Chyornye Zemli Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in Kalmykia, Russia
Chyornye Zemli Nature Reserve covers 121,900 hectares (301,300 acres) of steppe and semi-desert terrain between the Kuma and Volga rivers in the Caspian lowlands of Kalmykia. The area divides into a main territory dedicated to saiga antelope conservation and a Lake Manych-Gudilo section focused on waterfowl protection.
The reserve was established on June 11, 1990, to protect and study steppe landscapes and saiga antelope populations. In December 1993, it received UNESCO biosphere reserve status.
The term Black Lands refers to the dark soils that rarely remain covered by snow in winter, making them accessible for animal herds. This characteristic has made the region an important wintering ground for nomadic herders over centuries.
The reserve lies in a remote area with extreme weather conditions, so visitors should prepare for strong temperature swings and limited infrastructure. Those wishing to explore the area need suitable equipment and should inquire about access regulations in advance.
The reserve houses the only research station in Russia dedicated exclusively to steppe and desert ecosystems. Temperatures here swing between minus 35 and plus 42 degrees Celsius (minus 31 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit), offering researchers extreme conditions for their studies.
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