Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Nature Reserve

Wildlife and Bird Watching in Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Nature Reserve

PhoenixTaking a walk along a nature trail

The Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Nature Reserve lies 413 miles (665 km) north of Vladivostok. It is located in a watershed and eastern slopes of Central Sikhote-Alin Mountain Range; its south-eastern part goes to the Japan Sea coast. Established in 1935 to protect sable population, now it makes a significant contribution to Amur tiger conservation. There are about 30 individuals residing in the protected area nowadays. Inhabiting reserve’s forests are a vast array of wild animals: brown bear, sable, marten, Japanese mink, Far Eastern wildcat, American mink, wild boar, musk deer, and roe deer. Over 340 bird species, 9 species of reptiles, 6 species of amphibians dwell there. The reserve includes parts of three landscape zones: cedar-broadleaved, broadleaved-coniferous and fir-spruce forests. More than 1100 species of tracheal plants grow on the territory including 38 rare and endangered ones: Japanese yew, devil’s-club, rhododendron fauriei franch, moccasin flower, and others. Forest-covered mountains occupy more than two-thirds of Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Nature Reserve.

The nature reserve offers beautiful sights and diversity of outdoor recreational activities. By visiting a designated wildlife watching outpost you can observe marine birds and larga seal colonies resting on small islands.

If you are keen to hike, take a guided tour along the coast line to visit capes with rocky cliffs. While walking along the coast of the Sea of Japan, you can observe the goral, rare goat-like Himalayan chamois, on steep overhangs feeding on tufts of grass. For those who like tracking wildlife we recommend taking a tour with a guide through remote forest. You will definitely see tracks left by ungulates and mammals. About 63 mammal species reside there, with some included in the Endangered Species List of the Russian Federation: Amur tiger, goral, sika deer, and Asiatic black bear.

Hydrographic network of the Reserve is presented by the rivers Tayozhnaya, Serebryanka, Dzhigitovka, Kolumbe with their numerous tributaries, and lakes Blagodatnoye, Golubichnoye and Yaponskoye. If you are an avid fan of birds, why not consider visiting one of the lakes which are perfect places to observe Temminck’s cormorant, hazel grouse, Chinese merganser, mandarin duck, osprey, Asian spruce grouse, Blakiston’s fish-owl, Hodgson’s hawk eagle, white-tailed eagle, Steller’s sea eagle, black stork and others?

A unique opportunity can be offered for those who are deeply concerned about wildlife conservation. You are welcome to join anti-poaching patrols by the rangers in 4-wheel drive vehicles and on foot (or on skis in winter) through the nature reserve’s forested hills and valleys.

You can make an excursion to an eco-centre and meet with enthusiastic teachers who provide eco-education lessons. The nature reserve is open all year round, and the best season to visit it is August-October. A cost of a three-day tour varies from $4,500 to $7,000 per person. Your tour itinerary will be designed according to your personal wishes. Various excursions into the protected area and surrounding areas can be organized depending on your preferences and also on the season.