Teberda Biosphere Reserve, Russian Federation

This is a cluster biosphere reserve covering a total of 126,700 hectares next to the border with Mongolia, 700 km south-east of Lake Baikal. Situated in the Mongolian-Manchurian Steppe biogeographic region, the area covers vast steppes and pine forests on elevations ranging from 598 to 769 meters above sea level. 

Ecological Characteristics

The Teberdinsky tract is situated on northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range, in the upper
Teberda Valley.  It is a typical mountainous region, with 83% of the area lying higher than 2,000 m a.s.l. Known in the reserve are over 100 glaciers covering 10% of its area. The largest glaciers are located in the Greater Caucasus Range. The reserve area presents the whole interconnected ecological network of montane ecosystems, from pine and dark conifer forests to alpine tundra with river valleys and upland lakes.

 

The area supports natural habitats that are most significant for the conservation of biological diversity, including habitats of rare and endangered species of a great scientific and conservationist importance: The West Caucasian goat (Capra caucasica), Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), Anatolian Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana), Caucasian Otter (Lutra lutra meridionalis).

The area supports breeding grounds of rare raptors: Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), Golden Eagle (
Aquila chrysaetos). The area includes portions of migratory routes of birds and a reintroduction site of the Caucasian Wisent (Bison bonasus caucasicus) - the most important large mammal of the region. It is an intraspecies hybrid morphologically identical to the animals that once roamed here.

 

Socio-Economic Characteristics

Small human settlements involved in various types of economic activities (forest logging, forest utilization, exploitation and bottling of drinking mineral water, agriculture) are situated in areas adjacent to the Reserve.  Tourism with corresponding infrastructure and services is especially important.

The Teberdinsky reserve enjoys comprehensive facilities for ecotourism development: A summer environmental camp to welcome volunteers (also from abroad); huts for fieldwork and expeditions; ranger stations; central administration seat with a wildlife museum and open-air cages for wild animals; and 5 hotels providing accommodation for 300 people.

 

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Last updated: May 2019