Sayano-Shushenski Nature Reserve

Sayano-Shushenski Nature Reserve spans mountainous terrain along the Yenisei River with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,735 meters. The landscape includes forests, alpine meadows, and rocky slopes that create different habitats for wildlife.

The reserve was established in 1976 as an environmental measure during construction of a major hydroelectric dam on the river. It was created to balance the impact of large-scale water engineering on the natural landscape.

The reserve functions as a refuge for rare species and demonstrates how science works to protect them. Research teams here focus on observing and preserving animals that are found nowhere else in such numbers.

Access to the reserve is restricted and requires special permits obtained before visiting. Visitors should check regulations in advance to understand what permissions are needed and how much time the approval process takes.

The reserve contains extensive Siberian cedar forests, a tree species with special importance for the ecosystem. These old forests provide habitat for specialized wildlife and are themselves a remarkable feature of the protected area.