Darvinskiy Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2002, in Russian Federation. Darvinskiy Biosphere Reserve is situated on a peninsula in the north-west of the Rybinsk reservoir on the Volga River. The biosphere reserve comprises bogs, marshes and inundated pine forests. The fauna and flora are typical of the southern taiga. Rare birds that nest in the area include the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Elk (Alces alces), brown bear (Ursus arctos) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) find refuge in the biosphere reserve. Due to the operation of nearby hydroelectric stations, the water level changes, which affects near-shore habitats.