Bogdino-Baskunchak reserve. State Nature Reserve in the Astrakhan Region

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

Description and location

The reserve is known for its diverse landscapes. 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, on the territory of the reserve there is 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 map 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 the organization 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 paths of rare migratory birds, located 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

Some factors influenced the formation of the reserve's flora. This variety of landscapes and relief forms, features 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 in this reserve, claim that there are about 450 plants related to vascular. It is worth noting 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, Gesner's tulip and crimson abdomen. 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. To the prevailing here one can classify Compositae, legumes, cereals and crucifers.

Bogdino-Baskunchak nature reserve: animals and birds

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

The fauna of birds is not so deeply studied and at the moment 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 burrows of these rodents. Here are hamsters, yellow ground squirrels, voles, jerboas. Since there are a lot of squirrels, there are foxes, wolves, corsacs on the territory that feed on them.

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

Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Reserve inhabits more than 700 species of insects (mostly beetles) and 30 spiders. But it should be noted that this sphere has not been studied widely enough. A special feature of this area is the huge number of midges, which are especially active in June.

Reptiles here 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. He meets here only on Mount Bogdo.

Reservoirs of the reserve

The most notable in this area is the salt lake 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. Salt deposits alternate with layers of clayey sand and silt. Approximately in the 30-50-ies here were installed dams, because in rain showers from gullies and gullies began run-off.

Bogdino-Baskunchaksky Reserve on its territory has placed another remarkable pond - Lake Karasun. Its area is 0.6 hectares. It is located in a huge karst funnel and is drainless. The lake feeds on meltwater and rain.

Mountain

On the territory of the reserve there is a mountain called 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. In 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 walking routes that are designed for travelers. The first has a length of 12 km. It starts at Lake Cordon and goes to Surikova Balka. Behind the beam begins the ascent to the Bogdo mountain. The descent runs along the eastern slope and stretches along the bank of the lake. Baskunchak to the Cordonian beam.

The second route starts from the south-west of the Great Bogdo Mountain and stretches along the eastern side to the Surikovaya Girder. 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.