Astrakhan Nature Reserve, Protected nature reserve in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia.
Astrakhan Nature Reserve is a protected area in Astrakhan Oblast, on the northern shore of the Caspian Sea, where the Volga Delta meets the water. The area includes reed landscapes, shallow water channels, and willow stands that spread over wide expanses and provide habitat for numerous animal species.
The protected area was created in April 1919 in response to threats to the wetlands from hunting and fishing. International recognition followed in the mid-1970s when the delta's importance for migratory birds became known worldwide.
The name comes from the nearby city and today marks one of the oldest protected sites in the country, drawing researchers from many nations. Visitors see the work of biologists who document bird migration in the delta and track the evolution of the wetlands.
Access requires prior authorization from the administration, which organizes guided tours and controls visitor numbers. The months between March and November offer the best conditions for observing the diversity of bird species and the dynamics of the landscape.
The reserve sits at an elevation of 27 meters (89 feet) below sea level, making it one of the lowest-lying natural areas in Europe. Beluga sturgeon live in the delta, among the oldest fish species in the world, and spawn in shallow waters.
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