Caucasian Biosphere Reserve

Caucasian Biosphere Reserve - Notable World Heritage Site

If you’re a nature lover you should make sure that your visit to Russia includes the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve. This World Heritage Site is located in the southernmost European part of Russia. It includes much of the western part of the Greater Caucasus and is an ecological treasure since it features about 80% of the different ecosystems which exist in the Great Caucasus. This makes it an invaluable natural area – a fact which has been readily recognized, not only by the World Heritage Foundation but also by the thousands who have been to the reserve and enjoyed its endless variety.

The Caucasian Biosphere Reserve became a designated protected area in 1978 when the immense natural wealth of the area was finally realized. It enjoys a number of ecological belts which change with altitude. Thus, you will find a variety of climates here which range from subtropical to glacial and with this variety, comes a high concentration of species which are more or less endemic to the area. There is also a greater level of species diversity. If you tour the reserve, you may be fortunate enough to see creatures such as leopards, brown bears, lynx and Caucasian deer, to name just a fraction of the many different creatures which have made the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve their home. Of course there are also a variety of plants, insects and birds to enjoy too.

The reserve also has a great historical facet since traces of human occupation of the area date back about 500 000 years. More than 150 different prehistoric dwelling sites have been found in the area. Fortunately the territory was left largely untouched for many years allowing this natural area the chance to flourish. Recently hunting, tourism, grazing and logging has made some impact on a small section of the reserve but, since 247 000 of the reserves 295 700 hectares is strictly protected, this disturbance is very minimal. Today the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve receives between 40 and 50 000 tourists a year. Why not become one of the numbers and discover the wonders this beautiful and protected wilderness area for yourself? You are very unlikely to regret it.