Tungussky Zapovednik (cont.)

Despite a hundred years of exploration and research no final answer was yet given to what was the true origin of the explosion which caused such wide-spread destruction in the remote region of Central Siberia. Scientists continue to debate the causes, initially assumed to be a fall of a meteorite. Nevertheless, it was a lucky situation for the humankind, because scientists have calculated that, had the blast taken place just 4 hours later, the epicentre of the catastrophe would have appeared near St. Petersburg - the capital of the Russian Empire at that time.

However, such fortunate circumstances have also had their negative impacts; as the enigmatic event almost went into total oblivion. It was only in 1921, 13 years after the event, that the first expedition led by a young Russian geologist Leonid Alexeyevitch Kulik was organized to explore the actual site to try to shed more light on the mystery. Since then, a number of mainly Russian, but also many international scientists visited the area and conducted useful investigations, obtaining data and uncovering many unusual objects (peculiar stones, gnarled trees, and unusual crater-like holes). However, the actual meteorite or its traces were never discovered and the ultimate explanation of the event is still to come.

Tungussky Zapovednik differs from all other protected areas by being exclusively devoted to systematic research and by providing a unique opportunity to study ecological consequences of cosmic catastrophes. Tungussky Zapovednik covers an expanse of several low-level ridges (only up to 500 m above sea level) of the Central Siberian Mountain Plateau, called Tungus basin. In the Paleozoic era, this was a shallow sea, which gradually disappeared leaving behind an intricate system of lagoons. In the Mesozoic era, the area was remodelled by volcanic activity. In fact, the centre of the protected area is made up of a huge crater, remnant of an old volcano and there are many smaller craters scattered around. The highest point of the area (533 m) is located on the Lakyrski Ridge – a chain of small ancient volcanoes. One of the mountain streams which has cut its way through the ridge features a beautiful waterfall Churgim.  

The area allows observation of the regeneration of nature after a major catastrophe. In fact, accelerated growth of young forests was recorded. The scientists were surprised to find that the re-emerged trees were of higher timber quality than the trees in unaffected areas. The protected area harbours many rare plant species. Interestingly, Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus), Large-flowered Cypripedium (C. macranthum) and Spotted Lady's Slipper (C. guttatum) occur together here. The territory is the eastern border of the native range of endemic Yenisey Thyme (Thymus jenisssensis) and the beautiful Calypso orchid (Calypso bulbosa). The area is well populated by birds of prey and owls such as Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos),White-tailed Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), and Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo). And of course it is home to the master of taiga - the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos).

For those who decide to venture into this remote part of Siberia, it pays off to call at the visitor centre of the zapovednik located in the building of the reserve’s administration in Vanavara village. Alongside the friendly personnel ready to give a fascinating lecture about the zapovednik and the Tungus mystery, you can also watch interesting video films or browse many of the books and booklets dedicated to the zapovednik and its history.

See also other protected areas in Central Siberia.