Pearls of nature

Ussuriysk Reserve

Ussuriysk National Natural Reserve (protected territory - 40432 hectares) is located in the southern part of Primorsky Krai, in the territory of two Regions (Ussuriysky and Skotovsky), at the southern foot of Przhevalsky Mountains.

There are neither high mountains (the maximum height - 498 m, Grabovaya Mountain), nor impetuous rivers here. But main riches - large woodland of virgin liana conifer-and-broadleaf woods, which almost completely disappeared from the territory of Russian Far East and adjacent countries.

The initial purpose for creation of the reserve - preservation of woods saved by a miracle from fire and felling. Local flora is represented almost exclusively by woodland species. Manchurian floristic complex prevails here. Woods are formed by cedar pines in combination with silver firs, hornbeams, a number of heat-loving lianas and some other plant. 99% of the reserve's territories are covered with woods.

868 species of vascular plants (including 15 species registered in The Red Books of the USSR and Russia), 252 species of mosses, 118 of lichens, 1364 of mushrooms and 210 species of algae grow in the territory of the reserve.

Vertebrate animals are represented by 62 species of mammals (including species registered in the Red Books: shrew, Amur tiger, Far East wood cat, dappled deer, Himalayan bear, etc.); more than 160 species of birds; 7 species of reptiles; 6 species of amphibians (including Ussuriysk lungless sharp-clawed triton registered in The Red Book of International Union on Conservancy and Natural Resources Protection); 12 species of fish and Cyclostomata.

The world of invertebrate animals is not less rich. 32 rare and endangered species of invertebrates live here. The biggest beetle of Russian fauna - relic capricorn beetle, big tropical butterflies and a freshwater shellfish - Primorsk pearl-oyster are also met in the reserve's territory.

On the whole the reserve plays an important role in protection of rare species of plants and animals. A big content of scientific researches is carried out in the reserve, including researches that have direct economic value (in particular, studying of melliferous, fruit plants and herbs).

Address: 19 Nekrasov St., Ussuriysk, Primorsky Krai, Russia, 692532