Part of the territory of the Novokhopersky district of the Voronezh region since 1935 received the status of a reserved and protected area. And now this place has become known all over the world. The Khoper Reserve, stretching along the Khoper River, is one of the oldest in Russia. In 2015, he celebrated his eightieth birthday. This place has such a diverse flora and fauna that it is one of the most famous protected areas in the world. The Khopersky State Reserve gained particular popularity due to the distribution of a relic animal in it - the Russian muskrat. But besides it, many other species are studied and protected in this area.
Geographic features of the reserve
1. It is located in the east of the Voronezh region and stretches along the middle course of the Khoper River.
2. The Khoper Reserve is one of the few in the world that has such an elongated shape. Its width does not exceed 9 kilometers.
3. More than 16 thousand hectares of territory is located in floodplain meadows and upland terraces of Khopra. This ancient valley has a glacial origin, which can explain the preserved relic plants and some animal species.
4. More than 80% of the territory is occupied by forests that are part of the ancient Tellerman forest.
5. The Khopersky reserve is also unique in that it is located on the border of the steppe and forest-steppe zones. This explains such a variety of plants, which is not even in the larger Voronezh Biosphere Reserve.
6. On its territory there are many floodplain lakes, the largest of which has a length of about 4 kilometers. The employees of the reserve are engaged in the protection and study of the flora and fauna of these reservoirs.
7. The climate on its territory is temperate continental: summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold.
Vegetation of the reserve
Most of its territory is occupied by oak forests. They grow mainly oaks with an admixture of maple, linden and ash.
More than 1200 species of higher plants are found in the reserve. There are a lot of wild fruit trees and berry bushes. Ancient black alder and aspen forests are widespread. The Khoper Reserve is the only place where rare species of white poplar have been preserved. Meadows are located only in the floodplain on the left bank of the Khoper. Rare feather grass, gorse, meadowsweet and other herbs grow on the border with the steppe zone. Especially a lot of legumes and cereals. Khopersky is uniquenature reserve because it has a very rich aquatic vegetation. Many relic species of hydrophytes have survived, such as chilim or floating sylvania.
Animal world
Representatives of the fauna of the reserve are extremely diverse. It was created primarily to protect a rare animal - the Russian muskrat. One of the few places of its distribution is the Khopersky Reserve. This amazing animal is on the verge of extinction and is listed in the Red Book. Beavers were brought to the territory of the reserve for the normal functioning of the muskrat. Many other animals also appeared here thanks to man. And now, in addition to the muskrat, spotted deer, wild boars, elks, bison, jerboas and more than 40 species of mammals live in this territory. The life of freshwater fish and amphibians is studied. The Khoper Reserve is famous for its many rare and endangered species of insects and birds. Animals in this area are protected and studied, but people try not to interfere in their lives.
Modern problems of the reserve
The employees of the reserve are engaged not only in the protection and study of the unique nature of floodplain lakes, but also in scientific and educational activities.
But the territory of the reserve is very vulnerable, as it does not have clearly defined boundaries. To study nature, there are ecological trails, you can also get acquainted with its unique flora and fauna in the museum located in the village of Varvarino. The most acute problem of the reserve in recent years has becomeplanned development of nickel deposits on the banks of the Khoper River. This production could destroy a unique world that has been preserved intact for many years.
