Zeya

Zeya Nature Reserve protects 99,430 hectares of mountain-taiga landscapes above the Zeya Reservoir in Amur Oblast. Established in 1963, the reserve encompasses mountain ridges and valleys of the Tukuringra Range, preserving boreal forests and alpine ecosystems above the large artificial reservoir.

Brown bear, moose, sable, wolverine, and lynx. Over 170 bird species including Steller sea eagle along the reservoir. The Zeya Reservoir shore provides additional aquatic habitat. Mountain streams support fish populations.

Larch and spruce forests on mountain slopes. Subalpine elfin pine and alpine tundra at higher elevations. The reservoir created new shoreline habitats. Over 550 plant species including Far Eastern elements.

Tukuringra Range metamorphic and igneous rocks. The Zeya Reservoir was created by damming the Zeya River. Mountain terrain reaches 1,400 meters. Continuous permafrost at higher elevations.

Severe continental with monsoon influence in summer. January minus 30, July 18 degrees. The reservoir moderates local temperatures somewhat.

Evenki reindeer herders used the mountain areas. The Zeya Dam construction in the 1970s created the reservoir and displaced some communities.

Established 1963 to protect mountain ecosystems. The subsequent reservoir creation in the 1970s added a new landscape element. The reserve now monitors reservoir impacts on mountain ecosystems.

Mountain landscapes above the reservoir. Mountain tundra viewpoints. Pristine mountain streams. The juxtaposition of natural mountains and artificial reservoir.

Accessible from Zeya city. Road and boat access. Permits required. Best visiting June-September.

Reservoir impacts on adjacent ecosystems. Fire management. Climate change effects on permafrost and mountain vegetation. Maintaining natural conditions above the artificial lake.