Nizhnesvirsky reserve - preservation of natural heritage

Our region is famous for its beautiful scenery, and alsoan abundance of animal and plant life. In our country there are many places in which this natural heritage is protected in a special way. Such territories include the reserves of the Leningrad Region. Here animals and birds are protected, as some of them are listed in the Red Book of Russia. Also of particular value are rare plants and unique landscapes.

The purpose of the reserve

By decision of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR in 1980, 11June, the Nizhnesvirsky Reserve was founded. Until then, these places were a sanctuary, but scientists, thanks to complex studies, proved the necessity of creating a reserve. Several factors influenced the adoption of this decision. But the main reason is the protection and research of the rich fauna, in which rare species found on the coast of water bodies, in forests and marshes are found. Migratory bird sites and spawning grounds of valuable fish were also discovered, which required protection.

During the Patriotic War these places werethe damage is caused by military actions. Many fires and natural disasters also left their mark. In addition, before this territory was taken under the protection of the state, a man cut down forests for household needs. Visiting these places by tourists, berry-eaters and fishermen also caused harm to nature.

Today, the Nizhnesvirsky Reserve is located infrom human activity, all the inhabitants feel free. During this time, the number of beaver families increased several fold, and the number of gray cranes began to increase. It is worth noting that in the 1960s gray geese completely disappeared in these places. Today they began to appear again on the inner lakes.

To preserve nature, walks are not permittedcasual tourists. But for those travelers who wish to explore these extraordinary places, scientists organize excursions twice a year. Although there are factories and large factories near the reserve, the air here remains clean.

Geographical information

Nizhnesvirsky State Nature ReserveThe reserve was located on the right bank of the river. The Svir is bordered by the Olonets Zakaznik. It is located in the Lodeinopolsky district. The reserve occupies 41.4 thousand hectares. Of these, 36 thousand hectares belong to the land, and the rest is the water area of ​​the Ladoga Lake. On the whole territory there are many small rivers and water reservoirs. More than half of the territory is a marshy area, therefore the reserve belongs to wetlands. The landscape is mostly flat. It can be noted that the water in this area has a characteristic brown tone. This is due to the fact that the water is rich in iron, and the soil is clayey.

Climate of the reserve

This territory is moderately continentalclimate, which is significantly influenced by Atlantic cyclones. For a year, up to 600 mm of precipitation falls here. The prevailing number of days in this area is blowing south and south-west winds. In the summer, the weather is rainy and the air is moderately warm. Winter frosts fall to minus 20⁰C, but every month the Nizhnesvirsky Reserve "visits" a thaw that lasts about a week or less.

Forests

The prevailing type of forest in this area ispine with blueberries. But you can meet greybags, birches, aspen. Pine forests are low and young, because at one time they suffered from fires (mainly caused by people) and from felling. But among the marshes you can find old forests that have never been touched by man. The Nizhnesvirsky Reserve has a very diverse landscape. Here there are transitional marshes, various parts of the forest, sandy beaches, cane and reed thickets, riverine meadows and forest glades.

Fauna

Many birds and some animals are very fond ofThe Nizhnesvirsky Reserve. The list of animals that live here is not great, but noteworthy. Usually these are species that are typical middle-tiered. So, in the reserve there are brown bears, moose, badgers, lynxes, beavers. In total, there are 44 species of mammals.

But a special attraction remainsa huge variety of birds. About 250 species of winged ones are registered here. The time of flights that happen twice a year seems like a real miracle of nature. A huge number of geese, ducks, cranes rise to the sky and creates a gray wide "road". In spring many waterfowl return here. Sometimes the number reaches 1 million. Swampy areas are inhabited by gray cranes. Sometimes on the banks of rivers you can see how the swans stop to rest. On the Svir bay there is a huge number of ducks. Also known are the locations of the capercaillie currents. In addition, there live birds that are listed in the Red Book. This is an osprey, a black stork and a white-tailed eagle.

This place has become a real refuge for rarespecies, but, in addition, there are also reserves of the Leningrad region, which are home to wild inhabitants. These places are also interesting for their rare flora and fauna. These include the Ingermanland Reserve and the Mishinsky Marsh Reserve.