Lazov State Reserve
The pristine beauty of the island-legend, the complex mountain relief, significant differences in altitude, the proximity of the sea, the peculiar conditions for the development of flora have created a unique variety of flora on this territory. In this relatively small area there are plants characteristic of broad-leaved forests, taiga, tundra, steppe and even subtropics.
Lazov State Nature Reserve named after L.G. Kaplanov (area of protected area 120 024 hectares) is located in Southern Primorye on the territory of the Lazov Municipal District. The territory of the reserve is located on the southern spur of the Sikhote-Alin ridge - the Zapovedny ridge (the highest altitude within the reserve is 1379 meters above sea level), gradually decreasing to the south up to the coast of the Sea of Japan
Preservation and study of natural complexes of coniferous and broad-leaved forests of southern Sikhote Alin, living here rare and valuable animals, primarily gora and spotted deer.
> It is home to 57 species of land mammals, including 7 species listed in the Red Books of the USSR and Russia. The main ones are the Amur tiger (14 adult individuals), the gore (210-220 individuals), the spotted deer (650 individuals). 319 species of birds have been registered (of which 28 are Red Book species, including 8 nesting species - scaly crochal, mandarin duck, Ussuri zuek, Japanese backas, osprey, hawkish snarl, white-tailed eagle, black stork), rare and endangered species of insects - 21 (Saturnia Artemis, Grilloblattid Diakonov, etc.).
In Primorye, many representatives of the animal and plant worlds of bygone eras have been preserved: Manchurian nut, spiky yew, aralia, ginseng, Amur velvet, Ussuri tiger, leopard, Himalayan bear, spotted deer, goral, pheasant, blue magpies. At the same time, the fauna and flora of Primorye were enriched by cold-loving Siberian and hunting species: birch, spruce, larch, aspen, brown bear, wolverine, sable, grouse. The exceptional richness of fauna and flora, the dynamic polyclimatic structure, the combination of speciation processes with the preservation of the oldest species of living organisms led to a very high degree of natural complexes.
A trip to the Lazovsky Reserve is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the richness of nature of the Primorsky Territory. Here all conditions are created for this: ecotropes, viewing areas, and for those who want to stay for a few days - cozy houses in the bays of Petrov and Proselchnoye.
Tourist routes
Employees of the reserve have developed routes along the most picturesque forest trails, where you will see all the diversity of flora and fauna of the region. You will walk along the field of flowering forest poppies, walk along the shore of a unique lake, explore the protected islands from a motor boat.
"Tiger's Path" - the route was developed jointly with the staff of the scientific department. It passes along the coast of the reserve, then visitors climb the stone stairs to the observation deck, which offers a magnificent view of the sea and Petrov Island. In early spring, when the buds on the trees are just beginning to burst and the forests are shrouded in a light gray-green haze, these slopes become lilac-pink from the flowering thickets of pointed rhododendron. Here, the coniferous smell of juniper, combining with the salty sea air, creates an unforgettable aroma of freshness. Further, the route continues along the forest trail, which will lead visitors to the Bay of Peschanaya. During the tour you can find traces of the Amur tiger and get acquainted with the methods of studying the life of this striped cat. And also visit the badger "city", see, if you are lucky, spotted deer, and in the coastal waters of the spotted seal - larga. The time of excursions from May to October. The duration of the tour is 2.5 hours.
"The island that stopped time" - the route passes through the territory of the reserve. The trail is cognitive and walking in nature. The virgin vegetation of Petrov Island is amazing. In the northwestern part there is a grove of pointed yew. On an area of about 1 hectare, 412 yews grow, the average age of which ranges from 800 to 900 years. The island has very rich vegetation: there are 396 species of vascular plants alone. Artifacts located near the trail allow you to mentally transfer to several centuries ago. You will not only see untouched nature, but also make a trip to the southern and northern Primorye at the same time. You will have the opportunity to look into the mirror of the ancient well, try to unravel the secrets of the island, plunge into the atmosphere of peace and quiet. May - October.
"Breath of Spring" - is held in late May-first decade of June. It is during this period that forest poppies bloom in the yew grove of Petrov Island. The yellow-orange sea of flowering forest poppy is amazingly combined with the dark green needles of ancient yews. On the slopes along the trail, visitors will enjoy a multicolored carpet, “woven” by nature from early flowering plants. The tour is 2 hours long.
"Stone Rhapsody" is a motorboat trip around protected islands. You will see near unusual creations of nature, admire the most beautiful coves. During the sea voyage, meetings with the larga, a white-tailed eagle soaring in the sky are possible. You will see a small bird bazaar.
"Throughout the century" - the route passes through the reserve. About 3 km group follows the forest road, descends to the bay of Zarya, the length of which is 1.9 km. Here, on the coast, there is a unique Lake Zarya. It grows a relict aquatic plant - Schreber Brazil. The main range of this ancient plant is in tropical and subtropical Asia. In August, part of the water surface of the lake is covered with a multicolored carpet. It is pleasing to the eye of the leaves of Brazil Schreber. Of the fauna in the lake there are 4 species of freshwater mollusks. Two of them were described only from Lake Zar, and not found in other lakes of Primorsky Krai. This is the kunashir of Zimin and the kunashir of Zareya. The cup of Zareiska is found in Primorye only on the island of Zarya. During the tour there is an acquaintance with the historical past of these places. Unusual weathering of rocks, reddish sand, which in the rays of the setting sun acquires a scarlet shade, pure water, acquaintance with unusual vegetation will pleasantly surprise everyone who visits these places. During the trip, you can meet spotted deer, a badger running on his business and even see the traces of the Amur tiger. In absentia, you can get acquainted with the striped owner of these places by taking part in the interactive game “Find me”. The duration of the tour is 4 hours.
