Moricsala Nature Reserve, Strict nature reserve in Ventspils Municipality, Latvia
Moricsala is a strictly protected nature reserve comprising two islands in Lake Usma, spanning approximately 818 hectares of land. The area is defined by old-growth forests, wetlands, and diverse plant communities that provide rare habitats for local wildlife.
The reserve received its protected status in 1912, becoming the first officially designated nature reserve in Latvia's environmental history. This early recognition of the need to protect natural spaces shaped the country's approach to conservation in the years that followed.
The Usma Christian Public School maintains an educational exhibition about the reserve, presenting its ecological importance to local communities.
Access to the area is severely restricted and requires special permits, as it is designated exclusively for scientific research purposes. Visitors should inquire in advance about whether and how a visit might be possible, since the reserve is not open for general tourism.
The reserve is home to approximately 222 butterfly species, making it an important study site for butterfly research across the Baltic region. This high species diversity attracts researchers from throughout the region who investigate the insects and their habitats.
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