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Photos

  • Шихан Торатау. Photo 1
  • Гора Тратау. Photo 2
  • Гора Тратау. Photo 3

Description

Toratau, or Toratau (Bashkir: Toratau - "fortress-mountain"), also known as Shikhan, is a shihan, a lone mountain in the Ishimbay region of the Republic of Bashkortostan. He is the symbol of the city of Ishimbay and the Ishimbay region, depicted on their coats of arms and flags. Toratau is also recognized as an archaeological and natural monument and is included in the GEOSITES list of geological heritage of global importance. This mountain is included in the Toratau geopark.

Toratau is one of a chain of three shikhans in the vicinity of the city of Ishimbaya, together with Kushtau and Yuraktau, as well as the once-existing Shakhtau, which were included in the shortlist of the Seven Wonders of Russia project as Shikhans.

This mountain is often visited by paragliders, and it even set an unofficial Russian record for open-range paragliding.

The name Toratau comes from the Bashkir “tora” (fortress, town) and “tau” (mountain). The flora of Toratau is rich in plant species, including endemics that have a limited distribution area. A total of 21 endemic plant species have been identified here. A particularly high concentration of “Red Book” species is observed in the rocky steppe in the upper part of the slopes.

Many species of animals have also been discovered on Toratau, including rare ones and those in need of protection. The diversity of life on this mountain makes it a significant site for biodiversity conservation and study.

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