UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Okskiy
General information
This reserve is situated in the south-east of Moscow along the middle flow of the Oka River and is part of the Meschera lowland. It is situated at the junction of three biogeographic zones: the broad-leaved forest zone, comprising the biggest part, the taiga and the forest-steppe zone to the south.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
1978
Country
Russian Federation
Area
Surface
1,126,240.00 ha
Total terresterial area
1,126,240.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 54.7 - Longitude: 40.68
Contact
Ecosystem-based network
EuroMAB
Ecological Characteristics
The biosphere reservecomprises a Ramsar site, covering an extensive floodplain of lowland rivers, lakes and forested peatlands which provide habitat for many waterfowls and waders.Within the area, there is a European Bison Breeding Center, established in 1959, and a Crane Breeding Center founded in 1979. The new generations of Bison (about 300) and Siberian Crane (around 80) from both Centers will be released into nature.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
In the buffer zone of the reserve, traditional natural resource use (e.g. wood processing, hay harvesting, cattle raising, berry and mushrooms gathering) is carried out by some 9,000 people (2002). The biosphere reserve also hosts a library, the Menzbir Ornithological Society archives and a science data bank.