Lazovsky Zapovednik, Nature reserve in Primorsky Krai, Russia
The Lazovsky Zapovednik is a protected reserve covering about 121,000 hectares of coastal areas, mountains, and forests along the Sea of Japan in eastern Russia. The area contains diverse plants and animals across different landscape zones and geological features.
The reserve originated as South Ussuri Wildlife Sanctuary in 1928 and became an independent protected area in 1940 under director Lev Kaplanov. This transition marked an early effort to safeguard the region's distinctive ecosystems.
The Amur tiger, featured on the Primorsky Krai coat of arms, represents the region's commitment to protecting endangered species in the Russian Far East. Local people view this large cat as a symbol of their homeland and the wild nature of the coastal region.
Visitors can explore the reserve along designated trails with authorized guides and visit the Nature Museum to learn about local wildlife. The best time to visit depends on your interests, as each season offers different wildlife viewing opportunities and landscape conditions.
The reserve contains the largest yew forest in the Far East on Petrov Island, with over 300 species of vascular plants. This ancient woodland is a rare remnant from earlier geological periods and offers a chance to see prehistoric plant species.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
