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Specially protected natural territories of the Russian Federation
Sochi National Park
The Sochi state natural national park is one the first parks in Russia created in 1983 in order to preserve the unique natural complexes of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus formed at the junction of the subtropics and highlands. This area is characterized by a rich diversity of species of flora and fauna. By the number of rare and endangered species of plants, the park holds the leading place among the national parks of Russia. Favorable climatic conditions, high recreational potential, variety of natural, historical and cultural landmarks have made the park one of the most popular in the country, a true gem in the crown of the Krasnodar Territory.
What makes the park landscape peculiar is the abundance of rivers and streams that create a huge number of canyons and waterfalls. Here are also such important geological monuments as underground rivers, the limestone massifs with deep caves. The territory of the Sochi national park features a considerable number of karst massifs – Alek, Akhun, Ahtsu, Akhshtyr, Dzyhra. On the floor of their arrays are about 200 caves, 50 of which are the largest karst cavities of great interest for scientific purposes and for spelunking. Among the country’s longest karst cavities are well-known Vorontsovskaya cave on the Ahtsu massif (12 km) and Nazarovskaya Cave on the Alek massif (7 km). Beech forests here have a height up to 50 m. A quarter of all the trees of the Sochi park are oaks growing on the mountain slopes. It is only in this park that you can find a unique European chestnut, which is a relict species. The favorite tourist destination is the Riviera Park abundant with unique species of flowers, herbs and rare species of trees. The Sochi park has a huge number of rare species of roses, of which the park florists annually create a new beautiful composition. In summer the park offers vacationers an opportunity to hide from the scorching sun in the shade of tall chestnut and pine trees. And in winter you can enjoy the fragrance of blooming magnolias and sweet-scented pine needles. Magnolia blossoms late in autumn or even early in winter. The flowers are fragrant, especially due to high humidity in Sochi, which contributes to propagation of the flavor. The Sochi national park is a unique destination for ecotourism, due to the presence on its territory of a huge number of unique species. Many species of animals that can be found in the Sochi Reserve are listed on the Red Book. The park territory is home to over 120 species of birds, some of which cannot be found anywhere else. This is the place, where deer, brown bear, Eurasian otter, roe deer, marten and many other animals that can rarely be seen in the country’s forests. Rivers of the Sochi national park abound with rare species of fish and reptiles (20 species). The territory of the Sochi national park accommodates 114 historical and cultural landmarks, namely, dwelling sites of prehistoric people, settlements, dolmen structures, well-shaped tombs, remains of fortresses, temples, burial grounds, sacrificial stones, obelisks and military monuments.
