Nature has a special meaning in the life of mankind. She not only gives beauty and good mood, but also something without which life would not be possible. Nature should be treated with care. If necessary, it must be protected.
Kazantipsky Nature Reserve is located on the territory of Crimea, more precisely on the coast of the Kerch Peninsula.
The total area of 450.1 ha. The reserve was created in 1998. It includes not only the cape, but also the coastal-aquatic complex. Translated Kazantip means "hollow." It is washed by the Sea of Azov. The bottom of the basin was not included in the reserve.
The Sea of Azov is a periodically freezing reservoir. Water freezing starts at -0.5 degrees. From December to March, it is covered with ice. During cold weather, ice usually appears and melts repeatedly. This is because for this area a characteristic climatic feature is frequent thaws. The land of the reserve is not rich in fresh underground water. Groundwater is located at different depths, they affect vegetation. On the hills and plains, they do not participate in soil formation and do not feed plants because they are too deep. Enough moisture of vegetation is obtained only where the relief is lowered. On one of the coastal slopes is a well of mineral water.
View
The Kazantip nature reserve is located on a cape, mainly consisting of bryozoan limestone. The flat bottom of the basin and the circular ridges look like an ancient atoll, in the center of which a dry lagoon. The height of the ridge can reach 107 meters above sea level. In reality, Cape Kazantip is a typical convex brachianticline with layers hollowly located on its slopes.
Many slopes alternate with piles of rocks, cracks, and craters. Small bays are limited to limestone cliffs, passing into the steppe. Strong ruggedness off the coast of Kazantip. Crimea is a beautiful peninsula, therefore it is not surprising that there are such reserved places here.
The purpose of the creation of this nature reserve is to increase the efficiency of conservation and protection of the natural complexes of Cape Kazantip. Currently, it continues to carry out oil production.
Climate
The reserve has a temperate continental climate, arid. The number of warm days is 222. Every year, up to 400 mm of precipitation falls on its territory.
Flora
In the nature reserve there are mainly virgin areas: meadow, shrubby, petrophilic and feather grass steppes. Flora consists of 541 species of plants. Of these, 60% are the flora of the Kerch Peninsula and the remaining 40% are plants of the lowland Crimea.
Some species of plants are listed in the Red Book.
Fauna
The Kazantip Nature Reserve is estimated to inhabit 450 species of invertebrates and 190 vertebrates, some of which are also in the Red Book. On the territory of Kazantip, up to 200 species of migratory birds are observed, fifty of which remain here to winter. In the water area there are 80 species of fish, a lot of gobies. Some species of fish are on the verge of extinction and are under special protection.
The Kazantipsky Nature Reserve is located in Shchelkino, there are many unusual and attractive places that are attractions. It’s easy to get to Kazantip, because the signs are set. The reserve has a rich natural world, it is worth a visit.
Cape Kazantip itself offers stunning views of the amazingly beautiful nature and vast expanses. This is an amazing place, perfect for walking. But in order to be in the reserve, you must first obtain permission from the administration.