Modern man looks at the world through the screen. This is a kind of average rating. Agree, not everyone has the means to travel. And the world is so magnificent! So we study it through a computer, since now it’s easy. However, is it possible in this way to feel the thrill in the soul that necessarily arises from the contemplation of the stunning corners of the planet? Take, for example, the Kuril Reserve. Who was there will confirm: no films or photographs will reflect the magical essence of this unusual place.
Location and climate
The Kuril reserve occupies a considerable area (65365 ha).
It consists of three islands. These are Kunashir, Demina and Shards. The first of them belongs to the Greater Kuril ridge and is the largest in area. The islands are a product of volcanic activity. The terrain here is mountainous, there are rivers and lakes. The Kuril reserve is famous for its mineral springs. Interestingly, they all differ in chemical composition and temperature. The most famous are the Tretyakov, Alekhinsky and Golovninsky. Since the Kuril Islands are formed by volcanic activity, the relief is mountainous. The rivers here are small, no more than twenty kilometers. Most of them are spawning. The largest is Tyatina (Kunashir). It flows directly along the Dokuchaev volcanic ridge. In this part of the reserve is mountainous. And to the north it takes on a hilly character. The largest
Peschanoe lake in the reserve is also located there
. Such an almost clerical description, of course, does not convey the splendor of this place. We add that the climate here is very mild. Winter does not frighten frosts, and summer is hot. The only factor that a person will definitely not like is monsoons. The Kuril reserve withstands winds and hurricanes steadily, responding with only a small rise in water in the rivers.
A bit of history
According to the dry description given above, it is clear that the Kuril Islands are the richest region. That you have not yet read about the plant and animal world! How did it survive among the storms and troubles that have befallen Russia in recent centuries?
There were caring people. Work on the creation of a reserved corner began in 1947. Many prominent scientists talked about the need to protect this distinctive, magical place from destruction. The reserve project was created in 1975. Moreover, this event took place after the signing of an agreement with Japan on the protection of nesting and habitat of migratory birds. Further, the territory of the security zone expanded. In its present form, it was formed in 1984. And, what is noteworthy, the subsequent
collapse of the USSR, the devastation in Russia of the nineties did not negatively affect these territories. The reserve is saved!
Nature
Reserves, as you know, are different. The goal of their creation is one - to preserve the pristine corner of magnificent nature. So that the activity of greedy humanity does not affect the wealth created long before we appeared in this world. The Kuril Islands have much to be proud of and something to protect. Mostly the area is wooded. For the most part, conifers grow. But how amazing it is to see tropical creepers among cedars and fir trees! This is just a miracle. Scientists estimate that there are only ten percent of hardwood in the reserve. But they are so peculiarly woven into taiga landscapes that they make this area uniquely beautiful. And in the forest glades of trees takes away space bamboos, forming impenetrable thickets. Grass in the lowlands reaches a height of four to five meters. Where else have you seen this? Kunashir is not connected to the mainland by land. Because of this, very rare plant species have been preserved on its hills and in the mountains. Here the so-called vertical zonality is traced. That is, the nature of the vegetation changes along the way to the mountains. If you go from the coast, then broad-leaved and coniferous forests are replaced first by fir, then by stone birch forests, then by cedar dwarf. There is something to admire, freezing in admiration.
Fauna
It seems that the edge cut off from the mainland cannot be densely populated. However, this is a mistake. We will not list the numbers. It should only be noted that the wildlife of the reserve is still not fully understood! Science has long been convinced of the similarity, for example, of the insects of the Kuril Islands with species that live in Japan. Only in recent years has it turned out that there are also endemic ones of their own. Today there are 37 of them. Marine mollusks are widely represented in the reserve. They are found off the coast and in lakes. That is, freshwater species are also represented. Shellfish pearls are listed in the Red Book.
Kunashir is also proud of its salmon. Here, the largest pink salmon in the entire Far East spawns, and the Kuril chum salmon leads the world in size. Amphibian lovers also have something to see. Three species of frogs inhabit Kunashir. Fancy reptiles are also here. For example, only in the reserve can one meet the Far Eastern skink (lizard). This species does not live anywhere else in Russia.
Birds and mammals
Feathered nature reserve - a special conversation. The fact is that the Kuril Islands are important on a global scale. They are a resting place for migratory birds. Hundreds of thousands of feathered travelers find shelter and food here. Without this corner, the planet would have lost many rare species. Here are some statistics. In total, 278 species of birds can be found in the reserve, and 125 lives permanently. When winter comes to the Southern Hemisphere, birds fly to the local shores. For example, there are loons and cormorants, swans and rhinoceros puffins. Only ornithologists will understand this multicolored and loud world. We add that the protection of the reserve has truly planetary significance. The islands are a significant point on the map of the feathered world. A few surprising facts should be added. Do you know that there are eagle owl fishers? This rare species nests in the reserve. Here you can also find Japanese cranes, also considered endangered. Among large animals, a brown bear, sable, chipmunk, weasel and even mink should be mentioned. These animals breed safely in Kunashir.
The significance of the reserve
Even from a short text it is already clear that this world is unique. People are trying to understand what are the reserves, what is interesting in them, what to admire. In fact, not only natural beauties and rare animals are important. We should appreciate the wisdom and work of those who care about these incredible corners of pristine nature, thereby allowing the planet to survive, regardless of the activities of mankind.