Zapovednik Sayano-Shushensky, in south-eastern part of Krasnoyarsky Krai, was founded
in 1976. Its area is 390,4 thousand ha. It is located on the left bank of Yenisei, in the
central part of Western Sayan.
The relief is middle- and high-mountainous, and has a maximum height of 2772 m above
sea level. The ridges are cut with canyon-like valleys.
In the plant cover height belts are expressed. On the lover parts of the slopes larch
forest-steppe is found, on northern slopes dark coniferous forests of Siberian pine
(cedar), Siberian fir and Siberian spruce are spread, changing higher up to pure cedar
forests; at the upper border of the forest are moss cedar forests. In the high-mountains
alpestrine and alpine meadows (fragmentary), mountainous tundras (lichen and rocky) have
developed. On southern slopes light coniferous taiga dominated by Siberian larch prevails.
As a whole forests occupy about 60% of the territory.
Flora has mixed character, including representatives of several floristic Districts
with large number of endemic species — Sayan-Altai endemics (Poa altaica, Agropyron
krylovianum, Aquilegia borodinii, etc.), Angara-Sayan endemics (Anemonoides jenisseensis),
and Tuva-Sayan endemics (Silene turgida).
Relict plants are many (Cruciata krylovii, Rhododendron dauricum, Thalictrum
baikalense, etc.).
The total number of registered vascular plants is more than 1000 species, including
rare — Dendranthema sinuatum, Epipogium aphyllum, and Anemonoides baikalens.
Fauna includes representatives of Altai-Sayan, and Mongolian wildlife. More than 50
mammal species are recorded, including Siberian roe, musk deer, maral, wild reindeer, elk
(not numerous), Asiatic ibex, sable, common weasel, brown bear, wolf, scunk bear, and
lynx.
Of rare species, included in the Red Data Book of Russian Federation, are snow leopard,
and Pallas’ cat.
Birds account for 250 species, including nutcracker, wood grouse, hazel grouse, black
grouse, Daurian partridge, and kestrel. Among rare birds are Baikal snow partridge, golden
eagle, saker falcon, and peregrine falcon.
Fish make up 20 species, including Siberian grayling, taimen, and lenok.
Reptiles account for 5 species (Elaphe dione, mocassin, etc.).
