Photo: V. Fisher
Photo: V. Fisher
Date of designation: 11/10/76; Astrakhan Oblast; 800,000
ha; 45'54’N 048'47’E. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; Strict Nature
Reserve, Wildlife Refuges. One of the largest deltas in the world and characterized by a
highly braided morphology, creating
over 1,000 channels in the lower delta. The site covers the seaward edge, and is composed
of extensive areas of open water,
numerous islands, reedbeds, and other aquatic plants. 70% of the world catch of sturgeon
come from the Volga tributaries,
which are a vital link in the life cycle of other commercially important fish. During mild
winters, the delta supports up to 750,000
waterbirds, including swans, geese and ducks, and summer molting ducks reach 400,000
individuals. Breeding wetland birds
include the endangered pelican Pelecanus crispus; herons, Ardea cinerea; and egrets,
Egretta alba (thousands of pairs
each). The delta is a major staging area for many species of waterbirds, raptors and
songbirds. The rise in the Caspian Sea
level has caused a northward retreat of the foredelta. Ramsar site no. 111.
(Source: http://ramsar.org/profiles_russia.htm
)
Photo: P. Goryap
More detailed information on this site (compiled by Wetlands International)
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