Wildlife reserves in the USSR

Abstract

The reserve system in the USSR is complex; more than 11.4 million ha of land are involved in several categories, which afford wildlife different degrees of protection. At least 40 major new reserves are planned for the near future, but Soviet conservationists have to face demands for agricultural land, poaching, increasing pressure from tourism and organizational problems. In 1984 the author visited the USSR to study the scientific uses of the country's reserves. It was Dr Braden's third research trip to the USSR; as Vice-President of the International Snow Leopard Trust she has been involved in discussions there about the captive-breeding and exchange of snow leopards between the USA and the USSR.

Protected Areas in Eastern and Central Europe and the USSR (an interim review)

“…Natsional'nyi park (National parks) protected natural areas established in natural wildeness and altered landscapes (including arable land), although mainly on state forest property . They are designated for recreation as well as nature protection and, as in the case of a protected lakeshore, differ from state nature reserves in that tourism is allowed (Braden, 1986). The legislation for national parks is complex.…”

“…The legislation for national parks is complex. Sites are zoned into: areas in which economic activities are controlled; nature reserves containing the finest examples of original natural habitat, where economic activities and public entry is forbidden; nature sanauaries (zakazniki) where tourists are allowed but economic activities are strialy prohibited; and peripheral buffer areas of economic activity, where habitation and sustainable levels of exploitation of natural resources (including fishing) are permitted (Knystautas, 1987 (Braden, 1986;Knystautas, 1987).…”

“…Natsional'nyipamyattxik (Nature monuments or national monuments) consist of limited areas surrounding isolated natural features such as geological sites or exceptionally old trees. Approximately 40% of these sites are of botanical interest (Braden, 1986).…”

“…By 1988 most zapovedniki had come under the administration of the Chief Administration for Nature Conservation, Nature Reserves, Forestry and Game Management (Glavprirodd). Final approval for the establishment of reserves was given by Gosplan, the State Planning Committee (Braden, 1986). Most zapovedniki have 5 to 20 scientific staff, additional research being undertaken by the Academy of Sciences, universities and other institutions (Braden, 1986).…”

“…Final approval for the establishment of reserves was given by Gosplan, the State Planning Committee (Braden, 1986). Most zapovedniki have 5 to 20 scientific staff, additional research being undertaken by the Academy of Sciences, universities and other institutions (Braden, 1986). In the RSFSR, national hunting reserves are administered by Glavokhota, the Chief Administration for Hunting and Nature Reserves.…”