Wildlife Reservations

The wildlife reserves come in various sizes, from just a special tree, rock or a water source, right up to large areas. The total number exceeds 150, and cover 6% of the peninsular's area .

In 1923, the first wildlife park (its present-day name is the Crimean Wildlife Reserve ) was founded. The hunting are of the family of the Russian Czar's, protected since 1870, served as a basis for this reserve. Here not only the genuine nature of the Crimean mountain's are preserved, but also a large population of European mouflons is maintained, brought from Corsica for the Czar to hunt. Of international importance is protected by the wildlife and hunting service, the Lebyazhi Ostrova (Swan Islands). These are protected by the Ramsard Convention for the preservation of water and marshlands.

The Kara-Dag Wildlife Reserve is famous for its geo-mineralogical features, like fantastical rocks, and gem veins.

In the Cape Martyan Wildlife Reserve, there are forests of tree-fern junipers and fluffy oaks, typical for the lower zone of the Southern Coast.

Cape Kazantip on the Kerch Peninsular is distinguished by a special micro-climate, with rich and varied flora and fauna, owing to the ancient ring-shaped coral atoll that forms the walls of this natural basin.

The most valuable heritage of one of the military training grounds is the recently formed Opuk Wildlife Reserve on the Kerch Peninsula, with its famous colony of pink starlings.

A large part of all the protected landscapes of Crimea is accessible for both excursion groups and individuals.