Altyn-Solok, Nature reserve in Southern Ural, Russia
Altyn-Solok is a protected area in the Southern Urals spanning about 91000 hectares across mountainous and forested terrain. The landscape includes various forest types, rocky formations, and river valleys that support a range of plant and animal life.
The reserve was established in 1997 as a protected natural area in the Burzyansky District. The region has been inhabited and used for traditional practices for centuries before its formal protection.
The name Altyn-Solok comes from the Bashkir language, meaning golden hollow tree crown. This connection to honey production remains visible today in how people engage with the forest landscape.
Visiting requires advance permits and strict adherence to environmental guidelines. Staying on marked paths and respecting wildlife are essential to protect the sensitive ecosystems.
The reserve is home to a local honeybee population found nowhere else and has supported traditional honey harvesting for generations. This active beekeeping tradition is still practiced in the region, setting it apart from most other protected areas.
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