Central Black Earth Nature Reserve

Central Tsernozemsky Nature Reserve
Russian: Центрально-Чернозёмный заповедник (Also: Tsentralno-Chernozemny, "VV Alekhine")
IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve)
Central Tsernozemsky Zapovednik
Location of Reserve
Location	Kursk Oblast
Nearest city	Kursk
Coordinates	51°8′49″N 36°25′48″E / 51.14694°N 36.43000°E / 51.14694; 36.43000Coordinates: 51°8′49″N 36°25′48″E / 51.14694°N 36.43000°E / 51.14694; 36.43000
Area	5,287 hectares (13,060 acres)
Established	1935 (1935)
Governing body	Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Russia)
Website	http://zapoved-kursk.ru/

Central Tsernozemsky Nature Reserve (Russian: Центрально-Чернозёмный заповедник) (also Tsentralno-Chernozemny, or CCZ) (English: "Central Black Soil") is a Russian 'zapovednik' (strict ecological reserve) that protects for scientific study a collection of selected sites of black soil prairie in the southwestern part of the Central Uplands within the middle of the forest-steppe zone. The six sites of the reserve spread out to the southeast of the city of Kursk, in the Medvensky District, Manturovsky District, Gorshechensky District of Kursk Oblast. Officially, the site is named after the biologist VV Alekhine. The reserve was created in 1935, and covers an area of 5,287 ha (20.41 sq mi). In 1978 it was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.^[1][2]

Topography

Although CCZ is one of the smallest reserves in the federal network, it is highly important from a scientific point of view as a collection of preserved remains of northern grasslands in the Kursk region. Reserve management refers to its "six patches of paradise",^[1] with virgin northern steppes, black earth prairie, pre-glacial vegetation on chalk hills, relict sphagnum swamps, and floodplain complexes. The "black soil" sectors in particular serve as a reference for study of the ecology of the especially fertile soils of the region. The six sectors in the reserve are:

• Strelets (2,046 ha). In the Dnieper River basin, at an altitude of 178–262 meters above sea level. There are open lakes, and groundwater occurs at 12–14 meters.
• Cossack (1,638 ha). Also in the Dnieper basin.
• Zorinsk (495 ha). Mostly forest, with altitudes from 169–200 meters. Features individual bogs on the second terrace above the river. The bogs are 5 to 75 meters in diameter, with depressed areas formed by leaching of soils and subsidence on some underlying layers of loess.
• Psla Floodplain (481 ha). Situated in the floodplains of the Diet and Psel Rivers, and 155–167 meters.
• 'Barkalovka (368 ha). In the Don River Basin.
• Bukreeva Barma (259 ha). Also in the Don River basin. 163–238 meters in altitude, in the watershed of the Oskol and Kshen rivers.

The terrain in most areas is eroded soils and karst topography, with smooth raised areas, and shallow depressions. The black soil, which derives its color from a high humus content (540 tons/hectare) is unusual for being under deciduous forest, and reaches a depth of 1.5 m (4.9 ft).^[2]

Climate and ecoregion

Central Tsernozemsky is located in the Forest steppe|East European forest steppe ecoregion, a transition zone between the broadleaf forests of the north and the grasslands to the south. This ecoregion is characterized by a mosaic of forests, steppe, and riverine wetlands.^[3]

The climate of Central Tsernozemsky is Humid continental climate, cool summer (Köppen climate classification (Dfb)). This climate is characterized by large swings in temperature, both diurnially and seasonally, with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. In the CCZ, temperatures range from an average −7.9 °C (17.8 °F) in January, to 18.9 °C (66.0 °F) in July. The growing season in 185 days. Precipitation is uneven across the years, with a low of 334 mm (13.1 in) in 2010 to a high of 774 mm (30.5 in) in 1997; the multi-year average is 570 mm (22 in).^[4]

Flora and fauna

The plant life is one of predominantly meadow steppes (44% of the territory), and deciduous forest. Meadow steppes change dramatically in color across the seasons. The presence of spagnum bogs is unusual in the steppe zone. Of the forested area, 81% is natural growth, and 19% is forest plantation. Oak trees predominate, with some Norway maple, wild pear and apple, and aspen. White birch is found in the bog areas. The understory tends towards wild cherry and hazel. Scientists on the reserve have recorded 1,340 species of angiosperms.^[5]

Forest-steppe meadow in Central Black Soil Reserve

The animal life of the reserve is representative of European forest-steppe. Characteristics mammals include fox, badger and hare. Larger mammals include roe deer and wild boar; altogether scientists on the reserve have recorded 51 species of mammals. The steppe areas record many field mice, voles, and mole-rats. Over 226 species of birds have been recorded, with over 100 being passerine.^[5]

Ecoeducation and access

As a strict nature reserve, the Central Tsernozemsky Reserve is mostly closed to the general public, although scientists and those with 'environmental education' purposes can make arrangements with park management for visits. There are 'ecotourist' routes in the reserve, however, that are open to the public, but require permits to be obtained in advance. One such ecological route, called "stone woman", passes a stone monument dated to the 11th century. The main office is in the city of Kursk.^[1]

See also

• List of Russian Nature Reserves (class 1a 'zapovedniks')
• National parks of Russia
• Protected areas of Russia

References

External links

• Map of Central Tsernozemsky Reserve, ProtectedPlanet

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