Barguzin Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in Buryatia, Russia
The Barguzin Nature Reserve spans 374,322 hectares between the Barguzin Mountains and the northeastern shore of Lake Baikal, including 14 rivers within its boundaries. The territory ranges from forested lakeshores to mountain peaks, protecting different habitats across these elevations.
Established on January 11, 1917, as Russia's first nature reserve, it aimed to protect the sable population threatened by hunting. The creation marked the beginning of systematic conservation efforts in the country and served as a model for later reserves.
The Sable House in Davcha village presents the story of these fur-bearing animals, whose numbers grew from 40 individuals in 1930 to 1200 today. Visitors can follow how the population recovered through dedicated conservation efforts over the decades.
The scientific center of the reserve sits in Davcha, reachable by road from Ulan-Ude or by air from Irkutsk. The journey requires planning, as the area is remote and weather conditions can affect access.
Thermal springs within the reserve maintain temperatures between 40 and 65 degrees Celsius (104 and 149 degrees Fahrenheit), creating natural water features in the mountain landscape. The warm water flows year-round, forming a contrast to the often cold surroundings of the region.
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