. Since the territory of the reserve is on the flyways, the fauna of birds is 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.Of these, 10 predators. Also there are rodents. A total of 19 species. Most often you can see a small gopher. In some parts of the reserve, the land is almost completely covered with mink of these rodents. Here are hamsters, yellow ground squirrels, voles, jerboas. Since there are a lot of squirrels, there are foxes, wolves, corsacs that feed on them.

In addition, the mammal dressing resides in the reserve. This small animal is found only here and is listed in the Red Book of Russia.

The Bogdino-Baskunchak Reserve inhabits more700 species of insects (mostly beetles) and 30 spiders. But it is worth noting that this sphere has not been studied widely enough. A feature of this area is a huge number of midges, which are especially active in June.

Reptiles are only 12 species. The most curious is the squeaky gecko. This species is rare and is listed in the Red Book of our country. It occurs here only on Mount Bogdo.

Reservoirs of the reserve

The most notable in this areais the salt lake of Baskunchak. It belongs to the largest in the whole of Europe. Its area reaches 106 square meters. km. The surface of this reservoir is below the level of the World Ocean. Saline deposits alternate with layers of clayey sand and silt. Approximately in the 30-50-ies there were dams, because in the rainy rains from gullies and gullies began run-off.

Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve on its ownterritory has also placed another remarkable pond - this lake Karasun. Its area covers 0.6 hectares. It is in a huge karstic funnel and is drainless. The lake feeds on meltwater and rain.

Mountain

On the territory of the reserve there is a mountain underthe name of Big Bogdo. Its height is 149.6 meters. It consists of a salt dome, which is covered with clays, limestones and sandstone. This landmark can be seen from afar. Researchers, who started their work here, focused mainly on this mountain and Lake Baskunchak. Greater Bogdo is beautiful at any time. 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 naturalThe reserve has two walking routes that are designed for travelers. The first has a length of 12 km. It begins at Lake Cordon and goes to Surikova Balka. Behind the beam begins the ascent to the Bogdo mountain. The descent passes along the eastern slope and stretches along the shore of the lake. Baskunchak to the Cordonian beam.

The second route starts from the south-west of the mountainBig Bogdo and stretches along the eastern side to the Surikovaya gully. Also the way passes near the lake. Baskunchak and ends in the Cordonian beam. These two routes are very picturesque. The administration of the reserve can be found in Akhtubinsk.