Prioksko-Terrasny Biosphere Reserve

The Prioksko-Terrasny Biosphere Reserve, situated on the terraces of the Oka River not far from Moscow, is one of Russia's smallest yet most internationally significant protected areas. Covering just under 50 square kilometers, it safeguards a surprisingly diverse mosaic of pine forests, peat bogs, and rare steppe plants that grow completely isolated from their primary southern habitats. However, the reserve achieved global fame through its European bison breeding center, which was established in 1948. In the aftermath of World War II, the European bison was teetering on the absolute brink of extinction. Thanks to the tireless, dedicated efforts of scientists at this facility, hundreds of bison have been successfully bred and subsequently released into the wild across Europe. Today, visitors can still observe these massive, prehistoric-looking herbivores living in semi-wild conditions in the forested enclosures. This combination of intensive breeding and strict habitat protection serves as a shining beacon of wildlife conservation.

Nearby cities

Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and a major global center for politics, economics, and culture.

Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod is situated at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers.

Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-Don is a port city in southern Russia and a major gateway to the Caucasus.

Voronezh

Voronezh is a major city in southwestern Russia, located on the Voronezh River near its confluence with the Don.

Krasnodar

Krasnodar is located on the Kuban River in southern Russia and is the administrative center of the Kuban region.

Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is part of Russia's Golden Ring and is located at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers.

Ryazan

Ryazan is a historic city southeast of Moscow and is known for its magnificent Kremlin.

Lipetsk

Lipetsk is located in central Russia on the Voronezh River.

Kursk

Kursk is located in southwestern Russia and is known for the magnetic anomaly in its region.

Bryansk

Bryansk is located in western Russia on the Desna River and is a major industrial center.

Tver

Tver is located at the confluence of the Volga and Tvertsa rivers and was a powerful principality in the Middle Ages, rivaling Moscow.

Ivanovo

Ivanovo is known worldwide as the center of the Russian textile industry and is often referred to as the City of Brides.

Vladimir

Vladimir was the capital of Russia in the Middle Ages and is now part of the Golden Ring.

Arkhangelsk

Arkhangelsk is located in northern Russia at the mouth of the Northern Dvina River into the White Sea.

Belgorod

Belgorod is located in southwestern Russia near the Ukrainian border.

History & landmarks

Kolomna

An ancient city famous for its preserved Kremlin and traditional apple pastila treats.

Murom

An ancient Russian city on the Oka River, known as the home of the epic hero Ilya Muromets.

Vyshny Volochyok

Known as the 'Venice of the North', this city is famous for its complex 18th-century canal system.