Each region of our country has its own attractions. But those places are especially interesting where the main importance is given to natural resources. So, for example, the Astrakhan region is famous for its salt lake Baskunchak, as well as the Bogdinsko-Baskunchak reserve.
Description and location
The reserve is known for its diverse landscape. There are beams, caves, grottoes, funnels. On its territory is the mountain Big Bogdo and many caves. For example, in the area of Lake Baskunchak there are more than 20. There are also famous tracts Green Garden and Sharbulak here. In addition, on the territory of the reserve there is Lake Karsun, located in a karst funnel, but in the hot season it dries out almost completely. The entire territory occupies 18, 478 ha.
The Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve is not difficult to find on the map. It is located in the Akhtuba region (northeast), near the border with Kazakhstan. The southern line 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 entire country.
The purpose and history of the creation of reserves
In 1997, a resolution was adopted on the organization of the Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve. Previously, this territory was a nature reserve. But since the landscape complex of this area is unique, and there are a large number of plants listed in the Red Book on this territory, the government considered it necessary to take measures to protect these natural resources. In addition, the semi-desert landscapes and paths of rare migratory birds lying in these places are the subject of scientific research. Also, the Bogdinsko-Baskunchak reserve remains a shelter for nesting birds listed in the Red Book.
Flora Nature Reserve
The formation of the flora of the reserve was affected by several factors. 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 Lake Baskunchak there are 36 species of lichens. But it is noteworthy that of these, ten species are in the list of the Red Book (the Astrakhan region maintains 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, so the Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky nature reserve is distinguished by its relatively scarce flora. But at the same time, rare and endemic plants grow here. There are three species that are listed in the Red Book of the country. This feather grass feather, Gesner's tulip and crimson larkiness. Also in the Red Book of the Astrakhan region there are 30 higher plants.
The main species in the reserve are steppe and semi-desert plants. The prevailing species can be classified as Asteraceae, legumes, cereals and cruciferous.
Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve: animals and birds
Since semi-deserts reign in this area, those animals that can survive in extremely arid and hot conditions mainly live here. But it is important to note that due to the presence of ponds here you can meet near-water species. In addition, shrubbery and tree plantations allow nesting birds unsuitable for semi-desert conditions.
The fauna of birds is not studied so deeply and at the moment there are about 190 species. But here there are representatives of the steppes, semi-deserts, tree and shrub inhabitants and near-water inhabitants. Since the reserve is located on migratory routes, the fauna of birds is periodically enriched. 22 species of birds that live here are rare and are listed in the Red Book of the country.
There are 41 species of mammals. Of these, 10 predators. There are also rodents. There are 19 species in total. Most often here you can see a small gopher. In some parts of the reserve, the land is almost completely covered with minks of these rodents. There are hamsters, yellow ground squirrels, field voles, jerboas. Since there are many squirrels, foxes, wolves, and corsacs that feed on them are found on the territory.
In addition, a mammal ligation lives 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 (mainly beetles) and 30 spiders. But it is worth noting that this area is not sufficiently studied here. A feature of this area is a huge number of midges, which are especially active in June.
There are only 12 species of reptiles. 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.
Reserves of the reserve
The most noteworthy in this area is the salt lake Baskunchak. It is one of the largest in all of Europe. Its area reaches 106 square meters. km The surface of this reservoir is below sea level. Salt deposits alternate with layers of clay sand and silt. Around the 30-50s, dams were established here, since runoff began from ravines from ravines and ravines.
The Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky reserve on its territory placed another noteworthy body of water - this is Lake Karasun. Its area is 0.6 ha. It is located in a huge karst funnel and is drainless. The lake is fed by meltwater and rain.
Mountain
In 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 began their work here focused on this mountain and on Lake Baskunchak. Big 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.
