Address: 416501 Astrakhanskaya obl., Akhtubinsk, Zhukovskogo st.,
12 A.
Zapovednik Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky is situated in Akhtubinsky District of
Astrakhanskaya Region. The Zapovednik was founded in 1997; its area is 18,48 thousand ha.
It is situated in the western part of the Caspian lowland on the left bank of the Volga
River.
The Zapovednik territory includes the mountain Bolshoye Bogdo (152,2 m above the sea
level) and the largest in the country salt lake Baskunchak, situated in a lowland with no
runoff.
The relief futures sea accumulative valleys with developed underground karst. Karst
structures are characteristic – ravines, funnels, caves, grottos, springs and brooks,
which dry up in summer.
The plant cover is typical for semi-deserts. White wormwood, black wormwood and salt
grape communities with grasses and ephemerals are common. The dominant plants are: the
black wormwood, white wormwood, bulbous bluegrass, drooping brome, the European
feather-grass, salt gripes. Rare species include rare plant species there grow: the common
tulip and Bieberstein's tulip, the catchfly etc.
The migration route of many avian species passes in the District of the lake Baskunchak
and the mountain Bolshoye Bogdo. During migration period large numbers of seabirds gather
in the District. Rare bird species nest there: blackwinged stilt, black-caped, and
demoiselle crane. Near the mountain Bolshoye Bogdo steppe eagle, saker falcon, golden
eagle, and dikkop — species in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation — are being
met.
