Hortobágy Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1979, in Hungary. Located in the Great Hungarian Plain, Hortobágy Biosphere Reserve is a vast, flat edaphic steppe landscape, the archetype of the Hungarian Puszta, recalling features of the Central Asian steppes in Central Europe. Hortobágy is not only a short-grass alkaline steppe but also includes marshes, fishponds, and small patches of forest and tree plantations. It is the most important bird migration site in the Carpathian Basin, and perhaps in continental Europe outside marine shores and estuaries. Many parts of the reserve are also designated as Ramsar sites.