Terraced Oka State Biosphere Reserve named Michael Zablotskyy — an island of wilderness in the most densely populated region of Russia. The only reserve the Moscow region, 12 km from the town of Serpukhov. It is located on the terraces of the valley of the river Oka, covered with pine and mixed forests. In view of the reserve grows 981 vascular plants. Its unique area can be seen as typical of the northern areas of the swamp with sundew and cranberries, and areas with a southern steppe vegetation. This is one of the smallest reserves in Russia. However, an area of ​​about 5 thousand. Hectares inhabited by 142 species of birds and 57 species of wild mammals. The main attraction of the Reserve is bison — Forest wild bull, the largest ungulate in Europe, a contemporary of the mammoth, which recently stood on the brink of extinction. Visit Oka Terrasny Reserve — a great opportunity to relax in nature and have an unforgettable experience of meeting with a herd of bison in the forest. The reserve for ever withdrawn from economic use and is stored as a standard nature of the southern suburbs. The reserve is located in the center of Upland East European Plain, in the southern part of the Moskva-Oka Moreno erosion plain on the left bank of the Oka River valley terraces. In the subzone of coniferous-deciduous forests south-western part of the Moscow region on the border with deciduous forests. In the protected area, especially in its central part, a lot of keys with a wonderfully transparent and delicious water. Due to the abundance of keys is one of the most beautiful nature reserve called glades of Spring.

From the north to the south of the reserve crossed by small rivers: Tadenka, Ponikovka.

In the southern part of the reserve of the lake are: Zion Protokskoe.

Among mammals, the Oka Reserve Terrasny found both species typical southern taiga (such as tiny shrew, bank vole, lynx) and species belonging to a range of broad-leaved forests (southern hedgehog, yellow-necked mouse, dormouse, wild boar). The main attraction of the reserve is a bison. In 1948, the reserve was organized bison nursery, became the center of rehabilitation and breeding of bison in Russia.

Oka-terraced reserve invites you

ecotrail

Oka-terraced reserve offers opportunities for eco-tourism. You will find a fascinating program on the tour route of the northern part of the Biosphere Reserve and visit the Central bison nursery. The youngest guests can look into the hut Goblin — fairy guardian and protector of Russian forests.

The tour takes place in the air, in an open area, so dress accordingly be the weather.

For half an hour, which usually lasts for a tour, ecotourism lovers have to go about 700 meters to the entrance of the zubrovnik (If desired, this part of the route, and you can drive by car), and then overcome some 1.5 km on the kennel to see bison, buffalo, sika deer and wild boar.

Museum of Nature

Interesting exposition of the Museum Reserve brightly and vividly tells about flora and fauna of the southern suburbs.

Among the exhibits — the inhabitants of many different types of forests, both deciduous and taiga zone: wild boar, elk, deer, fox, beaver and other European. and occasionally calling on the reserve lynx and wolf. Widely represented poultry. Collection of insects are of interest, photos, prints of some animals.

bison nursery

On the territory of the Oka Reserve Terrasny runs the Central bison nursery, designed for the maintenance of 50-60 animals. Under his assigned area of ​​200 hectares, enclosed on all sides by a mesh fence. It is here that you will see bison and bison, which are contained in large pens in conditions as close to natural. You will learn about the history of salvation «the king bulls» from extinction, and how to preserve bison saved from closure.

Central bison nursery (TSZP) was organized in 1948. It is a breeding center for bison, the venue for the research on the biology, ecology, ethology bison, methods of housing, feeding and transport. The kennel also trained and training specialists for other items breeding bison.

In 1948-1951 years in the nursery 7 purebred bison arrived from Poland. In May 1950, the first born zubryata — bull, who got the nickname Moskvityanin and zubritsa grassy. All bison captive, entered in the International studbooks. Since the nursery is located near the capital, the names of those born in it calves begin with the letter «M», and Caucasian-Belavezha zubryatam given nicknames starting with the syllable «Mu», and Belavezha — on the syllable «Mo».

Bison kept in conditions close to natural, to mesh fence fenced forest area of ​​about 200 hectares.

Removal of bison for the purpose of settlement began in 1951. During the existence of the kennel was born more than 600 calves, 70% of them were exported to various places in Russia and abroad. Breeding bison in the nursery has reduced the loss of genetic diversity of livestock and get to create new populations. Raised in the suburbs calves settled in 30 settlements living freestyle and 33 points bison breeding in captivity.

From young, grown here, it was set up nurseries in the Oka State Biosphere Reserve (1959), in the hunting lease «Nauyamistis» in Lithuania (1969), bison nursery Altai «Cherga» (1982) and others.

Central bison nursery is designed for the maintenance of 50-60 animals. Constantly in the nursery they live and breed bison 20-25. Young animals are grown and a half to two years and transported to the establishment of new settlements and the bison nursery habitat freestyle.

The bison nursery contained 5 American bison (the next of kin of the European bison) for comparative research and demonstration excursionists.

In the nursery, the first stage of work on the conservation of the bison: eliminated the threat of extinction of this rare species.

Bison is the first and only example of the globe on a successful return to the nature of the species, surviving only in captivity.

station complex background monitoring

Integrated background monitoring station – an indispensable component of the biosphere reserve. Its tasks include weather observation and monitoring of pollutants. Excursion to the station held by special order at additional charge. It begins with a visit to the laboratory, where tourists familiar with the equipment. At the landfill demonstrated instruments for meteorological observations, sampling air and precipitation at various polluting ingredients.

House Goblin

Goblin Terrace Terrasovich – fairy tale character, the owner of the forest, which protects him, takes care of the animals and keeps order in the reserve. Goblin can punish those who do not behave in the forest: mislead, confuse, deflect mushroom and berry places. The fabulous «Goblin Lodge» Terrace Terrasovicha have different vintage utensils and loft for the rest. Furniture are old stumps on the floor – dry pine and fir cones. Customers know that the house at any time, the owner can return.

Oka terraced Reserve invites all who are interested in the implementation of tourism programs.