Chyornye Zemli Nature Reserve

Chornye Zemli Nature Reserve
Russian: заповедник Чёрные земли
Saiga in Chornye Zemli Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Chornye Zemli Nature Reserve
Location of Reserve
Location Republic of Kalmykia
Nearest city Astrakhan
Coordinates 46°2′N 46°8′E / 46.033°N 46.133°E / 46.033; 46.133Coordinates: 46°2′N 46°8′E / 46.033°N 46.133°E / 46.033; 46.133
Area 121,901 acres (493.32 km2)
Established 1990 (1990)
Governing body Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Russia)
Website http://zapovednik-chernyezemli.ru/

Chornye Zemli Nature Reserve (Russian: заповедник Чёрные земли) (also) is a Russian 'zapovednik' (strict nature reserve). The name in Russian means "Black Lands". It was originally established in 1990 to protect the saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica). The main part of the reserve is located in the Caspian Depression, northwest of the Caspian Sea. It was originally created in 1990 to protect the saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica). In the meantime the economy of Kalmykia collapsed and the numbers of saiga have crashed due to poaching for meat and horns (Chinese medicine) and desertification caused by overgrazing by domestic animals. The reserve also has colonies of egrets, cormorants, and rare pelicans. The reserve is situated in the Chernozemelsky District of Republic of Kalmykia. It was created in 1990, and covers 1,219 km² in two locations, with a 900 km² buffer zone.[1][2]

Since 1993, Cherny Zemli Nature Reserve has been designated as one of UNESCO biosphere reserves.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Chyornye Zemli Zapovednik (Official Site)" (in Russian). Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Russia). Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Chyornye Zemli Zapovednik" (in Russian). Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Russia). Retrieved January 21, 2016.
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