On the territory of the Chuvash Republic there are several natural zones that are under state protection. This is a national park, natural park, natural monuments, nature reserves. Among these riches is the Prisursky State Nature Reserve, which has a unique flora and fauna.
Description and location
The reserve is located on the territory of the Chuvash Republic and is divided into three territories that cover three areas - Alatyrsky, Yalchiksky and Batyrevsky. All of them occupy the central zone of the Prisursky forest massif. And on its slopes from the west and east are the basins of the Sura and Volga rivers . The average height of the massif ranges from 120 to 180 m. But the highest point is 221 meters. From northeast to southwest there is a slight slope. Also on the territory in addition to the river. Sura river flows. Lula with tributaries (Sultanka, Orlik, Abachka).
What is it for?
The Prisursky Nature Reserve (Chuvashia) is considered to be young since it was organized in 1995. When it was created, the aim was to protect wetlands and southern taiga valley forests, as well as their fauna. The main task has remained and is still the preservation of the species of Russian desman, which is listed in the Red Book of the country, as well as to protect waterfowl that fly to water bodies from wintering places.
Over time, the reserve territory was increased due to the addition of new sites in the east of Chuvashia. They are necessary for the conservation of zones of steppe vegetation, where marmots prefer to settle. As a result, the reserve possesses 9.1 thousand hectares of protected area.
Climate
The Prisursky Nature Reserve is located in a zone dominated by a temperate continental climate, so it’s cold in winter and the heat comes with the onset of summer. In January, the average temperature is around –12.5 ° C. The hottest is July, this month the average mark of the thermometer is +19 ° C.
Flora Nature Reserve
The Prisursky nature reserve is filled with northern broad-leaved forests, where relatively little spruce grows. There are also coniferous forests on the territory, but these are mainly insignificant pine forests where pine and spruce grow. The main “inhabitants” of deciduous forests are linden, aspen, birch, and you can also meet oak, alder and willow in a smaller amount.
In the reservoirs of the reserve preserved floating water chestnut. It is a rare species that is listed in the Red Book of our country. Also in the list of rare plants that grow here are: open chamber, Australian thyroid, aquatic killer whale, multi- sectional hawthorn, round-leaved pear.
Near the village of Surinskoye in the Yalchinsky district, you can see areas with a meadow steppe. So, here there is a Volga bell, a feathery feather, a Austragalus Austrian, onosma simple, timothy steppe.
Relic steppe biogeocenosis is growing in the Batyrev zone.
Thus, the Prisursky nature reserve on its territory has preserved about 1000 species of vegetation and an additional 120 varieties of mushrooms. Among the plants there are 70 lichens, moss - 127, gymnosperms - 5, angiosperms - 800, fern-shaped - 14 and plauniform - 3.
Fauna of the reserve
Throughout the territory 46 species of mammals are registered. Among them, there is a desman, which is listed in the Russian Red Book. This rare species belongs to the main protected. Common mammals living in the reserve are: wolf, fox, bear, forest dormouse, elk, hare, otter, wild boar, marten, beaver. On the Yalchinsky and Batyrevsky territories, baibaks (steppe marmots) have survived.
Also, the Prisursky Nature Reserve sheltered 190 bird species in its halls; they nest in forests and near water. Of these, 13 species are registered in the Red Book. These include the white-tailed eagle, the snake-eater, the burial ground, the great spotted eagle, the magpie, the eagle owl, the osprey, the gray crane, and the river tern.
In local reservoirs, there are 33 species of fish. In addition, there are amphibians, a total of 9 species. In addition to them, there are 7 different reptiles. The most abundant are insects, there are more than 1,500 species. Also here there are such rare species as a carpenter bee, pointed elephant elephant, large parnepes, mnemosyne and others.
Where to start the tour
Tourists visiting the reserve for the first time, it is better to start their journey with the part that is located in Batyrevsky district. For example, if you climb 200 meters from the highway, most likely, travelers will be able to observe a colony of groundhogs. You can also walk along trails or arrange horseback riding and take scenic routes. And after a busy trip, you can go to Alatyr - a city located 40 km from the reserve. There are also sights and historical values, since the village was founded in the 13th century.