Tunguska Nature Reserve is a Russian 'zapovednik' located in the central part of the Central Siberian Plateau. As a result of a meteorite in 1908, more than 2,000 km2 of boreal forest was felled and burned. The taiga affected in the disaster area has been restored in the past 100 years. The reserve is situated in the Evenkiysky District of Krasnoyarsk Krai.
Topography
The reserve sits on a low plateau, with deeply cut river valleys. The valley tops resemble elongated ridges, with hills of a typical height of 100–300 meters. The highest point in the territory is 602 meters above sea level. The Tunguska Event occurred on the northern edge of the reserve. The Stony Tunguska River runs across the southern border of the site. Two main rivers run south through the reserve, the Chamby River and the Hushmy River. The river valleys are generally waterlogged when not frozen. Lake Cheko, a round, picturesque thermokarst lake is on the northern border of the site; it has been suggested as a possible impact site of the 1908 meteorite fall.
Climate and ecoregion
Tunguska is located in the East Siberian taiga ecoregion, which sits between the Yenisei River and Lena River. Its northern border reaches the Arctic Circle, and its southern border reaches 52°N latitude. The dominant vegetation is light coniferous taiga with Dahurian larch forming the canopy in areas with low snow cover. This ecoregion is rich in minerals. The climate of Tunguska is Subarctic climate, without dry season. This climate is characterized by mild summers and cold, snowy winters.
Flora and fauna
About 70% of the territory is forested, a further 15-20% is swamp. Aside from the dominant pine and larch there are occasional spruce and cedar. There is undergrowth of alder, dwarf birch, cranberries, blueberries, grasses, mosses and a covering of lichens. Scientists on the reserve have recorded 314 species of angiosperms. The animals of the reserve are characteristic of the central Siberian taiga. Mammals include elk, brown bear, sable, squirrel, wolf, caribou, and wolverine. Scientists on the reserve have recorded 41 species of mammals and 19 species of fish. Birds are mostly wetland species; 170 species have been recorded in the territory.
History
A number of archaeological sites from the Neolithic Period have been identified on the site, with stone tools, ceramics and bone fragments.
Ecoeducation and access
As a strict nature reserve, the Tunguska Reserve is mostly closed to the general public, although scientists and those with 'environmental education' purposes can make arrangements with park management for visits. There are four 'ecotourist' routes in the reserve, however, that are open to the public, but require permits to be obtained in advance. All four lead to the presumed site of the meteor explosion. The main office is in the city of Vanavara. There are several flights per week to Vanavara from Krasnoyarsk.
