|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
|
VORONEZHSKIY |
|
|||
|
||||
| General Description |
In the central part of the East European Plain, about 450 km south-east of Moscow, Voronezhskiy Biosphere Reserve comprises an undulating plain, sloping to the west, and crossed by the Usman' and Ivnita Rivers and their tributaries. The site occupies the northern part of the Usmanski Forest which is one of the largest forest areas in the steppe. It is a mixed forest with stands of pine (Pinus sylvestris), oak (Quercus robur), lime (Tilia cordata) and flood plain forests of alder (Alnus glutinosa). 54 mammal species present include Russian desman (Desmana moschata), beaver (Castor fiber), otter (Lutra lutra), elk (Alces alces). The forest had been heavily logged in the past. Today, reafforestation of river banks with willow (Salix spp.) has permitted the forest to recover and enabled the beaver population to increase. Some 50,600 permanent residents live mostly in the transition area (1998) and depend on agriculture and livestock raising. There are up to 7,500 national tourists (1998), but local communities do not derive much income from these activities. A nature museum, interpretation trails and excursions contribute to environmental education within the biosphere reserve. The area has a long research history with records dating back to 1936. |
|||
| Major ecosystem type | Temperate broadleaf forest | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | Mixed forests with stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), oak (Quercus robur) and lime (Tilia cordata); flood plain forests of alder (Alnus glutinosa) with aspen (Populus tremula), birch (Betula pendula), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) etc.; small lakes; marshlands; waterlogged meadows | |||
| Location | 51°51' to 52°02'N; 39°21' to 39°47'E | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 38,783 | |||
| Core area(s) | 16,811 | |||
| Buffer zone(s) | 14,242 | |||
| Transition area(s) when given | 7,730 | |||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | +90 to +170 | |||
| Year designated | 1984 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Director of Voronezhsky Zapovednik, reporting to the Federal Committee on Natural Resources and Ecology Ministry of the Environment | |||
| Last updated: 3/1/2007 |
|
