Crimean reserves

The value of many corners of the Crimea drew attention in ancient times. True, they were guarded mainly for hunting and recreation of the nobility.

Therefore, when the first Soviet reserve was created in 1923 (the current Crimean nature reserve), it was based on the hunting grounds of the Romanovs - the imperial family and the Grand Dukes, protected since 1870 (for the first time in history Russian Empire), as well as the hunting reserve of the Yusupov princes and other Russian aristocrats. Nikitsky botanical garden and climbing wall Nikitskaya cleft Much earlier, during the time of the Crimean Khanate, aristocrats and merchants considered the arrangement of gardens and flower beds irrigated by ingeniously arranged fountains as a sign of nobility and wealth. The landscaping of mountain springs had the richest traditions in the Crimea. Many mighty old trees and bizarre rocks were considered sacred, about which legends were made. Therefore, the restriction economic use and even the inviolability of many natural objects in the Crimea has centuries-old, and perhaps millennial traditions

Now the natural reserve fund is being formed according to world standards, covering different levels from a remarkable tree, rock or spring to vast areas with diverse landscapes. The total area of ​​land and coastal waters of various categories of protected regime is about 5% of the area of ​​the peninsula. In some regions of Crimea that are valuable in terms of biological diversity, the percentage of protected landscapes is much higher, on average in the Crimean Mountains it is about 10%.

The protection regime and tourism opportunities depend on the level of the protected object, so we will briefly talk about this. State reserves belong to the highest category. Lands, subsoil and water expanses within their boundaries are excluded from the economy forever and transferred to specially created departments. They drive Scientific research and develop tourism and excursion work, primarily for environmental education. However, if you visit a water show with dolphins and seals at the Karadag Biological Station, you will see that education can be both fun and interesting! The reserve preserves typical or unique natural complexes in their natural form, without interfering in the course of centuries-old processes, but only studying them.

Crimean nature reserve

Alushta, st. Partizanskaya, 42

Office hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., off. Sat, Sun

Travel along the Romanovsky highway (trout farm, the monastery of Cosmas and Damian, the source of Savluh-Su, the Pavilion of the Winds). Museum of nature, arboretum.

Crimean Reserve and Cosmo-Damianovsky Monastery Crimean Reserve after the reorganization in 1928 occupies 33,397 hectares in the central part of the Main Crimean Ridge. More than 1200 species of plants (almost half of the entire flora of Crimea) grow in the protected area, over 200 species of vertebrates live (half of those found in Crimea). Of particular value are oak, beech and hornbeam forests, which play an important role in water protection and soil protection. Crimean red deer, Crimean roe deer, mouflon, black vulture, griffon vulture and other rare animals live in the forests. The scientific, cultural and educational significance of the reserve is great. On the periphery of the protected area, several recreational areas and ecological trails have been created, where tourists in organized groups, without harming nature, get acquainted with its riches. On Chatyrdag, the most beautiful cave "Marble" is equipped for mass visits. In Alushta, under the management of the Crimean Reserve, a Museum of Nature and an arboretum were created, where you can get acquainted with the natural resources of mountain forests.

Cosmo-Damianovsky Monastery

It is located 18 km from Alushta, in the depths of the Crimean Reserve (to visit, you need to take permission from the management of the reserve in Alushta) healing spring Savluh-su. Source after Chernobyl accident became extremely popular, as its waters remove radionuclides. According to an ancient legend associated with many other places Byzantine Empire, at the source, two brothers Cosmas (Kozma) and Damian healed the sick for free, who then died at the hands of an envious person. Their memorial day is celebrated on July 1/14. On this day, you can go to the monastery without a pass to the protected area.

In 1856 was founded monastery but in 1899 for the debauchery of the monks, the Holy Synod abolished him. A convent was set up here, the main occupation of the nuns was crafts, so they successfully survived both the NEP and collectivization, having formed an agricultural artel, which ceased to exist only during the Great Patriotic War. Now the monastery has been reopened, popular with both pilgrims and tourists. Monastic buildings and ancient crafts are being restored, mass production of mineral water"Savluh-su".

Of international importance is the branch of the Crimean Reserve near the northwestern coast of Crimea - the Lebyazhy Islands, they are included in the Ramsard Convention on the Protection of Wetlands. Here is one of the largest Eastern Europe concentrations of waterfowl: more than 230 species, of which 18 species are listed in the Red Book. Up to 5,000 swans flock to molt from the south each year, and the colony of gulled cod has more than 30,000 individuals. During the summer season, seagulls destroy almost 2 million ground squirrels and up to 8 million mice - pests of fields.

Yalta mountain forest reserve

Yalta, Massandra, Dolos highway. 8 -18, without trans. and exit.

Hiking trails (Koreizskaya, Jewish, Botkinskaya, Shtangeevskaya trails), Uchan-Su vdp, Trekhglazka cave

Museum of Nature +73654 23 28 91

The Yalta Reserve was created relatively recently, in 1973, but it united dozens of remarkable natural objects, some of which have been declared protected since 1947. The total area of ​​the lands of the reserve is now 14.5 thousand hectares from Foros and the Baidar Pass in the west to the Nikitskaya Yayla in the east, which is about 53 km in length. The northern border in some places coincides with the edge of the yaila, but on the Ai-Petri and Yalta yailas, it also enters the plateau to protect remarkable plant objects and caves. In the south, the boundaries of the reserve are connected with the history of coastal development, in the pristine areas of the coast near Foros, Sanatorium and Beregovoe, natural complexes of coastal cliffs are already protected.

The main value of the reserve is relic coniferous mountain forests of Crimean pine. There are also forests of beech, mixed forests, and below - from fluffy oak. The flora as a whole includes 1363 species of vascular plants, 183 species of mosses and 154 species of lichens. Of the rare plants, small-fruited strawberry, high juniper, pistachio pistachio, and berry yew are famous. The reserve has preserved dozens of luxurious and very ancient (up to a thousand years) plants of these species. The faunistic diversity of the reserve is impressive: 37 species of mammals, 150 species of birds, 16 species of reptiles. Badgers feel great here, many species bats, among the birds are very rare in Europe, its largest species are the black vulture and the griffon vulture, among the reptiles the Crimean gecko, yellow-bellied, leopard snake are very peculiar and cute.

Walks along the mountain trails of the Yalta Reserve Starting from the 2004 season, the reserve administration offers tourists a multi-day route that combines all the famous trails (Shtangeevskaya, Botkinskaya, Kalendskaya) and all the famous viewpoints. In total, a paid visit is provided for 18 objects of the reserve, the price for visiting each is usually 6-10 hryvnia. If you are not going to go on a multi-day trip, then you have to pay right on the spot. Where the trails begin, signs are always installed, documents with a fee (with seals) are posted. In general, they don’t require any collection “to fix the Failure so that it doesn’t fail so much”, but garbage disposal and landscaping of paths that are located on landslide slopes, as well as fire prevention measures, require serious expenses.

Doctors of pre-revolutionary times could somehow arrange the first health paths from ancient mountain paths at their own expense. However, their houses, in the words of M. Zhvanetsky, were distinguished in those days by "wealth and lights." Sergei Petrovich Botkin (1832 - 1889) was the first to draw attention to the importance of the Crimean climate in the treatment of patients, especially those with pulmonary diseases. He believed that mountain walks train the body, strengthen the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and increase metabolism. He also attached great importance to the emotional impact of nature on man. The most beautiful trail, which has a surprisingly smooth and gradual climb uphill, was named Botkinskaya in memory of an outstanding Russian doctor and still bears this name.

“It is necessary to go evenly, in no case do not take the rises, as they say, in one breath. After the first ten minutes of the journey, you need to do the first self-test: calculate the heart rate. Suppose if someone has a normal pulse of 68-70 beats per minute (for women more often), then during a stop it can be 120-140 beats. If the pulse returns to normal within 1-3 minutes (the sooner the better), then your heart is working well, you can move on. The respiratory rate should not exceed 18 times per minute. In case of severe weakness, dizziness or interruptions in the work of the heart, you must immediately stop the trip and return back after rest ”- these recommendations must be followed in order to experience the healing and healing properties of the Botkin trail.

Reserve "Cape Martyan" Yalta, Nikita, Nikitsky Botanical Garden

May-September, without lane. and exit.

From the east, the Cape Martyan nature reserve adjoins the Nikitsky Garden with an evergreen forest of tree-like juniper and small-fruited strawberry. In the center of the reserve, a small House of Creativity of the Academy of Sciences was built, now the Phytocenter. The water area of ​​the reserve preserves in its natural form marine biocenoses of the South Coast. It is significant that, unlike most of the coast, where artificial beaches with concrete structures are built, which are constantly destroyed, and in terms of the purity of the water, they do not shine, the coasts near Cape Martyan are distinguished by the cleanliness and balance of beach sediments. Small beaches have long been considered especially valuable among naturists in many countries. However, the audience here is purely chosen - from the world of science and art.

Walking routes along the ecological path on the territory of the reserve must be ordered through the directorate of the Nikitsky Garden. An ancient path passes over the reserve to Ai-Danil, where the estate of H. Steven has been preserved.

Karadag nature reserve

With. Resort, Biostation.

May-September, 8 - 17, no per. and exit.

736562 26 212, 26 290, 26 288

The Karadag reserve is famous for its geological and mineralogical sights: bizarre rocks, veins of gems and other rare minerals. Karadag is also interesting for its unique animals and flora, fancifully combining the views of deserts, subtropics, steppes and forests. The main center for Karadag is the village of Kurotnoe. Here is the administration of the Karadag Reserve and the Biostation of the Institute of Biology South Seas AN. Performances with dolphins and fur seals. There is a wonderful pebble beach. And in a beautiful old park rare plants, as well as exhibitions of reptiles and fish.

From the Biostation and from the village of Koktebel, you can walk for a fee along a large ecological path or take a sea excursion. The local rocks make up a whole fairy tale: the King and Queen are marching to the Throne; one of the vents of the volcano - Devil's fireplace facing the sea and cluttered with hardened lava; The devil's finger threatens the sky with a sharp multi-meter claw. But the most famous, of course, is the Shaitan-kapu (Devil's Gate) rock, better known as the Golden Gate.

Kazantip Nature Reserve

Leninsky district, the nearest settlement is the village of Mysovoye

management is located in Shchelkino, house 33 (there are no streets in Shchelkino), apt. 12,

phone +736557 222-50 or 221-56.

Kazantip preserves unique steppe communities of plants and animals, as well as the best coastal habitats of valuable commercial fish Sea of ​​Azov. This reserve was created recently and is still in its infancy,

Opuk Nature Reserve

Leninsky district, Black Sea coast, the nearest settlement with. Yakovenkovo

the administration of the Opuksky Reserve is located on the central street of Kerch - st. Kirova 31a. phone +736561 4 05 01.

The best time to visit is May, when the wild tulips are in full bloom.

Just like the Kazantip Reserve, the Opuk Mountain Reserve in the south of the Kerch Peninsula is only making its first steps. Cape Opuk. Kerch Peninsula. Cape Opuk is a unique landscape complex - something like a fragment of the Crimean Mountains. The mountain range, visible from afar, is distinguished by its peculiar vegetation and microclimate. The massif is composed of limestone (according to some researchers - reef), several grottoes open in the cliffs. The top, like all Crimean mountains, is flat, the slopes abound with ledges, cliffs, crevices. And this is unusually good for nesting birds. In total, 43 species of birds are found here. In addition to the unusually beautiful and rare pink starling, these are the gull-gull, cormorant, shrike, rock dove, owl, shelduck, peregrine falcon.

Rare for these places, springs with excellent water and excellent beaches create ideal conditions for relax. But before it was a military zone, and now a reserve. So here, as it were, they don’t rest, but only bliss on learning practices students are geologists, ecologists, biologists, soil scientists, historians. However, for this, their leaders must obtain permission in Simferopol from the environmental department. Opposite the cape in the sea there are several rock-islands made of gray porous, but dense Kerch limestone - Rocks-Ships, Elken-kaya.

On the territory of Crimea there are 196 objects of the natural reserve fund of different categories with a total area of ​​220 thousand hectares, which is 8.3% of the total area of ​​Crimea. In the world, and more precisely in countries with a high ecological culture, 10% is considered optimal. In the most valuable regions, for example, on the southern coast of Crimea, specially protected natural complexes can occupy about 20%, and even more than 50% of the territory. A significant part of nature reserves, sanctuaries, natural monuments and protected areas is available for excursions, scientific and educational work, student practices and expeditions, as well as for international environmental programs and projects. The restrictions concern mainly construction, economic activities, and the extraction of mineral and biological resources.

State reserves, natural monuments and other entry-level categories are declared protected, without their withdrawal from land users. In this case, the reserve regime must be provided by forest enterprises, Agriculture, health resorts, military units (sometimes this happens). Reserves are formed for the time necessary to restore the abundance of species listed in the International Red Book or the Red Book. This means that, say, other species, for example, medicinal plants, you can freely collect for personal use. But for protected rare species, you will face a serious fine. Individual components of nature can be protected, such as in botanical reserves New World, Kubolach, Arabatskiy; but there are also landscape reserves: Ayu-Dag, grand canyon Crimea, Cape Aya, where everything is protected, including minerals and insects.

Monuments of nature are small areas or individual natural objects. Either the natural complex as a whole or individual components are preserved there. Complex are the Belbek Canyon, Mangup-Kale, Karaul-Oba. Geological monuments of nature - Red caves and Demerdzhi. There are also botanical monuments - giant trees, long-lived trees, for example, the famous airplane pine on Ai-Petri, several 1000-year-old berry yews.

Relatively recently, the term "reserved tract" appeared. The word "tract" usually gives rise to a dark, deaf ravine, a wild gorge, or, conversely, a corner of paradise in the midst of a monotonous steppe. The main thing is that the tract is a natural complex that stands out sharply among its surroundings, isolated.

Natural complexes of artificial origin can also be reserved. Our parks-monuments of landscape art are famous all over the world. Yes, and they were created by the labor and talent of people from generally recognized world schools - French, English, German, Italian, and in last years also Japanese. Russian estate culture through hands and souls ordinary people made our family this miracle of capricious green aliens. The Nikitsky State Botanical Garden, thanks to the uniqueness of its green collection, has also been declared a protected area with all its departments. Most of the protected landscapes of Crimea are available for excursions and even independent visits.

The peninsula has always been a popular place for relaxation and wellness thanks to its natural factors. The nature of Crimea is unique and needs vigilant protection and preservation. Numerous reserves have been created to preserve rare species of birds, animals and insects.

Yalta mountain forest nature reserve

From Gurzuf to Foros, a 40-kilometer strip stretches the territory of the Yalta mountain and forest reserve. It is valuable because 66% of vascular plants grow here, which are found in the entire Mountainous Crimea: Tupolis pistachio, Siberian Sobolev, high juniper, Crimean cistus. The protected area is also rich in endemic species.
The fauna is represented by rare animal species. Imperial eagles, badgers, moufflons, Crimean lizards and geckos, and European roe deer feel at ease in the protected area. Rare insects that live in the reserve are listed in the Red Book and are of interest to scientists.
An important part of the nature protection complex is the Three-Eyed Cave, the teeth of Mount Ai-Petri, the Devil's Ladder pass.

The nature of the Crimean peninsula is unique. Here grow trees, herbs and flowers that are not found anywhere else in the world. To preserve the floristic fund in the Crimea, 6 natural reserves were created, on the territory of which only scientific work is allowed and tourist routes are laid. Any economic activity prohibited in protected areas.

The Opuksky Reserve is the youngest of all such territories in the Crimea. It is closed to visitors, and scientists can conduct the necessary research only after obtaining special permission. Here, not only a piece of land is protected, but also the approximate water area.
Only one trail is reserved for tourists to reduce the risk of trampling valuable grasses and disturbing nesting birds.

Crimean nature reserve

The largest protected area of ​​Crimea is almost a hundred years old. It was created in 1923 on the site of the "Reserve of Royal Hunts". The area of ​​the reserve occupies more than 33 hectares in the center of the Main Ridge of the Crimean Mountains. It is here, due to the abundance of precipitation and rough vegetation, that many small and large rivers of the peninsula originate - Derekoika, Marta, Ulu-Uzen, Alma. The well-known underground spring Savlukh-Su, whose waters have a healing effect due to the presence of natural silver ions in them, also descends from the local peaks.
Of particular value are pine, beech and hornbeam forests, which densely cover most of the reserve. It is thanks to them that a favorable ecological situation is maintained.
More than a thousand species of animals live on the territory of the protected area, many of which are rare and need protection and care.

"Swan Islands"

The Lebyazhy Islands zone, restricted from economic activity, is part of the Crimean Reserve, which is of interest to ornithologists around the world. Its area is 9 and a half hectares. This nesting site is chosen by more than 250 species of birds. Flamingos, several species of ducks, herons, waders live here. Under the protection of the reserve are several species of fish and large marine mammals.
Swan Islands are the main migratory point for many birds.

Reserve "Cape Martyan"

On Cape Martyan in the eastern part of Nikitsky botanical garden the reserve of the same name is located - the smallest in the Crimea. Its main task is to preserve the site on which they live mediterranean plants. A relic forest grows here, in which there are more than 500 species of representatives of the Mediterranean flora. Uniqueness protected area in the fact that it is here that a sufficient amount of small-fruited strawberry has been preserved, which has long been listed in the International Red Book.

Karadag nature reserve

The Kara-Dag reserve extends in the eastern part of the peninsula near Feodosia. Valuable minerals were found on its area - more than a hundred varieties of minerals were obtained by scientists from the soils of the area.
The flora and fauna of the Karadag Reserve is diverse. More than 1000 representatives of flora grow here, 29 of which are listed in the list of rare species of the Red Book and are under the threat of complete extinction. The list also includes 18 species of animals. The rivers of the reserve serve as spawning grounds for several species of fish.

The fauna of forests is an integral part of the protected area. natural complex. A common detail of the Crimean mountain landscape, which can be seen even in paintings or in sculptural compositions, is deer grazing somewhere on a slope or a slender moufflon with steeply curved horns, standing on top of a sheer cliff. In general, this is quite typical, although, of course, it is far from always possible to meet a herd of deer in the forest, and even more so a mouflon “posing” on a rock.

In Crimea, there is no other similar natural area with such a variety of wildlife. 34 species of mammals live within the farm, more than 135 species of birds (of which 44 permanently live in the forests of the reserve, 41 nest, 16 winter, 29 constantly fly during flights and more than 5 fly from time to time), 10 species reptiles, 4 species of amphibians, 7 species of fish. It should be taken into account that the species diversity is replenished with new finds. Maintaining a strict conservation regime allows you to save rare and endangered species of animals.

Deer and roe deer are the original inhabitants of the Crimean mountains. There is evidence that deer were an object of hunting five thousand years ago, and in the Middle Ages there were so many of them that they were found even in the steppe part of the peninsula. However, in the last century and at the beginning of our century, deer were savagely exterminated. The establishment of a protected regime in the mountainous Crimea turned out to be timely: if it weren’t for it, this beautiful animal could be completely exterminated. Currently, only in the protected area there are over a thousand heads of deer.

There is something unimaginably beautiful in the proud posture, and in the constant alertness - in the whole appearance of this largest mammal of the Crimean mountains. Deer are swift and tireless in running through the mountains, easily overcome forest blockages, thick jungles, rocky placers and steep slopes. During the day, deer can be seen in the meadows and in the forest. By evening, they usually go out to high mountain pastures. They live in groups. Adult males spend most of the year outside the herd. In February - March, they shed their horns, and by the time of the rut ( mating season), which occurs in September, they grow new horns. At this time, the forest is deafened by the loud roar of males, fierce battles begin because of the females. As a rule, these fights end with the flight of the weak, but sometimes there are tragic cases when the opponent dies. The victorious male becomes the owner of the "harem" and fiercely protects the females from the encroachment of other males. The fights during the rutting season are of great biological significance, since the strongest dexterous animal always comes out the winner, the qualitative characteristics of which are transmitted to offspring.

In the reserve-hunting economy, work is being carried out to study the physiology of the deer. Its impact on the environment.

Roe deer is the smallest representative of wild ungulates of the reserve. The animal is surprisingly graceful, slender and graceful. In coloring and external outlines it is similar to a deer, but much smaller than it. An adult roe deer weighs only 30-40 kilograms. Males have small beautiful horns shed in autumn and grow back in spring. Roe deer live everywhere in the forests of Crimea, but their numbers are small.

Up to 300 animals live in the reserve.

Roe deer live in small herds and alone. Young growth appears in the spring and has a camouflage coat color. In the early days, babies are very weak and helpless. Roe deer feed on various herbs, young shoots of shrubs and trees, tree bark, acorns and other plant food. IN winter period migrate to the southern slopes of the mountains free from snow cover.

Mouflon is an animal acclimatized in the Crimea. The European mouflon is a wild relative of the domestic sheep. His homeland is the island of Corsica. It was brought to the Crimea in 1913 and released in the amount of 13 individuals on the slope of Mount Bolshaya Chuchel. By the time the reserve was organized, only 8 animals were counted. The strict nature reserve regime and the protection of animals favorably affected the increase in the number of mouflons. Currently, they are strictly protected, as a result of which the population is growing from year to year. Mouflon is a herd animal, there is always a leader in the herd. This is an extremely cautious animal with developed vision, smell and hearing. Currently, mouflons are found on the peaks and slopes of the Chernaya and Bolshaya Chuchel mountains, on the slopes of Babugan-yayla. Their food is herbaceous and shrubby vegetation. In winter, with deep snow cover, it is necessary to feed the animals with hay. In snowy winters, mouflons descend from the tops of the mountains into the valleys.

The wild boar inhabits deaf and hard-to-reach areas of oak and beech forests. In the distant past, this animal was completely exterminated. Its restoration began in 1957. At present, these animals have settled everywhere in the forests of the mountainous Crimea. Their number in the reserve ranges from 350-500 animals. The boar is a strong and strongly built animal. The mass of individual old males exceeds 250 kilograms. The wild boar feeds on all kinds of food, both of plant and animal origin. Favorite food is acorns, beech nuts, fruits of wild apple and pear trees, dogwood. In search of food, wild boars are able to migrate over considerable distances. Rummaging in the ground and eating a lot of forest pests (insect larvae and insects themselves), wild boars play the role of "orderlies" and thereby bring great benefits. In addition, by loosening the soil in search of food, they contribute to the growth of seeds in it. In winter, animals are fed with corn, potatoes and other root crops.

Wild boars live in groups (3-10 heads each), but during the rutting period they form herds of up to 20 or more heads. Adult males, as a rule, keep separately and join the herd only during the rut.

The wide distribution of the animal in the forests of Crimea makes it possible to shoot it under license outside the territory of the reserve.

The fox is a representative of the predators of the reserve. Found everywhere. It feeds on mouse-like rodents, hares and birds. It is interesting to watch a hunting fox: before jumping, she makes a graceful stance, leaning on her fluffy tail. Puppies in March-April, in a litter from 3 to 10, but more often 4-5 foxes. They grow quickly, both parents participate in the upbringing of the young.

The stone marten is a dexterous and beautiful animal. Highly valued for the beauty and strength of the fur. The number of martens in the reserve is small, since according to their biological features the animal is not numerous. In agility and speed, the marten is not inferior to the squirrel. It is nocturnal, but sometimes hunts during the day. The basis of nutrition is made up of mouse-like rodents and feathered inhabitants of the forest, and willingly eats ripe cornel fruits. Most often he arranges his lair in deaf forest thickets.

The badger is found everywhere in the forests of Crimea. Dwellings are arranged in deep burrows with numerous burrows and holes. Very clean animal (periodically cleans its hole). It feeds on mouse-like rodents, birds and their eggs, insects and their larvae, rhizomes and fruits of individual plants. By the onset of winter, badgers become very fat and hibernate for the winter period.

The squirrel is a very beautiful, mobile and curious animal. It was brought to the Crimea in 1940 from the Altai Territory (125 Teleut squirrels). In the forests of the mountainous Crimea, it acclimatized very well and quickly settled throughout the territory. Currently it is a commercial animal (outside the reserve). Feeds mainly on seeds coniferous trees, beech nuts, hazelnuts, mushrooms, berries. It is not uncommon for a squirrel to prepare significant stocks of these feeds for the winter. She arranges her dwelling on trees, sometimes in hollows of old trees. In harvest years, the animal brings offspring 2-3 times (each time from 3 to 10 cubs). Squirrels at the age of two months are quite independent.

Window to nature. V. A. Lushpa, P. I. Shlapakov, V. A. Medvedev.

The unique nature of the Crimean peninsula needs protection and protection. For this purpose, many protected areas have been organized on this earth.

Protected areas of Crimea

Protected areas make up more than five percent of the peninsula's land. Their basis is the natural reserves of the Crimea. These include six public institutions, on the territory of which economic activity is completely excluded. The main reserves of Crimea (list):

This is not all the reserves of the Crimea. The list of territories under state protection is continued by another 33 state reserves.

There are nine reserved natural boundaries in Crimea. This small areas lands on which any object of interest to scientists is located. In addition, there are 30 magnificent parks in Crimea, 73 protected monument nature.

Today, all the reserves of the Crimea are available for visiting. In some parks and reserves, a nominal fee is charged for admission.

Crimean Reserve

This is the oldest nature reserve in Crimea. It was founded in 1923. In addition, it occupies the largest area. It stretched from Yalta to Alushta. This land is full of interesting natural attractions.

In that unique reserve Crimea regularly come tour groups. The bus takes them along the Romanovsky highway - a mountain serpentine. The first stop is at a trout farm. Further, the road goes around the ancient Cosmo-Damianovsky Monastery. Today it has been revived, and every year on July 14, on the day of Damian and Cosmas, pilgrims from all over the Earth try to get here.

After the monastery, the road rushes even higher up the mountain. Stops are provided near all interesting and memorable places along the route of the bus. For example, at viewing platforms where tourists enjoy great views coast. At the Kebit-Bogaz pass, all tourists stop to honor the memory of the partisans who fought in 1941-1944 against the Nazi invaders on the land of the Crimean Reserve. There is a monument to them here.

On the Chuchelsky pass (1150 m) you can see Mount Roman-Kosh (1545 m) - the highest on the peninsula. Then the road will lead travelers to the Gazebo of the Winds. From this place, extraordinary views of the South Coast open up. At the "Red Stone" from a height you can admire the beauty - Yalta, breathe in perfectly clean air, filled with the smell of pine needles that exude a pine forest.

Swan Islands

The nature reserves of Crimea are very different, each of them is unique. Swan Islands on the peninsula are called by specialists as an ornithological reserve. It is of international importance and is part of the Krymsky nature reserve.

These are six separate islands that stretch along the Karkinitsky Gulf for eight kilometers. The largest of them is the fourth. Its length is 3.5 kilometers, with a width of 350 meters. A protected zone is designated on the shore and on the water around the reserve.

These islands appeared as a result of the deposition of sand and shells, so their number and general form, may change over time. Above the surface of the water, they rise equally - no more than two meters.

Diverse world of birds

The nature reserves of the Crimea and the Lebyazhy Islands in particular are the largest nesting and wintering grounds for waterfowl and wading birds on the peninsula. This unique protected complex is located on the path along which birds annually migrate from Europe to Asia and Africa for the winter.

These places were chosen by black-headed gulls, gray and white herons, sandpipers, flamingos, pelicans and other representatives of birds. But main pride Swan Islands - mute swans. During the summer season, more than 6,000 individuals gather here. On the islands, mute swans are found during molting, when the birds are very vulnerable. And at the end of autumn, whooper swans gather on the islands, which stop to rest before a long flight to the wintering place.

Sea dwellers

The nature reserves of the Crimea are doing a lot of work to protect not only birds. In Swan Lakes, dolphins living in the Black Sea found protection - bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins, big jerboa and white polecat, porpoises. Reptiles also live here - steppe viper, yellow-bellied snake and lots of fish. The Black Sea salmon, which is quite rare these days, is especially valued.

Crimea - Opuk Reserve

On Cape Opuk, located on the coast of the Kerch Strait, there is a mountain with the same name, which is a bright landmark of the Crimea. In its vicinity, in 1998, the Opuksky Reserve was opened. Boundless steppes stretch over more than one and a half thousand hectares. They are inhabited by rare animals, birds, inhabitants of the marine area and various plants.

All Crimean reserves have some kind of their own, salient feature. In spring, the Opuksky Reserve impresses with an abundance of white, yellow, crimson, black and purple tulips. And at night from the caves where long years mined stone, countless numbers of bats fly out to get food.

Mount Opuk

Its height is only 183 meters. It is oblong in shape, lush vegetation does not differ. Mount Opuk is located on a wide base, which has a gentle slope in the north and is steep with rocks and stepped screes in the south.

This reserve is recognized as an archaeological one. When excavations were carried out at the foot of the mountain, scientists discovered the remains of ancient structures, the foundations of buildings, the ruins of the walls of the village of Kimmerik. In the 5th century BC, it was part of the Bosporan kingdom.

pink starlings

This place is also famous for the fact that pink starlings nest only here in the Crimea. These birds have an amazingly developed genetic memory. For several millennia, these beautiful birds have flocked to the reserve, to the slopes of Mount Opuk overgrown with blackthorn, hawthorn and dog rose. Today, the population of the pink starling colony has doubled.

Rocks-Ships

At a distance of four kilometers from Cape Opuk, in the Black Sea, there are four small islands. They are called Rock-Ships. This one is composed of fairly dense reef limestones with high strength. The largest stone "ship" rises 20 meters above the water. These rocks got their name because of their resemblance to sailboats. Today they are inhabited by crested gulls, rock doves, black swifts, cormorants. They also hatch chicks here in pre-twisted nests.

Park Lviv

In 2006, on the territory of the former military base overgrown with weeds, where there were only dilapidated buildings without communications, through the efforts of animal lovers, with the help and support of government officials, a unique Park of Lions was created in the Crimea, not far from Belogorsk.

This is an unusual reserve of lions in the Crimea, which has no equal in Europe. The territory of the park stretches for 20 hectares, over which metal platforms are laid, raised six meters above the ground. Their length is several kilometers.

Today, more than 50 lions live in the safari park - this is the largest population in Europe. Animals were collected according to South Africa, Europe, Ukraine, etc. In a very large enclosure, in conditions as close as possible to natural environment, live several prides - families of lions.

Animals, as befits the kings of animals, roam freely around the park.
In addition to the safari park, the reserve has its own zoo, equipped with large, clean and animal-friendly enclosures that fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape. In total, two thousand animals live in the safari park.

It should be noted that the Taigan park differs from many similar establishments in that the animals here are well-fed, well-groomed and peaceful. In the zoo, animals are allowed to be fed, but only those foods that can be purchased in the pavilions located on the territory.

In the summer heat, a refreshing shower is arranged for lions and bears. Near most of the enclosures there are benches surrounded by dense trees that create a pleasant shade. Here, roosters, quails, chickens and other living creatures run freely, which can be heard, but not always seen because of the foliage. The territory of the Lion Park is beautifully decorated - numerous walking paths, sculptures of animals, a lot of shrubs and flowers planted in picturesque flower beds.

Museum-reserves of Crimea

This ancient city on the Crimean coast lived for more than two thousand years. It was founded by Heracliots - natives of the city of Heraclea in 422-421. BC e. A hundred years later, it was already the largest city-state of the Northern Black Sea region.

It was a slave-owning republic, characterized by a democratic form of government, was a center of crafts, trade and culture. Its population was over twenty thousand people.

Starting from the 5th c. n. e. Chersonese became part of the Byzantine Empire. After a nine-month siege in 988, the city was taken by the Russian prince Vladimir. Here the Grand Duke converted to Christianity. Ancient Tauric Chersonese suffered twice from the Tatar hordes in the XII-XIV centuries. By the middle of the XV century. the city was gone.

The reserves of the Crimea, photos of which you can see in our article, are of great interest to scientists, historians, archaeologists. That is why now the land of ancient Chersonesos is always crowded. Excavations are still being carried out here, in which international expeditions take part.

By visiting this museum-reserve, you can see the ruins of the ancient theater, quarters ancient city, defensive walls with the tower of Zeno and other architectural structures.

Today we have presented only some of the reserves of the Crimea. We were not able to tell about most of them. Therefore, come to the peninsula to see the beauty of this land with your own eyes.

The nature of Crimea has long been subjected to a severe anthropogenic load - the peninsula has been inhabited for a long time and densely, a significant part of it has been turned into residential areas and agricultural land. But people protect the land where they live - there are only about 30 protected zones in Tauris. The Crimean Nature Reserve is the largest and one of the oldest.

Where is the Crimean Reserve located on the map?

Its main part is located in the urban district of Alushta and the Simferopol region, territorially it adjoins. However, it has several more branches throughout the region.

Royal hunting area

But in 1957, Secretary General N.S. Khrushchev deprived the object of a special status, again turning it into a region of "royal hunting". He himself came here, and then L.I. Brezhnev, as well as their high-ranking guests from other countries. The reserve was fully restored only in 1991.

Strict security

Many famous natural attractions are located here. But potential guests of the mountain, or the caves of Chatyr-Dag need to know that the Crimean Nature Reserve is closed and strictly protected.

Rest there is allowed only in agreement with the administration, as evidenced by the presence of a special pass for the tourist. It is not difficult to get it, the prices are modest, but the number of visitors is limited - so as not to create a large load. In most cases, groups are collected for visiting, which are accompanied by one of the employees as a guide and guide.

"Wild" tourists constantly get here bypassing all this "bureaucracy". But such "amateur artists" do not have to be offended if they are caught by a strict forester, expelled from the reserve, and even write a considerable fine.

Wealth natural and human

An inquisitive tourist should fulfill the official requirements and visit the reserve - there is something to see in it. But not only natural wealth is collected here - for example, there are more than 80 monuments of history and culture, starting from the era of the Taurians.

The reserve belongs to the famous uplands - Yalta Yayla, Babugan-Yayla,; there originate the river, Avunda. The Savlukh-Su spring is known as healing due to its high silver content. The complex, rugged terrain makes it possible to beautiful photos. There are many karst cavities in the protected area, and some are open to the public.

Since the reserve presents various zones mother nature,
there are forest, mountain, and steppe plants. Flower lovers will be especially pleased with the spring, when the backache, saffron, violets, and irises bloom. Many species (orches, backache, saffron, Crimean pine, juniper) are listed in the Red Book.

Many animals are also rare, only there are more than 200 varieties of vertebrates. Red deer, wild boars, mouflons live here. The rarest are found in the mountains predator birds- vultures, griffon vultures. Romantics will have a great opportunity to listen to the nightingales during the time - there are three subspecies of them in the reserve.

There are also interesting cultural objects in the Crimean reserve. Believers willingly visit the current one. The features of the spring Savluh-Su are associated with its activity (it begins near the monastery monastery).

Recently, another historical landmark appeared here - and a monument to the partisans of Crimea. The latter is installed near the Red cordon. It commemorates the fighters against the occupation from protected areas, 500 of whom died in the fight against the enemy.