Flora of the Altai Reserve. Reserves and national parks of Altai

We, people of the 21st century, accustomed to not moving away from civilization for more than a few days, no, no, and begin to nostalgic for those days when we could walk carefree in the park, live in the village or spend the night in a tent by the fire.

Is it still possible in modern world? “Of course,” seasoned travelers will answer. However, to implement the plan, you will have to carefully choose a place to stay. For example, go to the Altai Reserve. Why should you choose this place? What is so unusual about it that for decades now people come here every year with pleasure as residents of the surrounding settlements and guests from near and far abroad.

This article will not only tell readers what the West Altai Reserve is like, but also share a lot of useful information necessary for a comfortable pastime in nature.

general description

Altaic state reserve began its work quite a long time ago, on October 7, 1967, when a new protected green area was created on the territory of the reserve, which existed from 1932 to 1951, by decision of the local authorities.

It should be noted that, purely geographically, it is located in and covers the Turochaksky and Ulagansky regions of the Altai Republic.

The Altai Reserve boasts an impressive area of ​​881,238 hectares.

It should be noted that the length of the territory of the reserve from the southeast to the northwest is 230 km, and the width is 30-40 km.

Targets and goals

The Altai Nature Reserve was created to achieve very specific goals.

Let's try to list the most important ones:

• preserve the most valuable and rare in beauty Lake Teletskoye and its landscapes;
• protect cedar forests;
• save the most important game animals that are on the verge of extinction, such as deer, elk, sable and so on.

Also, the main goals of creating this reserve include the desire for a permanent stationary study of the nature of the region as a whole. The main task of the Altai State Nature Reserve is to provide, preserve and study:

• typical and unique ecological systems;
• natural course natural phenomena and processes;
• genetic fund of flora and fauna;
• individual species and communities of animals and plants.

Features of the local flora

The reserves in general, as well as the aforementioned territory in particular, are very rich in rare, and sometimes completely unique plants.

The most common are such tree species as fir, spruce, larch, birch. Alpine ecologically clean cedar forests are considered real pride.

It is hard to imagine that sometimes the diameter cedar wood, grown here, can reach 1.8 meters, despite the fact that its age is even a colossal figure - 400-450 years.

In general, the West Altai Reserve is rich and diverse. It has about 1500 species of higher plants, 111 fungi. There are 272 species of lichens alone.

There are 668 species in the reserve known to mankind algae. Seven species of lichens from a collection that reserves can boast of Altai Territory, is listed in the Red Book of Russia. Such lower plants include laboratory (both reticulate and lung), bordered stikta, and others.

It is interesting that in these parts there is a diverse species composition of animals and plants. Considerable variegation of the vegetation cover is created due to the local variety of climatic and natural-historical conditions, as well as due to the complex relief with heights reaching 3,500 meters in some places.

Of the 1500 species of flora representatives known here, there are endemics and relics. The area of ​​the reserve is not only quite impressive, but also located very well: at the junction of the Altai, Tuva and Sayan mountain systems. Exceptionally rich animal world the reserve is determined by the diversity natural conditions, as well as the complexity of biogeographic boundaries and natural historical development.

Animals of the Altai Reserve

One of the main species of representatives of the fauna living in the Altai taiga is the sable. Nuts of the cedar tree occupy a significant place in its diet, therefore, the distribution of this animal in the territory of the reserve depends on the distribution of cedar, and the Altai Reserve has enough of these trees.

Of the ungulate species of animals, the deer, the Siberian roe deer, the Siberian goat live here, Siberian musk deer and mountain sheep.

The most numerous species in the area of ​​the reserve is the maral, a large taiga-mountain deer. Like all deer, every year with the beginning of spring, he sheds his antlers, and new ones grow in return. Young antlers are called antlers. They are of great value as raw materials for medicines.

Rare inhabitants of the reserve

Siberian musk deer is found in the forests of the Altai Reserve. She has no horns, but there are well-developed fangs on the upper gum. Their length is approximately 10-12 cm. The musk gland of male musk deer can be used in the manufacture of quality perfumes.

This reserve, like the Altai Territory, is famous for its quality natural environment habitats of another fairly rare animal - the Siberian mountain goat.

On the south side, as well as adjacent territory are situated in wild nature mountain sheep. True, it should be noted that due to the extermination of both predators and humans, only a few dozen of these animals remained, therefore they, together with the snow leopard, are listed in the Red Book.

Few people know that only about 35 years ago a wild boar entered the reserve from Tuva. And today it is already quite common in the territory of this reserve, it successfully reproduces and gradually increases in number.

The Altai Reserve is considered home to large predators such as wolf, bear, wolverine and lynx. The bear lives in He is exceptionally mobile and develops a fairly high speed when running. Before going into the lair, he accumulates great amount fat, considered curative. In spring evenings, as well as in the morning, bears can be seen grazing on the southern slopes of the mountains, where they eat young shoots.

The structure of the reserve

On the this moment Altai reserve consists of four departments:

• scientific;
• environmental education;
• security;
• economic.

One of the most important functions in the reserve is carried out with the help of the protection department.

The main task of the scientific is to study the natural course of processes in natural complexes located on the territory of the Altai Reserve. With the help of the scientific staff, research is carried out in various directions. Today, the scientific department of the Altai Reserve takes an active part in the study of argali, musk deer, as well as snow leopard.

The environmental education sector was created with the aim of forming Russian society understanding of the problem related to nature protection and environmental safety. In this regard, the specialists of the reserve hold various events not only with the guests of the reserve, but also with the population.

History of creation

On May 24, 1958, the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR issued an order aimed at restoring this natural park, whose area at that time was 914,777 hectares.

However, in the summer of 1961, the Altai Reserve was again disbanded. During the period from 1965 to 1967, the scientific community of Siberia raised the issue of the need to create such a special protected place within the territory of the reserve previously located here.

On March 24, the Executive Committee of the Altai Regional Council of Workers' Deputies decides to organize a specially protected zone in order to preserve the unique natural complex Teletskoy taiga and Teletskoye lake.

What to see first?

You can get to the Altai Reserve only from Teletskoye Lake, so you will definitely have the opportunity to get to know and appreciate the so-called Altyn-Kolya.

This lake got its Russian name from the Cossacks, who first appeared here in the 17th century. Origin unusual name associated with the Altai tribe of Teles, who lived on the shore of the lake.

Also in the reserve are interesting routes, such as Lake Cold, waterfalls Korbu, Kishte and Unapproachable.

By the way, not everyone knows that the Korbu waterfall is located in the middle of Lake Teletskoye. It has a well-equipped observation deck and its height is 12.5 meters. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the reserve.

Korbu Waterfall

This place is located on the Korbu River of the same name, which flows into Lake Teletskoye. The entire right bank of the lake is also located on the territory of the Altai Reserve.

The waterfall forms a cloud of water dust that constantly hovers around it.

Guests of the reserve, located on a spacious observation deck of the waterfall, enjoy a magnificent view. In the winter season, when the river freezes completely, the Korbu waterfall creates a continuous picturesque ice wall.

You can get to the waterfall the only way: You need to cross the lake with the help of a boat. This tour is very popular among tourists. However, there is some danger for travelers getting to the waterfall by the lake, as there is a possibility that the top or bottom will begin, which at times makes the trip almost impossible.

Since 1978, the Korbu waterfall has been in the status of a natural monument.

Waterfall Kishte

This stunning and picturesque place is located on the river of the same name, which flows into Lake Teletskoye along the right bank.

Tourists have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing beauty of this waterfall up close.

Note that you can only get to the waterfall with the help of a motorboat, since a pleasure boat does not enter it. The noise of falling water can be heard even from the lake, therefore, in fact, it was called Kishte, which means “calling” in translation.

It also has a second name - Sable. It should be noted that the waterfall is located on the territory of the Altai Reserve, so in order to visit it, you need to have a special permit.

What is forbidden to do in the reserve?

Any activity that is contrary to the goals of the reserve is prohibited. Therefore, on its territory it is impossible:

• is located, pass and pass by unauthorized persons and vehicles;
• cut wood, harvest resin, tree sap, medicinal plants and technical raw materials, collect wild fruits, berries, mushrooms, flowers;
• mow hay, graze cattle, place beehives and apiaries;
• hunt and fish;
• build buildings, roads and other communications;
• pollute the territory with various waste and garbage;
• damage and destroy information signs and stands of the reserve, as well as doing anything that interferes with the natural development of natural processes and threatens natural complexes and objects.

We propose to start visiting the reserves of Russia from the Altai Territory and its reserves. Altai Reserve, Katunsky Reserves, a three-kilometer protective strip around Lake Teletskoye, natural Park Beluga whale and the Ukok rest zone together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Altai - the Golden Mountains. total area protected area is 16178 sq. km. Within the buffer zone there are some places of discovery of Pazyryk burial grounds.

Brief information about the Altai Reserve

Location: The Altai Reserve is located in the mountains of Southern Siberia in the Turochaksky and Ulagansky regions of the Altai Republic.

The area of ​​the reserve: 881,238 hectares according to the 1981 forest inventory.

The length of the territory of the Altai Reserve: from northwest to southeast - 230 km, width 30-40, up to 75 km.
Territory of the Altai and Katunsky reserves included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List under the name "Golden Mountains of Altai" (1998)

Physical and geographical features of the Altai Reserve

Along the boundaries of the reserve there are high ridges: in the north - the Torot ridge (a spur of the Abakan ridge, extending from it to the west almost at a right angle), in the northeast - Abakansky (Mount Sadonskaya, 2,890 m above sea level), in the extreme in the south - the spurs of the Chikhachev ridge (Mount Getedey, 3,021 m), in the east - Shapshalsky (Mount Toshkalykaya, 3,507 m). Several isolated mountain ranges are also located in the center of the reserve: Kurkure (Kurkurebazhi, 3,111 m), Tetykol (up to 3,069 m), Chulyshmansky (Mount Bogoyash, 3,143 m). The western border runs along the Chulyshman River and along Lake Teletskoye. More than 20% of the area of ​​the reserve is covered with rocky, scree and pebbles. There are 1,190 lakes in the reserve with an area of ​​more than 1 ha each. On the Chulcha River, 8 km from the mouth, there is the largest waterfall in Altai - Bolshoy Chulchinsky (Uchar), this is a 150-meter cascade of water. The climate is continental.

Flora of the Altai Reserve

The flora of the reserve is extremely rich. There are more than 500 species of algae and lichens. Plants - 1,480 species. The forests of the reserve mainly consist of conifers: Siberian larch, Siberian cedar and Siberian fir. 34 species of mosses, fungi, lichens and vascular plants are listed in the Red Books of the Altai Republic and Russia. More than 200 endemics, as well as rare steppe, forest, water and alpine communities are located on the territory of the Altai Reserve. This determines its outstanding role in the protection of the flora and vegetation of Southern Siberia.

Fauna of the Altai Reserve

Of the mammals in the reserve, there are 11 species of insectivores, 7 bats, 3 hares, 13 rodents, 16 species of carnivores (bear, lynx, otter, wolverine, sable, Siberian weasel and squirrel) and 8 species of artiodactyls (elk, deer, mountain sheep, Siberian roe deer, siberian ibex, reindeer and musk deer). The snow leopard, the irbis, is extremely rare in the reserve. This animal is listed in the Red Book of Russia. It lives mainly high in the mountains, above the forest line.
323 species of birds have been registered. White partridge, capercaillie, quail, hazel grouse, sandpiper and others live here. The gray heron, black stork, whooper swan, little gull, pink starling, Altai snowcock, white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, peregrine falcon and osprey are listed in the Red Book.
There are 6 types of reptiles: viper, snakes, lizards and others. The variety of invertebrates is great - about 15 thousand species. 18 species of fish live in the reservoirs of the reserve.

Features of visiting the Altai Reserve

A visit to the reserve is only with the permission of the administration and is issued with an appropriate pass.

The territory of the Altai Reserve of extraordinary natural beauty and aesthetic value, containing the most significant habitats of biological varieties and having an exceptional worldwide value from the point of view of science. Altai Reserve is one of the most large nature reserves Russia, its area is 9.4% of the entire territory of the Altai Republic. The entire right bank of Lake Teletskoye and 22,000 hectares of its water area are located in a protected area. The entire territory of the reserve does not have a single road (except for the recently extended gravel road in the north from the village of Biyka to the village of Yailu.) The territory is practically impassable if you do not use rare paths laid by foresters and reserve employees. However, the location of these trails must be well known when embarking on a journey without a guide.

Website of the Altai Reserve: www.altzapovednik.ru

Between the Urals and the Yenisei stretches the vast West Siberian Plain, through which the Ob flows - one of the greatest rivers peace. It is formed from the confluence of the Biya and Katun rivers, originating in the Altai Mountains. Altai means "golden". To the east of Lake Teletskoye is the Altai Reserve. It was organized in 1932. Its area is currently 881 thousand hectares. After the Kronotsky Reserve, the Altai Reserve is the second largest in the country. In the village of Yailu, on the northeastern shore of Lake Teletskoye, there is the base of the Altai Reserve. The village is located in one of the warmest places in Siberia. This is the only place in Siberia where there are suitable conditions for ripening walnut, grapes, prunes, apricots, antonovka six hundred grams and pears. More than 1000 species of plants grow in the moss-shrub tundra, in high-mountain alpine meadows, in the taiga, in small steppe areas. The taiga near Teletskoye Lake is called black taiga. The dark coniferous forest consists of cedar (Siberian pine ), firs, ate. Gigantic grasses grow between the trees, in which the rider can hide. In the undergrowth impenetrable thickets black and red currant, raspberries, mountain ash, viburnum, bird cherry. On talus and rocky slopes of mountains grow gooseberry and evergreen shrub - Daurian rhododendron, local name maral. In early spring, when maral is in bloom, the rocks seem to be covered with pink-purple foam, which sways from the wind, and it seems that the mountains are covered with a transparent colored blanket. More than half forest areas make up the cedars. In all areas, herbaceous plants create a colorful living carpet that changes its colors. Bloom in early spring white and bright yellow buttercups, large white and blue anemones. Golden and dazzling yellow silky flowers adonis are replaced by purple meadows kandyka, lungwort, orange lights are blazing everywhere Zharkov. In summer more blue background from watersheds or red from scarlet poppies and pink from carnation. Within the Altai Reserve, there are up to 20 species of relic plants: these are european hoof, woodruff, crow, Circe and others preserved from the Tertiary period. Right by the water on the shore of Lake Teletskoye on the sand, pebbles, and also high in the mountains, onions grow, on dry rocky areas - badan.

A large amount of vegetation creates favorable conditions for the life of animals. Animals are distributed according to altitude natural belts. There are nomadic species that move from one mountain belt to another. Scientists of the Altai Reserve registered 66 species of mammals, 331 species of birds, 3 species of amphibians and 6 reptiles, 19 species of fish.

Constantly heard clatter and whistle chipmunk living everywhere. Herds have been preserved in the mountain tundra zone of the reserve reindeer. Several species live in the Chulyshman valley, in the taiga near Teletsk. bats. They hibernate in caves, hollows of trees, even in bear dens. The bats very voracious. They eat more in a day than they weigh. Destroying harmful insects(mosquitoes, flies) are of great benefit to humans.

There are many birds in the Altai Reserve. Often the silence of the forest is broken nutcrackers (nuts). They feed on pine nuts, which are often not eaten, but hidden by burying them in the ground. A few years later, a cedar grows on the site of the pantry. Thus, nutcrackers help the reproduction of this tree. In the colorful colors of the forest is not visible grouse in his protective plumage. In the Chulyshman valley live gray partridge and quail.

Vast flat areas occupied by swamps are overgrown with mountain tundra bushes. Saucer-shaped recesses are filled with water - here is the realm of small lakes. Among them is a giant lake - Dzhulukul, which gave rise to the Chulyshman River. Lives in the Chulyshman Highlands white partridge. It is distributed in places of growth dwarf birch. There are up to 140 of these birds per square kilometer near Dzhulukul Lake. Less common tundra partridge. Stop at the lakes migratory birds. On Lake Dzhulukule, two small, slightly noticeable islands are called bird colonies. In the spring, various waders that remain to nest. There are 16 species of ducks in the reserve. The smallest - teal whistle nests in lakes and swamps of the Chulyshman Highlands. On the Shapshalsky Ridge in the rocky tundra lives Altai Snowcock, a very rare bird.

Lake of the Altai Reserve

Teletskoye Lake is located at an altitude of 436m above sea level, its greatest depth is 325m. It ranks fourth in depth among the largest lakes in the country. Teletskaya hollow is shaped like a root giant plant: rivers and rivers (and there are more than 70 of them), like hairy roots, stuck around the lake from all sides and feed it with their waters. In the south, the Chulyshman River flows into Lake Teletskoye, originating from the high-mountain lake Dzhulukul, and in the north, the Biya River flows out of it.

On a clear sunny day, boaters on the greenish surface of the lake can see silver ribbons descending from the slopes of the mountains - these are rivers. White and foamy water, along stony and rocky channels with steep ledges, rushes down with a roar, forming waterfalls and raging whirlpools. Some waterfalls are located near the shore of Lake Teletskoye, for example, in the northeast, on a tributary of the Kamga River, there is a beautiful waterfall Big Shaltan. Not every daredevil manages to get to it: sheer cliffs go into the skies, and below they rise directly to the river. Huge boulders cover the bottom of the gorge, and the water rushes through the dams in such a roaring stream that even a gun shot is not heard. When you approach the waterfall through a gorge, a strip of water 20m high closes the exit. It seems that the strip is moving towards us, hitting the ledges, breaking up into tiny splashes, rising like a cloud and falling again.

13 species of fish live in the lake: taimen, whitefish, graylings, yelets, groupers, loaches, sculpins etc. The smallest fish is found here - teletsk sprat (average weight its -13 g, and the length is 12 cm) and the most big fish- taimen (weighing more than 40 kg and almost 2 m long). The Teletsk sprat is poorly studied and it is not known where it lives. It is caught in the deep part of the lake and is considered very rare. There are cases when it accumulated in large quantities in the shallow bays of the lake and at the source of the Biya River. After severe storms, a dead sprat is found on the shores of the lake. It is not clear why the wave throws a deep-sea fish ashore.

The most valuable commercial fish of Lake Teletskoye is taimen. Taimen is a voracious predator, he eats everything he comes across in the water: fish, waterfowl, frogs, even squirrels, if they start to swim across the river flowing into the lake. With a huge mouth, the taimen captures prey and holds it with sharp teeth in powerful jaws. Taimen's teeth are arranged in two rows in a semicircle. In spring, this fish accumulates at the mouth of Chulyshman, where its spawning grounds are located. Large copper-colored fish with fiery red fins move upstream to spawn.

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Altaic biosphere reserve - this is amazing place where many species of flora and fauna have been preserved. The cleanest lakes here are adjacent to the middle and high mountains, and the taiga is adjacent to the tundra. The Altai State Reserve ceased to exist twice, but from 1967 to the present day it has been functioning again. It is definitely worth a visit for those who want to admire nature, not spoiled by man, to see the reindeer, snow leopard, musk deer.

Where is it located and how to get to the Altai Reserve

it unique place located in the northern and eastern parts of the Altai Republic. The territory of the reserve covers the Ulagansky and Turachaksky districts.

The main office of the reserve is located in the capital of the Republic, in Gorno-Altaisk, at the address: Naberezhny lane, building 1. The office phone number is 2-14-19, the code is 388-22. Opening hours - from 8.00 to 16.00, lunch - from 12.00 to 13.00.
As for the central estate of the Altai Reserve, it stands in the village of Yailu, you can contact it by phone 8-495-645-22-62.

• First of all, you need to get to. The easiest and fastest way to do it by plane.
• If you decide to go by train, the ticket must be taken to Biysk station, and from there by regular bus or at Taxi drive to Gorno-Altaisk.
• The next section of the road is the path from the capital of Altai to the villages of Yailyu or Artybash. The most convenient way to do this car(Please note that you need to fill out an online application a month before your visit).
• Also part of the path can be overcome on the boat- in the warm season.

visit

To visit Altai nature reserve, you don’t have to save money for a long time - an entrance ticket will cost from 20 to 100 rubles (the exact cost depends on the chosen route and place of rest).
It is best to go here in the summer, as well as in the first half of autumn. Traditionally September is best time for recreation on the lakes.
Tourists will not be able to stop at the cordons - this is not provided. However, you can live in the villages, which are located in Artybash or Iogach - nearby villages (green tourism is well developed here), as well as at the mouth of Lake Teletskoye. There are campsites, campsites, and guest houses. There is also a guest house in Yailu; here tourists are welcomed and locals.

• There are several routes in the Altai Reserve: to the observation deck at Korbu waterfall, route to Uchar waterfall- the cost of tickets in this case is 100 rubles per person daily.
• You can also go to homestead in Yayla, to the cordons Karatash, Baigazan, Chelyush, Kokshi, it is also interesting to travel along Belinsky terrace- each of these routes will cost 50 rubles.
• Here is a visit eco-park "Urochishe Karagai" will cost only 20 rubles from each tourist.

Flora and fauna of the Altai Reserve

Plants of the Altai Reserve

The higher species of vascular plants here include about one and a half thousand. Of these, 22 species are Red Book species: feathery feather grass, Siberian kandyk, Zalessky's feather grass, three types of Venus slippers (bloated, large-flowered and real), Baltic digitorum, leafless nadbrodnik, as well as neottiante, Lezel's liparis, helmet-bearing orchis, Altai rhubarb, not found wrestler, swollen ostrich, Pasco wrestler, Siberian zubyanka , Maryanov's volodushka, notched dendrathema, Altai ossicle, pink rhodiola.
Here there are almost five dozen plant species, which are listed in the Red Book of Altai.

Due to the vast area of ​​the reserve, it includes various zones: this and taiga, and tundra, and alpine meadows, and steppe areas. As for the forest, or rather the taiga, it is predominantly dark coniferous (black): spruces, cedars, and firs grow here. The lower tier of plants is made up of ferns, tall grasses. Also in the undergrowth there are a lot of mountain ash, bird cherry, viburnum bushes, red and chokeberry currants.

Found in mountains and foothills bushes, for example, rhododendron (here it is called maral), gooseberry. Onion grows near Teletskoye Lake, in dry areas - badan. Almost everywhere - abundance herbaceous plants including honey plants.

Animals of the Altai Reserve

Thanks to the diverse flora of the Altai Reserve here you can meet a large number of various animals and birds. The answer to the question what animals live in the Altai Reserve will take up a lot of space, because fauna represented by no less diversity than the flora: according to scientists, more than 65 species of mammals live here, 330 - birds, 6 - reptiles, 19 - fish, three species of amphibians.
Since the Altai Reserve presents several natural areas, some representatives of the animal world lead a settled way of life, while others move from one zone to another.

• In the Altai Reserve found as very rare animals, listed in the Red Book, and more common representatives of the fauna. Here you can meet sable and bear, red deer and ermine, wolverine and roe deer, lynx and column, snow leopard and Siberian ibex, flying squirrel and weasel.
• Talking about what animals are in the Altai Reserve, one cannot fail to mention chipmunks- these charming animals are found literally at every step.
• Concerning rare representatives fauna of the Altai Reserve, it is worth remembering first of all about snow leopard and mountain Altai sheep- they are listed in the international Red Book. But the reindeer is under federal protection.
  In general, the fauna of the Altai Reserve includes almost six dozen rare or endangered fauna- this is more than half of the animal species that are protected by law in the territory of Altai. It is not only about mammals: three species of insects, eight - bats are also under protection.
• Birds of the Altai Reserve- another pride of scientists. There are more than 330 species of them, of which a significant part (184) nest here. This is the steppe eagle, and the gray crane, and the white-tailed eagle, and the great godwit, and the demoiselle crane, and the grey-headed bunting, and the Mongolian bullfinch. All of them are listed in the Red Book. There are also other protected species of birds, for example, stilt, curly pelican. 12 species of birds are listed in the international Red Book, and 23 in the federal one.
• a lot here and fish including rare ones. One of the most interesting species Taimen is a predator that lives in Lake Teletskoye.
• Many tourists are interested what animal is depicted on the emblem of the Altai Reserve. The logo includes the image of not one, but two inhabitants of the Altai Reserve: snow leopard(that is, the snow leopard), as well as argali sheep. The latter belongs to the most large species argali. It is about him that tourists most often ask who are interested in who is depicted on the emblem of the Altai Reserve. It should be emphasized that both argali and snow leopard are not only a symbol of the Altai Reserve, but also flag species of the entire Altai-Sayan ecological region.

Mountain sheep are one of the rarest inhabitants of the reserve.

Sights of the Altai Reserve

Among the reserves of Russia, the Altai Reserve occupies special place, because there are not only many rare species of plants and animals, but also many natural attractions.

• One of interesting places Altai Reserve is teletskoye lake included in the UNESCO list. It belongs to the deepest lakes in the country, and its maximum depth, recorded to date, is more than 320 meters. For the purest water, it is called the younger brother of Baikal, and the locals call it Golden.
  The purest waters of Lake Teletskoye are home to many rare fish species.
• Uchar, or Big Chulchinsky, is the largest cascading waterfall in Altai, with a total height of 160 meters. It impresses with its beauty and scale, attracting many tourists.
  The cascading waterfall Uchar is the largest in the Altai Mountains.
• Not far from Lake Teletskoye there is another waterfall - Korbu. You can drive up to it by car, so this is where most tourists go.
  The Korbu waterfall is located on the river of the same name, which carries its waters to Lake Teletskoye.
• Very interesting and journey to "Vagabond", as the locals call the group of Bascon waterfalls. They differ from each other in size and power, making up a single natural ensemble.
• Julukul- This is an alpine lake, which is inferior to Teletskoye in size, but not in beauty. It is here that many species of fish spawn, and birds arrange bird markets.
  The alpine lake Dzhulukul impresses with its purity and beauty.

The history of the creation of the Altai Reserve

1. As already mentioned, this protected object has difficult story. Initially, the idea of ​​the Altai Reserve, the purpose of which is to preserve the species diversity of the flora and fauna of Altai, arose in 1929 when a large expedition was sent here. At the same time, a plan was developed according to which the reserve would cover about two million hectares (today the area is slightly less than 900 hectares), but it was not approved.
2. A year later, the decision to create a reserve was nevertheless made, but the next expedition was organized to clarify its boundaries. In 1932 Altai Reserve began its existence.
3. In 1951 along with the liquidation of the Directorate for Reserves, the Altai Reserve was abolished, but in 1958 he was restored. Having existed for three years - until the summer 1961 , he was again disbanded.
4. In the mid-sixties, the public raised the question of its renewal, and in March 1967 The Altai Reserve was again organized on the same territory as before. When asked what the Altai Reserve protects, the answer was given in the founding document: the complex of the Teletskoye taiga, as well as Teletskoye Lake.

   Did you know? According to the original documentation, Lake Teletskoye was supposed to become the center and real heart of the Altai Reserve.

5. Since then, this reserve has not ceased its work, but since 2009 included in World Wide Web biosphere reserves.

   Did you know? This reserve, together with Katunsky, forms the "Golden Altai mountains” and has been included in the UNESCO list since 1998.

Interesting facts about the Altai Reserve

• The Altai Reserve has a huge number of animals and plants, which allows it to enter into five reserves with maximum biodiversity.
• Reserve area makes up almost 10% of the territory of the Altai Republic, which makes it one of the largest in the country.
• cedar forests- this is a subject of special pride of the reserve: the age of the trees here exceeds four centuries, and the diameter of the cedars is up to two meters.
• The climate of the Altai Reserve combines the features of mountainous and continental, which makes it unique.
• The relief of the Altai Reserve is very diverse: these are highlands, and highlands, and valleys, and gorges. The elevation difference here is from 400 to 3.5 thousand meters above sea level.
• The logo of the reserve previously depicted snow leopard and mountain sheep, however, in the current, anniversary year, a new emblem of the Altai Reserve was approved with the image of a mountain with three heads. On it stands a tree that lifts up its branches. Below, the mountain seems to be washed the purest waters lakes.

Altai Reserve - photo and video

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Altai Reserve located on the territory, in, in the north-east of Altai. The fate of the reserve was difficult. It was created and liquidated several times, as a result of which it lost its territory, but even at the moment the size of the reserve is impressive: it covers an area of ​​881,238 hectares. The reserve is surrounded by high ridges. This is amazing beautiful place: there are 1190 lakes in the reserve, many rivers, waterfalls, mountain ranges. 60% of the area is occupied by mountain tundra, in the north fir taiga prevails, and in the south there are deciduous forests. The territory of the reserve is rich in diverse flora, so here you can see spruce forests, pine forests, shrub zones, alpine meadows, firs and cedars. The slopes of the mountains are covered with such fruit bushes as raspberry, currant, wild rose, viburnum, sea buckthorn. Cherry blossoms in the taiga.

In addition to the listed species of plants and trees, 36 species of ferns, 263 species of lichens, 127 species of mushrooms grow in the reserve. The abundance of herbs and flowers turns the meadows into colorful carpets. In total, 1270 species of plants are found on the territory of the reserve. Since the climate in the region where the reserve is located is continental, the winters there are very severe. The reserve has its own attractions and, first of all, it is a huge teletskoye lake that absorbs the waters of seventy rivers. Only one river Biya, which does not freeze in winter, flows out of it, which has a beneficial effect on ducks. The length of the lake is 78 km, from all sides it is surrounded by ridges. Lake Teletskoye is not rich in fish, only 18 species. These are grayling, whitefish, taimen, burbot. The main river of the reserve is Chulyshman. Its length is 10 km. The second attraction of the reserve is the largest waterfall in Altai - Big Chulchinsky waterfall. The height of the water fall reaches 150 meters.

The fauna, like the flora, is diverse. Only 73 species of mammals are registered in the reserve, of which 16 species are predators. Bear, elk, lynx, wolverine, maral, musk deer are found in the taiga. There are a lot of squirrels and sable, chipmunk and voles, ermine. Ground squirrels rule the steppe. On the rest of the territory you can see argali, mountain goats, less often snow leopard-irbis, listed in the Red Book. Many birds nest on lakes and shores: gulls, whooper swans, black storks, herons. Capercaillie, quail, partridge live in the forests. There are 323 species of birds in total, including rare species, recorded in the Red Book: golden eagle, peregrine falcon, white-tailed eagle, pink starling. The kingdom of invertebrates is especially diverse: 15 thousand species.