Ussurisky Nature Reserve

The Ussurisky Nature Reserve lies in Primorsky Krai, on the southern spurs of the Przhevalsky Mountains — the southern part of the Sikhote-Alin range — within the Ussuriysk urban district and the Shkotovsky district. It is one of the oldest protected natural areas in the Russian Far East, created to preserve the untouched Korean pine and broadleaf forests of southern Primorye.

History

The study of the local flora began in 1913, led by botanist Vladimir Leontyevich Komarov. On August 7, 1934, the Suputinsky Nature Reserve was established on this territory. On October 23, 1949, its status was confirmed by an order of the USSR Council of Ministers. In 1974 the reserve received its current name, Ussurisky, and was later named after Komarov, whose research marked the beginning of its study.

Nature

The reserve covers more than 40,000 hectares, and nearly all of it — 99 percent — is forested. The main tree species are Korean pine, needle fir and white-bark fir, Ayan spruce, yellow birch, and Amur, Manchurian and Take lindens. Scientists have recorded 868 species of vascular plants here.

The reserve's fauna is just as diverse: 62 mammal species, more than 160 bird species, 7 reptile species, 6 amphibian species and 12 fish species. Its inhabitants include the Amur tiger and the Far Eastern leopard. It is also home to the largest beetle in Russia's fauna, the relict longhorn beetle. In 2001 the reserve was granted UNESCO biosphere reserve status for preserving these ecosystems.

Getting there

From the European part of Russia, the reserve can only be reached through Vladivostok: the route continues to Ussuriysk and then to the village of Kaimanovka, next to which the reserve's territory lies.

Good to know

The Ussurisky Nature Reserve has a strict protection regime, and free access is restricted: visitors can only enter as part of an organized excursion group or with the administration's permission. The reserve operates a nature museum and a rehabilitation center that cares for orphaned bear cubs.