| Dzherginsky Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Russian:Джергинский заповедник | |
 Dzherginsky Zapovednik | |
  Location of Reserve | |
| Location | Buryatia |
| Nearest city | Ulan-Ude |
| Coordinates | 55°6′51″N111°27′32″E / 55.11417°N 111.45889°E /55.11417; 111.45889 |
| Area | 238,088hectares (588,328acres; 919 sq mi) |
| Established | 1992 (1992) |
| Governing body | Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Russia) |
| Website | http://www.barguzin-istok.ru/ |
Dzherginsky Nature Reserve (Russian:Джергинский заповедник) is a Russian 'zapovednik' (strict nature reserve), located about 100 km east of the northern section ofLake Baikal. It covers the source and upper reaches of theBarguzin River, the second largest tributary to Lake Baikal, and is at the junction of three mountain ranges - theBarguzin Range to the west of the reserve, theIkat Range and theSouthern Muya Range. The reserve's mountainous territory is dominated by larch forests. It is situated in theKurumkansky District ofBuryatia. The nearest city,Ulan-Ude, is 560 km to the south.[1][2] The reserve was formally established in 1992 to protect the biodiversity of the upper Barguzin valley, and to study natural processes of the area. It covers an area of 238,088 hectares (919.26 sq mi).
The Dzherginsky Reserve covers both mountains and river valleys. The upper Barguzin River valley begins in the southwest of the reserve, theBarguzin Range enters the reserve from the west, the Ikat Range to the east. The territory also covers parts of the South Muya Ridge and the Amutskaya Basin. The valleys and river basins are generally oriented towards the northeast. Glacial origin is evidenced by cirques and lateral moraines in the Barguzin valley. The Barguzin Ridge itself has not been subject to glaciation. The Ikat Ridge (350 km long and up to 100 km wide) intersects the South Muya Ridge within the boundaries of Dzherginsky, and reaches a height of 2,500 m (8,200 ft).[2]
Dzherginsky is located in theEast Siberian taiga ecoregion. This ecoregion covers the area between theYenisei River andLena River down to theOkhotsk Sea. Its northern border reaches the Arctic Circle, and its southern border reaches 52°N latitude. The dominant vegetation is light coniferous taiga with Dahurian larchLarix gmelinii forming the canopy in areas with low snow cover. This ecoregion is rich in minerals.[3]
The climate of Dzherginsky isSubarctic climate, dry winter (Köppen climate classificationSubarctic climate (Dwc)). This climate is characterized by mild summers (only 1–3 months above 10 °C (50.0 °F)) and cold winters having monthly precipitation less than one-tenth of the wettest summer month.[4][5] Dzherginsky is far enough from Lake Baikal that the moderating effects of the lake are not felt in the reserve. The important factor within the reserve is altitude. At the valley floor, precipitation is 250–300 mm/year, but up to 1,000 mm/year in the highlands. Temperatures in July can average from 18 °C (64 °F) to 10 °C (50 °F).
The flora of Dzherginsky is heavily affected by altitude. At the high-altitudes there are three belts of vegetation: the mountain-steppe at the lowest, mountain taiga in the middle, and higher with alpine sub-zone and bald mountain. In the river valleys the floral communities are those of meadows, in combination with sedge and willow marshes.[6]
The current inventory of animals in the reserve shows 201 species of vertebrate: 6 fish species, 3 of amphibians, 4 of reptiles, 145 of birds, and 43 species of mammals[6]
As a strict nature reserve, the Dzherginsky Reserve is mostly closed to the general public, although scientists and those with 'environmental education' purposes can make arrangements with park management for visits. There are four significant 'ecotourist' routes in the reserve, however, that are open to the public. These require permits to be obtained in advance. The main office is in the city of Ulan-Ude.[1]
Media related toDzherginsky Nature Reserve at Wikimedia Commons