Please put an active hyperlink to our site (www.rusnature.info) when you copy the materials from this page

Russian Zapovedniks and National Parks

<<< Zapovednik "Astrakhansky" | Index and Map | Zapovednik "Chernye Zemli" >>>

Zapovednik "Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky"

Address: 416501 Astrakhanskaya obl., Akhtubinsk, Zhukovskogo st., 12 A.

Zapovednik Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky is situated in Akhtubinsky District of Astrakhanskaya Region. The Zapovednik was founded in 1997; its area is 18,48 thousand ha. It is situated in the western part of the Caspian lowland on the left bank of the Volga River.

The Zapovednik territory includes the mountain Bolshoye Bogdo (152,2 m above the sea level) and the largest in the country salt lake Baskunchak, situated in a lowland with no runoff.

The relief futures sea accumulative valleys with developed underground karst. Karst structures are characteristic – ravines, funnels, caves, grottos, springs and brooks, which dry up in summer.

The plant cover is typical for semi-deserts. White wormwood, black wormwood and salt grape communities with grasses and ephemerals are common. The dominant plants are: the black wormwood, white wormwood, bulbous bluegrass, drooping brome, the European feather-grass, salt gripes. Rare species include rare plant species there grow: the common tulip and Bieberstein's tulip, the catchfly etc.

The migration route of many avian species passes in the District of the lake Baskunchak and the mountain Bolshoye Bogdo. During migration period large numbers of seabirds gather in the District. Rare bird species nest there: blackwinged stilt, black-caped, and demoiselle crane. Near the mountain Bolshoye Bogdo steppe eagle, saker falcon, golden eagle, and dikkop — species in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation — are being met.

Saiga antelope also occurs.

<<< Zapovednik "Astrakhansky" | Index and Map | Zapovednik "Chernye Zemli" >>>