Zeya Nature Reserve, Nature reserve at Tukuringra Ridge, Russia

Zeya Nature Reserve is a protected woodland area in the mountainous region of Tukuringra Ridge in the east. The Zeya River valley cuts through the terrain and creates varied habitats for wildlife and plants.

The protected area was founded in 1963 to document environmental changes following the construction of a major dam nearby. This decision enabled long-term observation of natural processes and animal populations in the region.

Local scientists take particular interest in the rare animal species that inhabit this region. Visitors can learn about the habitats of these creatures and how they adapt to the mountainous environment through guided tours.

Visitors need official permission to enter the area and can choose between different walking routes ranging from short walks to full-day hikes. It is wise to register in advance and bring appropriate footwear and weather protection, as the terrain is hilly and conditions change quickly.

The area sits at the southern edge of permafrost and harbors a special birch species found nowhere else in the world. This tree species is a living marker of the extreme climate boundaries that define this northeastern forest zone.