Yugansky Nature Reserve, Protected wilderness in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia.
Yugansky Nature Reserve is a protected wilderness area covering roughly 650,000 hectares of taiga forests, swamps, and river systems in western Siberia. The landscape encompasses the basin of the Ugan River with varied forest types and connected waterways throughout.
The Russian government established this reserve in 1982 to protect the boreal forests from industrial development and environmental damage. Its creation reflected growing recognition of the need to safeguard this sensitive forest region for the future.
The Khanty people have inhabited this region for generations, and their deep knowledge of the land shapes how the reserve is managed today. You can sense this connection in how the landscape is cared for and protected.
Access is strictly regulated and visitors must contact the administration in advance to arrange guided visits. Advanced planning is essential since the remote location and strict protection rules do not allow for spontaneous visits.
The reserve harbors about 40 mammal species including brown bears, wolverines, and forest reindeer that are particularly significant in this region. Hundreds of bird species also rely on the diverse habitats for breeding, wintering, and migration.
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