Rostov Nature Reserve, Nature reserve in Rostov Oblast, Russia

Rostov Nature Reserve is a strict zapovednik in Orlovsky District, Rostov Oblast, about 100 km northeast of Rostov-on-Don. Its core is Lake Manych-Gudilo, a long, narrow saltwater reservoir in the Manych trough, surrounded by dry steppe and semi-desert. The reserve is divided into five sectors, including the Island Sector on Vodny and Burnt Islands and the Starikovskii Sector on a terrace above the Manych floodplain.

Federal authorities created the reserve at the end of December 1995 to protect steppe and wetland habitats. Twelve years later it gained biosphere status, marking its international importance for species conservation.

The reserve takes its name from Rostov Oblast, not from the city of Rostov-on-Don, which lies about 100 km to the southwest. Its centrepiece is Lake Manych-Gudilo, a saltwater reservoir in the Manych trough, a long depression left by an ancient sea link between the Black and Caspian Seas. Visitors on the "Riddles of the Manycheskoy Valley" trail walk a 2 km circular route along the lake shore.

Two marked nature trails are open to the public: the 2 km circular "Riddles of the Manycheskoy Valley" along the lake shore, with an observation tower for watching the horses, a picnic gazebo and a dock for boat trips to an island, and "Azure Flower", which crosses tulip and iris fields. Tours run from April to October and suit visitors of all ages. Off-trail access is limited to scientists and environmental-education groups by arrangement with the reserve's management, and a visitor centre with a nature museum operates at the reserve.

The reserve protects the largest herd of wild horses in Europe, the Don Mustangs. A 2 km circular trail, "The Riddles of the Manycheskoy Valley", runs along the lake shore and has an observation tower for viewing the horses, a picnic gazebo and a dock for boat trips to an island.