Belokurikha natural park

During this year ASU scientists have conducted the complex examination of the future specially protected area – Belokurikha natural park. They had been going on scientific and research expeditions from June to September to collect the necessary data, study the territory’s ecological and geographical features, its plant and animal life, earth material, soil structure, and so on. The purpose of the work was to study the biological diversity and environmental conditions of the territory planned to become a protected area of regional relevance. Belokurikha natural park is located on the territory of Smolensky, Altai and Soloneshensky Districts in close vicinity to Belokurikha and Belokurikha-2 health resorts.

At the beginning of December the scientists summarized the results of their work and came to the conclusion that one operational season for exploration of such biologically diversified and unique territory is not enough. The research should be continued. But the obtained data is enough to realize that the future natural park is the territory that requires serious and caring attitude.

“Moderate continental climate, which is remarkable for warm summer and mild snowy winter, is typical for the planned natural park,” says work coordinator, Doctor of Biology, Professor Marina M. Silantyeva.

The animal life of the future natural park is very rich and diversified. The scientists have found here four amphibian species out of five that inhabitate Altai Krai and six reptilian species out of eight that can be met in the region. According to preliminary data, the red-listed Siberian salamander species was also found here.

“The animal life here is so abundant due to diversity of the presented natural complexes and the future park height variations,” says M.M. Silantyeva.