Modern man looks at the world through a screen. It's kind of an average estimate. Agree, not everyone has the means to travel. And the world is so amazing! So we are studying it through a computer, since now it's easy. However, is it possible in this way to feel the thrill in the soul, which necessarily arises from the contemplation of the stunning corners of the planet? Take, for example, the Kuril Reserve. Whoever was there will confirm: no films or photographs will reflect the magical essence of this extraordinary place.
Location and climate
The Kuril Reserve occupies a considerable area (65365 ha).
It consists of three islands. These are Kunashir, Demina and Shards. The first of them belongs to the Great Kuril Ridge and is the largest in area. The islands are the product of volcanic activity. The terrain here is mountainous, there are rivers and lakes. The Kuril Reserve is famous for its mineral springs. Interestingly, they all differ in chemical composition, temperature regime. The most famous are the Tretyakov, Alekhinsky and Golovninsky. Since the Kuril Islands are formed by volcanic activity, the relief is mountainous. The rivers here are small, no more than twenty kilometers. Most of them are spawning. The largest is Tyatina (Kunashir). It flows directly along the Dokuchaev volcanic ridge. This part of the reserve is mountainous. And to the north it becomes hilly. The largest Sandy Lake in the reserve is also located there. Such an almost clerical description, of course, does not convey the magnificence of this place. We add that the climate here is very mild. Winter does not frighten with frosts, and summer - with heat. The only factor that is sure not to please a person is the monsoons. The Kuril Reserve endures winds and hurricanes steadfastly, responding only with a slight rise in water in the rivers.
A bit of history
Already from the dry description given above, it is clear that the Kuril Islands are the richest region. You haven't read about the flora and fauna yet! How did he survive among the storms and troubles that have befallen Russia in recent centuries?
There were caring people. Work on the creation of a protected area began in 1947. Many prominent scientists spoke about the need to protect this original, magical place from destruction. The project of the reserve was created in 1975. Moreover, this event took place after the signing of an agreement with Japan on the protectionnesting and habitats for migratory birds. Further, the territory of the buffer zone expanded. In its present form, it was formed in 1984. And, what is noteworthy, the subsequent collapse of the USSR, the devastation in Russia in the nineties did not have a negative impact on these territories. The reserve has been saved!
Nature
Reserves, as you know, are different. The purpose of their creation is the same - to preserve the originality of a corner of magnificent nature. So that the activities of greedy humanity do not affect the we alth created long before our appearance in this world. The Kuril Islands have something to be proud of and something to protect. Mostly the area is wooded. For the most part, conifers grow. But how surprising among the cedars and firs to see quite a tropical creeper! This is just a miracle. Scientists have calculated that there are only ten percent of hardwood in the reserve. But they are so peculiarly woven into the taiga landscapes that they make this area uniquely beautiful. And in the forest clearings, the bamboo plant takes up space from the trees, forming impenetrable thickets. The grasses in the lowlands reach a height of four to five meters. Where else have you seen this? Kunashir is not connected to the mainland by land. Because of this, very rare plant species have been preserved in its hills and mountains. Here the so-called vertical zonality can be traced. That is, the nature of the vegetation changes as you move up the mountains. If you go from the coast, then broad-leaved and coniferous forests are replaced at first by fir, then by stone birch forests, then by elfin cedar. There is something to admire, dying in admiration.
Fauna
It seems that a region cut off from the mainland cannot be densely populated. However, this is a mistake. Let's not list the numbers. It should only be noted that the fauna of the reserve has not yet been fully explored! Science has long been confident in the similarity, for example, of insects in the Kuriles with species that live in Japan. Only in recent years it became clear that there are also their own endemics. Today, 37 of them are known. Marine mollusks are widely represented in the reserve. They are found along the coast and in lakes. That is, freshwater species are also represented. Pearl clams are listed in the Red Book.
Kunashir is also proud of its salmon. The largest pink salmon in the entire Far East spawns here, and the Kuril chum salmon is the world leader in size. Amphibian lovers also have something to see. Three species of frogs live in Kunashir. There are also unusual reptiles here. For example, only in the reserve you can meet the Far Eastern skink (lizard). This species does not live anywhere else in Russia.
Birds and mammals
Birds of the reserve - a special conversation. The fact is that the Kuril Islands are important on a planetary scale. They are a resting place for migratory birds. Hundreds of thousands of feathered travelers find shelter and food here. Without this corner, the planet would lose many rare species. Let's take a look at some statistics. In total, 278 species of birds can be found in the reserve, and 125 species live permanently. When winter comes to the Southern Hemisphere, birds fly to the local shores. For example,loons and cormorants, swans and puffin rhinos are found here. Only ornithologists will understand this multi-colored and loud world. We add that the protection of the reserve is truly of planetary importance. The islands are a significant point on the map of the feathered world. A few surprising facts should be added. Do you know that there are fisher owls? This rare species nests in the reserve. You can also meet Japanese cranes here, also considered endangered. Among large animals, brown bear, sable, chipmunk, weasel and even mink should be indicated. These animals breed safely in Kunashir.
Importance of the reserve
Even from a short text it is already clear that this world is unique. People are trying to understand what reserves there are, what is interesting in them, what to admire. In fact, not only natural beauties and rare animals are important. The wisdom and work of those who care for these incredible corners of pristine nature, thereby allowing the planet to survive, despite the activities of mankind, should be appreciated.
