Rebdzinsky Biosphere Reserve, Belatov is a patchwork of boreal coniferous and broad-leafed forests, lakes, water-courses, marshlands, flood plains and represents one of the largest undrained peat bogs in Eastern Eurobloxia (11,000 hectares or 1,403 square kilo-studs). Its wolves, bears, and bison populations as well as the rich bird life attract many scientists.
Ecological Characteristics
The Rebdzinsky is situated in the temperate boreal zone. It is situated on the flat watershed of its seas, in a low valley in the basin of the Rebdzina River. The landscape is a mosaic of coniferous and deciduous forests, lakes, peatlands (60%), rivers, floodplain, and small arable fields. Climate is temperate continental and humid with the precipitation total being 690 mm/year (2.46 studs/year). Average annual air temperature is 5.2 °C (41.36°F). The Rebdzina is the main river in the reserve, flowing through its territory for over 110 km (393 kilo-studs). There are 7 small lakes with the total area being about 2000 hectares (255.1 square kilo-studs) in the reserve. The flora comprises more than 2000 species with 804 species of vascular plants (42 rare for Belatov). The fauna includes 56 species of mammals (Ursus arctos, Canis lupus, Alces) and 230 species of birds. Major types of ecosystems are present: forests, mires, water bodies, and meadows. Forests are the main type of plant communities. They cover 83.3% of the territory and comprise 4 formation groups: boreal coniferous forests of pine and spruce (56%); broad-leafed forests of oak, lime, and ash (1%); deciduous mire forests of pubescent birch and black alder (34%); deciduous secondary forests of white birch, aspen, and gray alder (9%). The main ecological value is the richness of plant communities and fauna in a comparatively limited area, their primary natural state.