Lesser Kurils Zakaznik

The Lesser Kurils Zakaznik encompasses 65,364 hectares across three sectors including North Kunashir, South Kunashir, and the Lesser Kuril Ridge regions.

The Russian government established the Lesser Kurils Zakaznik on January 6, 1982, to conserve the natural ecosystems of the Kuril Islands chain.

Scientists conduct research in this reserve to study over 1,350 species of vascular plants and monitor endangered wildlife populations.

Entry to the Lesser Kurils Zakaznik requires special permits, as access remains limited to scientific research and environmental education purposes.

The reserve contains volcanic landscapes with caldera formations, mineralized lakes, and forests where Blakiston's fish owls nest among Sakhalin firs.

Location: Yuzhno-Kurilsky District

Inception: January 6, 1982

GPS coordinates: 43.61667,146.38333

Latest update: March 6, 2025 12:21