State Natural Biosphere Reserve “Black Lands”
Chyornye Zemli Reserve is Russia’s only polygon for studying steppe, semi-desert and desert landscapes, as well as protecting and studying the Kalmyk population of saigas. The State Natural Biosphere Reserve was established on June 11, 1990. Its main part is located in the Caspian lowlands, between the lower reaches of the Kuma and Volga rivers. The total area of the reserve is 121,900 hectares, of which the steppe area “Black Lands” – 94,300 hectares, ornithological “Manych-Gudilo” – 27,600 hectares. Many tourists wonder why such a name – Black Lands? The clue lies in the fact that snow rarely fell in the reserve, and from space these lands looked like a gaping hole. And when the snow returned here, the place decided not to rename.
