Nizhnesvirsky reserve - preservation of natural heritage

Our region is famous for its beautiful landscapes, as well as for the abundance of flora and fauna. 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. Animals and birds are protected here, since 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 June 1980, 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 are found on the coast of water bodies, in forests and marshes. Migratory bird sites and spawning grounds of valuable fish were also discovered, which required protection.

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

Today, the Nizhnesvirsky Reserve is at rest from human activities, 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 should be noted that in the 1960s gray geese completely disappeared in these places . Today they began to appear again on the inner lakes.

For the preservation of nature, walks of casual tourists are not allowed. 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

The Nizhnesvirsky State Nature Reserve is 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 Lake Ladoga. In 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 reservoirs of this area have 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 has a temperate continental climate, to which Atlantic cyclones have a significant influence. 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. In winter, frosts drop to minus 20 ^° C, but every month the Nizhnesvirsky Reserve "visits" a thaw that lasts about a week or less.

Forests

The predominant type of forest in this area is the pine forest with blueberry. But you can meet seroholshniki, birch forests, aspen. Pine forests are low and young, because at one time they suffered from fires (mainly caused by people) and from logging. 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, reeds and reed beds, riverine meadows and forest glades.

Fauna

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

But a great variety of birds remains a special attraction. 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 rare species, but, in addition, there are also reserves of the Leningrad region that 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.