Our region is famous for its beautiful landscapes, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna. There are many places in our country in which this natural heritage is protected in a special way. Such territories include reserves of the Leningrad region. Here animals and birds are protected, since some of them are listed in the Red Book of Russia. Rare plants and unique landscapes are also of particular value.
The purpose of the reserve
By decision of the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR in 1980 on June 11, the Lower Svirsky Nature Reserve was founded. Until this moment, these places were a reserve, but thanks to comprehensive research, scientists have proved the need to create a reserve. Several factors influenced this decision. But the main reason is the protection and study of rich fauna, in which rare species have been found that grow near the coast of water bodies, in forests and in swamps. Also found were migratory bird sites and spawning grounds for valuable fish that required protection.
During World War II, these places were damaged by military operations. Repeated 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. Visits to these places by tourists, berry growers and fishers have also harmed nature.
Today, the Lower Svirsky Nature Reserve is at rest from human activities, all inhabitants feel free. During this time, the number of beaver families increased several times, and the number of gray cranes began to increase. It is worth noting that back in the 1960s, gray geese completely disappeared in these places. Today they again began to appear on inland lakes.
For the conservation of nature walks of random tourists are not allowed. But for those travelers who wish to explore these unusual places, scientists organize excursions twice a year. Although there are factories and large factories near the reserve, the air here remains clean.
Geographical Information
Lower Svir State Nature Reserve is located on the right bank of the river. Svir and borders with the Olonets reserve. It is located in the Lodeinopolsky district. The reserve covers 41.4 thousand ha. Of these, 36 thousand ha belong to land, and the rest is the water area
of Lake Ladoga. Throughout the territory there are many small rivers and ponds. More than half of the territory is a marshland; 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 waters are rich in iron, and the clay soil.
The climate of the reserve
This territory has a temperate continental climate, which is significantly influenced by Atlantic cyclones. Up to 600 mm of precipitation falls here per year. The prevailing number of days in this area is southerly and southwesterly winds. In summer, the weather is rainy and the air is moderately warm. In winter, frosts drop to minus 20 0 , but every month the Lower Svirsky Nature Reserve “visits” the thaw, which lasts about a week or less.
The woods
The predominant type of forest in this area is a pine tree with blueberries. But you can meet gray alder forests, birch forests, aspen forests. Pine forests are low and young, because at one time they suffered from fires (mainly caused by people) and from deforestation. But among the swamps you can meet old forests that have never been touched by man. The Lower Svirsky Nature Reserve has a very diverse landscape. Transitional marshes, various sections of the forest, sandy beaches, reeds and reeds, river meadows and forest glades alternate here.
Fauna
Many birds and some animals are very fond of the Lower Svirsky reserve. The list of animals that live here is not great, but noteworthy. Usually these are species that are typical mid-taiga. So, in the reserve there are brown bears, moose, badgers, lynxes, beavers. In total there are 44 species of mammals.
But a huge 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 rises into the sky and creates a gray wide “road”. In the spring, many
waterfowl return here
. Sometimes the number reaches 1 million. Marsh areas are inhabited by
gray cranes. Sometimes on the banks of the rivers you can see how the swans stop to rest. A huge number of ducks are found on the Svir Bay. Places of capercaillie currents are also known. In addition, there are 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, besides this, there are also nature reserves of the Leningrad Region, which are home to wild inhabitants. These places are also interesting for their rare flora and fauna. These include the Ingermanland Reserve and the Mshinsky swamp reserve.