Natural national parks of Russia are those pieces of wild life of animals and plants, miraculously preserved and allowing you to observe nature in all its glory.
In past centuries, people did not think about the protection of flora and fauna, many species of living beings were mercilessly exterminated. And only at the beginning of the 20th century, this problem came to the fore.
Natural parks of Russia: history of origin
At the beginning of the 20th century, V.P.Semenov-Tyan-Shansky proposed the creation of about 50 national parks and reserves in Russia, taking the American example as a prototype. This list included natural parks and reserves of Russia, it covered almost all zones and landscapes of our country. In later years, on the basis of this list, a huge number of beautiful wildlife monuments were created, which are still popular today.
Most of the protected areas were created in the 90s of the last century. These are Losiny Ostrov, Samarskaya Luka, Sochi, Bashkiria and many others. All popular tourist routes were covered.
The stage of expansion and development of natural monuments in Russia began at the beginning of the 21st century. During this period, no new parks were created, but many laws were adopted that stimulate the further development of reserves and strengthen their protection.
What is the difference between a national park and a reserve
In those distant times, when the protection of wildlife was just emerging, these two concepts were identical. And yet there are differences.
National parks are territories where human activities, in particular economic, are limited to protect the environment. However, hiking trails are generally allowed.
Natural parks in Russia were created in those places that had a special aesthetic, historical, educational or research value.
In the reserves, any human activity is completely prohibited. They were created to protect animals and plants that are threatened with complete or partial extinction.
In nature reserves, not only the living world, but also water and soil are protected. They cannot hunt animals, fish, build housing, plow the land or mow grass. Even picking berries and mushrooms is prohibited.
Where can you hunt
As mentioned above, hunting is strictly prohibited on the territory of the reserves. But in a number of national parks, subject to deadlines, hunting is still possible. True, in recent years, such parks are becoming less and less.
For example, you can hunt in the Ugra National Park, but for this you need to obtain a number of permits.
In national parks, you can watch animals. In the absence of hunting, they cease to be afraid of people, coming closer and closer to them.
Parks management even warns tourists not to come close to wild animals in order to avoid attack and injury.
Every year, many local and foreign tourists visit the natural parks of Russia.
List of names of some national parks and reserves
Many parks have a similar history and type of education, but they also have many differences. They differ in size - from 7.9 thousand hectares to 150 thousand hectares, according to the specifics of the natural area - the variety of landscapes, according to the date of formation.
Also, all the parks of our country can be conditionally divided into natural monuments that are under special protection, ordinary national parks and reserves, each of which deserves special attention.
Here are some examples of national parks in our country.
- Elk Island. It is located in Moscow, its area is 117 sq. km. It was created in 1983 at the same time as Sochi Park.
- Meshchersky National Park is located in the Ryazan Region, its area is 1034 sq. km. About one third of this natural complex make up meadows and settlements where people continue their economic activities.
- The Pribaikalsky National Park is located in the Irkutsk Region, it was founded in 1986. The park includes the shores of Lake Baikal. The lake itself is a natural monument and is under the protection of UNESCO.
- Shushensky Bor. One of the smallest objects, located in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, its area is only 327 sq. km. In these places V.I. Lenin. Since then, a reserve was first organized there, and then a park.
- The Shantar Islands were organized in 2013 and are located in the Khabarovsk Territory, on the shores of the Sea of Okhotsk. Unique varieties of trees grow on these islands.
In total, the list includes more than 50 national parks.
Reserves of Russia
In the reserves, any human activity is prohibited, so nature is completely untouched there. There is a problem of poaching, but there is a fierce struggle against this phenomenon.
- Bryansk forest. A unique biosphere reserve located in the Bryansk region, founded in 1987. This is the only place where all 10 species of woodpeckers live.
- The Sayano-Shushensky Reserve has a mountainous relief. Ungulates, wolves, hares, foxes live on its territory. It is noteworthy that there is a hydroelectric power station on the territory of this reserve. The load on the ecosystem during its construction was enormous. But already 12 years after the launch of the station, all living things have adapted.
- The pillars in the Krasnoyarsk Territory were founded a long time ago, back in 1925. The flora and fauna of this wonderful place, very beloved by tourists and rock climbers, is mainly taiga. A lot of birds listed in the Red Book live here.
- The Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve was also founded in the last century, in 1935. On its territory, dozens of mosses, lichens, reptiles, animals and birds are registered. The famous Amur tiger lives in these parts.
- The Prisurskiy nature reserve is located in Chuvashia, its area is about 9150 hectares. Mixed forest prevails, there are elements of meadow steppe. More than 190 species of mammals live on the territory of the Prisurskiy nature reserve.
Only an insignificant part of the reserves of Russia is described here. You can talk about them endlessly.
The oldest national park in Russia
The Barguzinsky Biosphere Reserve is the first reserve created on the territory of our country in 1916. It is located on the shore of Lake Baikal. Before its creation in tsarist Russia there were only private reserves owned by the nobles.
The Biosphere Park is a nature reserve where, in addition to nature conservation, research activities are carried out, animals and birds are studied.
The largest natural park in Russia
It is known that all natural monuments, national parks, natural reserves of Russia differ in their territory. The largest park is Yugyd-Va, which is located on the territory of the Komi Republic. Translated, this name means "Pure water". It is truly a magnificent example of nature. The area of land alone is 1 891 701 hectares. Several tens of thousands of hectares of water area should be added to this. The park is practically untouched by humans; every day it can host about 10 thousand people. On its territory there are entertainment attractions, recreation centers and much more. Hunting and fishing are prohibited there.
Natural monuments of Russia under the protection of UNESCO
Historical and natural objects are subject to special protection and are included in the world fund of the UNESCO organization.
Natural parks of Russia, the list of which can be seen above, meet many of the requirements of this organization. About a dozen of them are subject to special protection, receiving funding not only from federal programs, but also from UNESCO. The same number of objects are currently at the stage of preparation for obtaining the status of "World Heritage".
- Zabaikalsky reserve.
- Altai nature reserve.
- Lazovsky reserve.
- Reserve "Kedrovaya Pad".
- Samarskaya Luka.
- Curonian Spit.
- Smolensk Lake District, etc.
The current stage of development of national parks
In the 21st century, the foundation of new parks has practically stopped. However, the search for territories continues. The Far East, Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories have not yet been sufficiently studied. It is to these places that the close attention of ecologists is directed today.
There are enough stunning places on our planet that have preserved their pristine beauty for centuries, despite all human attempts to destroy it.
Almost every country has its own examples of nature reserves and national parks, but few of them can boast of being listed as the largest on earth.
Greenland national park
The largest national park in the world is located closest to all its competitors from the North Pole. Its territory is 972 thousand km². As an example, one hundred and sixty-three countries of the world have a smaller area than this reserve.
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It was founded in 1974. Ordinary people don't live here, only staff. It is inhabited by about 10,000 musk oxen - at least 40% of the total world population. In addition, here you can meet walrus and polar bears, reindeer, ermines, arctic white hares, etc. The flora of the area is represented mainly by lichens and mosses. In some places there are even birches and dwarf willows.
Rangel St. Elias (USA)
The list is continued by the largest nature reserve in America, which is located in Alaska, protected by UNESCO. Occupies 53 thousand km² - 9 states could be located on the lands of St. Elias.
Formed in 1980. It is home to nine of the sixteen highest mountain peaks in the United States, and the 2nd highest mountain in Canada. Rangell St Elias is visited by 60,000 tourists a year. They are attracted by spacious plains, snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, of which there are more than one hundred and fifty.
Limpopo Transboundary Park
The territory covers the lands of several African countries (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa) and consists of ten different zones that form one of the largest national parks in the world (37,000 km²). To date, the territory of the reserve has not yet been fully established, the 2nd phase of its development involves expansion to 100 thousand km².
The Limpopo Transboundary Park was established relatively recently, in 2000. And representatives of the fauna began to appear here a year later. Here you can see leopards, giraffes, African elephants, spotted hyenas, cheetahs and other, no less exotic, animals.
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Kruger (South Africa)
Kruger National Park is a typical example of African wildlife. One of the most beloved among travelers, the reserve (one million guests a year) brings a very good profit. Founded in 1898, it is the oldest in South Africa, located in the northeastern part of the country. The length is 340 km, the total area is 19 thousand km². It is formed of three parts located between the rivers Sabi and Olifants. Included in the UNESCO heritage list.
Kruger Nature Reserve boasts an interesting variety of African "unarmed" safari. Most of the animals can be seen in the central part of the huge national park. Here you can meet hippos, giraffes, elephants, leopards, crocodiles, white rhinos, as many as 17 species of antelope, more than 400 different birds.
Serengeti (Tanzania)
One of the most famous and largest national parks in the world is considered an example of perhaps the most integral ecosystem on the planet. The oldest nature reserve in Africa was established in 1929. The territory is almost 15,000 km².
It is home to 3 million individuals of large animals and nearly 500 species of birds. The Serengeti is also famous for the annual migrations of a million wildebeests, two hundred thousand gazelles and zebras - during the time of resettlement, animals overcome over 3,000 km.
Yellowstone (USA)
The next of the largest and oldest national parks in the world was founded back in 1872 in the American Rocky Mountains. Above all, it is known for its geothermal springs, geysers and eruptions. About 3 million tourists from different countries visit Yellowstone annually, since all the conditions have been created for this.
On the vast area of the reserve, you can see rivers, waterfalls, lakes, caves, mountains, canyons, and even a volcano. Almost 2000 different plants grow here. The local fauna is no less diverse: 311 bird species, nearly 60 examples of mammals, including pronghorns, elks, deer, grizzly bears, bison ...
Snowdonia (UK)
The next reserve on the list is located in the north of Wales. Named after the highest point in Wales - Mount Snowdon (1,085 meters). Created in 1951. The area is over 2,000 km². Snowdonia has a population of 26,000 and is visited by 6 million tourists annually.
One of the largest national parks in the world has over 2,000 km of open hiking trails, as well as 260 km of hiking and horse riding trails. The summit of Mount Snowdon can be reached either by funicular or by a 13 km long hiking trail. Several historic rail routes run through Snowdonia.
Bwindi (Uganda)
The area of the reserve is 331 km², it is the "smallest" of the list of the largest national parks in the world. Located in the jungle in the southwest of the country. You can only travel on it on foot. Consists of forests located in the mountains and plains. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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This reserve is the largest example of an African ecosystem. It is home to about 340 gorillas (almost half of their population), 120 species of mammals, 346 different birds. Bwindi is famous for its exotic butterflies, of which there are over 200 varieties. The fauna is also multifaceted - 163 types of trees and more than a hundred species of ferns grow on the local land.
National (natural) park- a protected area of the territory (water area) with intact natural complex, often with unique objects (waterfalls, canyons, picturesque landscapes, etc.). Combines the conservation of landscapes with the admission of visitors for recreation. Considering that their purpose is mass tourism, natural parks have a significant area.
Currently, there are over a thousand national parks in the world.
Greenlandic
The largest national park in the world - Greenlandic- located in the northeast of Greenland. Its area is about 70 million hectares. This park, the only one in Greenland, is also the northernmost of all national parks in the world. The park is home to 40% of the world population of musk oxen. Protected animals also include polar bears, walrus, arctic fox, ermine, lemming, arctic hare, various species of seals, seals, narwhals, whales, etc. Reindeer disappeared from the park back in 1990. Wolves often visit the park.
Yellowstone national park
The world's first national park was opened in 1872 in the United States. It was Yemouston national park located on the Yellowstone Plateau. The area of the park is 898.3 thousand hectares. This is one of the oldest parks in the world. First of all, it is known for its hot springs. Geysers eject jets of hot water and steam to a height of 90 m. Eruptions occur regularly at regular intervals. The water of geysers and hot springs, rich in calcium and silicon, forms bizarre drip terraces that rise to considerable heights.
The park is home to 1,870 plant species, of which eight are conifers. Twisted broad-coniferous pine occupies 80% of all forest areas. Of deciduous trees, aspen, willow, birch (mostly in the undergrowth) are found more often than others. Among the flowering plants of the park, the sand-loving abronia, or Yellowstone sandy verbena, should be noted. This plant is found in the wild only within the boundaries of the park. There are about 60 species of mammals in the park, including rare ones: wolf, lynx, grizzly bear, American bison, black bear (baribal), wapiti deer, elk, black-tailed deer, snow goat, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, puma, etc.
Yellowstone National Park is a great tourist destination. It attracts up to 3 million visitors a year. All conditions have been created for them, various excursions and routes have been organized. But areas of untouched nature are still preserved. They have no roads and access is strictly limited. The park is considered a biosphere protected area. Thanks to Yellowstone National Park, the bison population was preserved and restored.
Komodo
One of the most interesting national parks in the world - Komodo National Park, which is located on several islands that make up the Lesser Sunda Islands (Indonesia). It is home to the world's only population of the world's largest lizard - the Komodo dragons (monitor lizards). They are covered with strong scales and have a rather long tail. The Komodo dragons have five toes each. According to some reports, it was these lizards that became the prototype of dragons, about which the Chinese sailors formed legends.
The national park is currently operating as a strict biosphere reserve. The habitat of the monitor lizard is also fully protected.
The world learned about the existence of this huge lizard in 1912, when one of the European pilots made an emergency landing here and told about what he had seen in his homeland. The Indonesian monitor lizard really makes a frightening impression: length - about 3.5 m, weight - up to 150 kg, a huge mouth with many teeth. The appearance of the lizard is in many ways reminiscent of extinct dinosaurs. The monitor lizard is a predator. He hunts wild deer and pigs, runs fast and swims well, is extremely voracious, easily eats 6 kg of meat at a time. The animal is undoubtedly unique, unparalleled in the world.
Serengeti
In the zone African savannah especially famous Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. He owes this to the famous biologist, ecologist, writer, documentary filmmaker. Bernhard Grzimek(1907-1986). B. Grzimek wrote about the Serengeti in the following way: “Only virgin nature with its wild animals attracts tourists to Africa. If the wild fauna disappears here, as happened almost everywhere, then tourists will not need to come here. " The Serengeti is characterized by huge herds of various ungulates. In the vast savannah wildebeest graze along with zebras, gazelles and giraffes, and in dense thickets there are Cairo buffaloes. All these animals are characterized by massive movements (migrations) following the rainy front during the year. Predators also roam behind the herds of ungulates. The number of ungulates within the park is currently estimated at hundreds of thousands of individuals, there are several thousand elephants, hundreds of lions, hippos, rhinos.
Swiss National Park
In Europe, the first national park was established in the canton of Graubünden. It bears the name Swiss National Park. The park was founded on August 1, 1914 on an area of 172.4 km 2. It includes the Alps at an altitude between 1400-3174 m above sea level on the border with Austria and Italy. The park is famous for its unique and diverse flora and fauna, as well as absolutely untouched nature. The predominant landscapes are mountain coniferous forests and alpine meadows. Roe deer and chamois live here, rarely Alpine ibex and fox; There are also deer, marmots, ptarmigan, wood grouse and several species of birds of prey.
Corbett
Corbett- the oldest national park India, it was founded during the British colonial rule in 1935 and occupies about 52 thousand hectares in the valley of the Ramganta River, flowing from the southern slopes Himalayas. The hilly plain of the park (height from 400 to 900 m) is covered with forests. During the wet monsoon, vast reservoirs are often formed in the valley, overgrown with aquatic vegetation. This is the habitat of the giant gavial, or swamp crocodile. The crocodile family lives on Earth for about 150 million years. For many years, these reptiles were actively exterminated in order to obtain valuable skin. Now crocodiles for industrial needs are bred in special nurseries, and in nature they are almost universally protected.
The main object of protection in the national park - Tiger. The number of tigers in India in the 1930-1950s decreased sharply due to uncontrolled shooting by both colonialists and local poachers. Back in the 1960s. the government of India has launched a large-scale operation "Tiger" aimed at preserving and restoring the population of this animal. The main events were held just in the Korbstt park. Now the number of tigers is close to optimal.
The park is also home to several species of Asian deer, sloth bear, more than 400 bird species. For a long time, the park was rarely visited by tourists due to the difficult transport accessibility.
In the late 1970s. a modern highway has been laid from the capital of India, Delhi, and the park is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Central Kalaharsky Nature Reserve
In the desert zone, let's call the Central Kalahara Nature Reserve in South Africa. It was founded in 1957. Its area is 5 million hectares. Unlike national parks, which can be visited by tourists, only scientists are allowed to be in the reserves. Local Bushmen tribes live in the Central Kalaharsky Nature Reserve, they conduct their traditional economy. The main object of protection in the reserve is a unique plant - Velvichia.
Velvichia has a thick tree trunk 30 cm long and looks like a giant flower with huge petals, which are actually the leaves of this plant. In a hot desert, where water is life, Velvichia absorbs moisture from the air with its huge leaves, collects dew, "drinks" the fog.
Yosemite national park
Yosemite national park was established in USA in 1890, has an area of more than 300 thousand hectares, located on the western slopes of the mountains Sierra Nevada. Mountain peaks rise here by almost 4 thousand meters. There are many waterfalls on mountain rivers. With an abundance of precipitation, ancient dark coniferous forests consist of many types of spruce, pine, and fir. More than 250 species of typical taiga mammals and birds are represented. But the main glory of the national park was brought by the preserved sections of the giant sequoia. Individual trees of this species, which are several thousand years old, reach a height of 150 m with a trunk diameter of 10 m. The wood of the sequoia is reddish in color, very light, but at the same time hard, durable, slightly susceptible to decay. It is believed that in the Tertiary period, sequoia was widespread throughout the Earth, but now, after many years of predatory extermination, areas of virgin forests are very rare and strictly protected. In botanical gardens, it is found almost all over the world.
Banff and Jasper
On South Canadian Rockies there are two large national parks Banff and Jasper. Banff Park, with an area of about 700 thousand hectares, was created in 1885. To the north of it begins Jasper Park (an area of more than 1 million hectares), founded in 1907.The height of the Rocky Mountains within the parks reaches 3,700 m. mountain taiga. Glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls and hot springs are often found in the highly dissected Slope Mountains (they began to be used for swimming in the 19th century).
The coniferous forests are dominated by mountain spruce, seaside pine, Douglas fir (up to 45 m high). Deer, black bears, black-tailed deer, mountain sheep, and many birds are common among the large animals of mountain forests.
One of the most unusual animals in the Rocky Mountains is the snow goat, found only here. It is an animal with a dense, long white six, similar to a domestic goat. Lives in the alpine zone, rarely going down into the woods. Well adapted to life in the mountains, capable of jumping 6-7 m on barely noticeable mountain ledges. The animal is very rare, now work is underway to increase its number, and in the future - to domesticate it. Both national parks are biosphere reserves and successfully combine wildlife conservation with tourism.
Virunga
Almost in the very center of Africa, right at the equator, located Virunga National Park. It was created in 1915, covers an area of more than 20 thousand hectares and is located in the northwest of a small African state Rwanda, on the southern slopes of the volcanic mountains Virunga. Several cones of extinct volcanoes up to 4500 m high rise in the park. Virunga is located just south of the equator, and its landscapes are dominated by humid equatorial and mountain forests and shrubs. The main object of protection is the mountain gorilla - the largest apes.
Blue Mountains Park
Northwest of Sydney, on a mountain plateau, dissected by deep gorges, is one of the largest national parks in the southeastern Australia - Blue Mountains Park("Blue Mountains") with an area of 200 thousand hectares. It was created in 1959. The Blue Mountains are a part of the Great Dividing Range, the highest heights here do not exceed 1200 m. In places, tower-like columnar sandstone outliers have been preserved, and waterfalls are not uncommon on small rivers. Along the river valleys, there are dense forests of blue eucalyptus, acacias, mint trees, and tree ferns.
Here platypuses, possums, giant gray kangaroos have survived, among the birds - Wong's pigeon, lyrebird, fan-tails, yellow flycatchers. It should be noted that the flora and fauna of Australia is not rich, but very peculiar: 9/10 of the flora and fauna of the mainland cannot be found in any other area of the globe. It is this peculiarity that arouses great interest among scientists and requires the most stringent protection measures. In the Blue Mountains Park they managed to do it. There are many places left inaccessible, completely untouched, where no tourist has yet set foot.
Rancho Grande
Rancho Grande- the first national park Venezuela- was created in 1937. It occupies an area of about 90 thousand hectares on the spurs of the Venezuelan Andes, facing the Caribbean Sea, absolute heights - up to 2500 m. The altitudinal zonation with an abundance of various tropical forests is well represented here. High moisture content (about 1700 mm of precipitation per year) determines the richness of the fauna, especially dwarf palms, orchids, ferns, and lianas. The national park is famous for its rare birds: more than 30 species of hummingbirds (the weight of the largest individuals of these tiny birds does not exceed 5 g), parrots, guajaro (a rare bird of the goat family, usually nesting in deep caves in numerous colonies, is active at night). The largest venomous snake on Earth is found here - a giant rattlesnake, reaching 3.5 m in length. Among mammals, bakers, sloths, capuchin monkeys (named for the black crest on their heads), nosed raccoons, and jaguars are common.
Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands located directly at the equator in the Pacific Ocean, west of South America and owned by the state Ecuador. All islands with a total area of about 10 thousand hectares were declared a national park in 1934. The archipelago has about 15 volcanic islands, of which five are large, the highest points of which rise to an altitude of 1700 m. Volcanic activity continues to this day. The islands are washed by a cold current, and the temperature of the water and air here is relatively low for the equator +21 ... + 25 ° С. Vegetation is poor: mainly cacti and thorny shrubs. Nevertheless, the Galapagos are extremely interesting for science, it was here that he began to conduct his research Charles Darwin in 1835
There are many amazing animals on the islands: penguins, who entered here from Antarctica thanks to the cold current; flightless cormorants, giant turtles, sea iguanas, Galapagos sea lion.
Galapagos turtles - huge animals with a shell length of up to 1.5 m and a mass of 200 kg - were exterminated by humans for their delicious and nutritious meat. Now the turtles are taken under protection, their number is increasing.
The marine iguana is the only species of lizard whose entire life is associated with a narrow coastal zone of shallow water and a strip of coast. This large reptile, up to 1.5 m long, swims well, eats algae and more.
Galapagos National Park has a strict regime: it is forbidden to visit the islands by tourists, any economic activity, the import of foreign plants and animals. The International Biological Station has been operating here since 1964. Thus, the Galapagos Islands are more correctly considered a biosphere reserve.
