The Astrakhan region is located in the Volga region, in the southeast of the East European Plain. This is a temperate zone of deserts and semi-deserts. The landscape is predominantly represented by a gently undulating desert plain. There are lakes, zones of sand and mounds.
In the lower reaches of the Volga delta is located the Astrakhan reserve, located immediately in three areas:
- Ikryaninsky;
- Kamyzyaksky;
- Volodarsky.
general characteristics
Initially, at the time of its creation in 1919, the Astrakhan reserve occupied a total area of 23 thousand hectares. After some time, the water level in the Caspian Sea fell to a critical level, and the reserve’s territory increased almost 3 times. Today, the total area is 67.9 thousand hectares, including the marine area of 11.2 hectares.
Climatic features
The climate of the Astrakhan reserve can be described as sharply continental. That is, in winter there is a sharp decrease in atmospheric temperature, and in summer the thermometer rises to +30 ° C and above. The summer is not characterized by heavy rainfall.
Fauna
The Astrakhan reserve cannot boast of an abundance of animals. On the territory live wolves and wild boars, field mice and foxes, otters and baby mice. Of the cold-blooded in the reserve, you can find a patterned snake and lizards.
In the early 40s of the last century, a large number of raccoon dogs were released on the territory. In 1954, muskrats were settled on the territory of the park, they also quickly adapted and live to the present.
The native animal of these places is a wild boar. They are attracted by reed-cattail supports, but sometimes it is difficult for animals when the flood displaces wild boars on river banks.
But there are a lot of insects in the park. Here, there are about 1250 species, from spiders to dragonflies. There are a lot of leaf beetles, crickets, cicadas, caddis flies, ground beetles and other species of insects in the reserve.
Feathered
Unlike animals of the Astrakhan reserve, a lot of birds live in the park. Here, there are about 280 species. And, most importantly, 72 species are rare. About 40 species nest in the park on an ongoing basis, 23 remain nesting during the migration period - as a rule, migrants from India, Iran and Africa.
There are many birds that are listed in the Red Book. These are white crane cranes, small cormorants, curly pelicans and Egyptian herons. Most in the reserve are swans, ducks, geese, herons and pelicans.
Representatives of the water element
One of the main functions of protecting the Astrakhan reserve is the protection of ichthyofauna. And the presence of a huge species diversity of fish, the park boasts. In the waters of the reserve there are about 50 species of fish.
From sturgeons - sturgeon, beluga. Of the herring varieties - Volga and black-backed. Of the cyprinids - bream, asp, common carp, roach and sabrefish. There are also the most familiar for our region - pike and perch, smelt and gobies, pike perch and catfish.
Flora
The plants of the Astrakhan reserve are diverse. Everything completely depends on the intensity of the Volga river, the Caspian Sea and other water bodies. Today, there are about 300 species of vegetation. Almost throughout the territory you can find blackberries, willow and sedge, creeping buttercup.
Conventionally, the vegetation of the protected zone is divided into:
- Secondary, that is, appearing against the background of a constant mowing of grass and grazing animals. This is land reed and tamarix.
- Aquatic, growing near water bodies. These include cane, gander, cattail, water lilies and others.
- Background.
- Forest.
- Meadow.
But the most important decoration of the Arkhangelsk reserve is the lotus field. There are two theories for the appearance of this flower in the park. According to the first version, lotus seeds were introduced by migratory birds. According to another version, these flowers are primordial and have been growing here for millions of years.
Ecotourism
On the territory of the Arkhangelsk nature reserve, you can take a guided tour or engage in more active sports.
Here you can go through several ecotropes. The most recent was opened in 2016, it is called "Found Delta." All paths are equipped with comfortable wooden flooring. Along the way, tourists will see 4 islands where completely different biotopes and animals are represented. Perhaps he will be lucky and will be able to see the white-tailed eagle, the marshmallow and the cheglok. At the beginning of the journey, vacationers are taken in motor boats, then the walking part of the program (1.7 kilometers) is provided.
For bird lovers, ornithological tours are provided. Travelers are transported to crowded places, depending on seasonal migration.
Walking on water transport
In the warm season, you can go kayaking. The journey begins on Damchik site and ends on the observation deck near the field with lotuses. Such a trip is not allowed for people who do not know how to swim, and children under 12 years old.
For people who like a more relaxing holiday, renting boats and trimarans is provided.
Where to settle
At the service of vacationers in the biosphere reserve, an “Expeditionary Home” is provided - this is a residential building, divided into two parts. Each of which can accommodate up to 12 people. Each part has 2 toilets and 1 shower.
You can also settle in a house called the Methodological Center. This house even has an equipped kitchen.
The newest building for vacationers is the “Ornithologist's House” (2 floors). It provides increased comfort conditions, with a sanitary unit in each room.
The fastest way to get from Astrakhan to the reserve is by personal transport, through two water crossings - and you are already in the village of Damchiksk. You can also get to the park by water, but you will have to spend 4 hours on the way.