Nature Museum of the Astrakhan State Natural Biosphere Reserve

The collection of the museum includes more than two hundred fifty-nine items, two hundred fifty-nine items of the collection are presented in the exposition and are included in the main funds of the museum. Astrakhan Reserve was founded in 1919 to protect the unique natural complexes of the Volga Delta. The territory of the Astrakhan Reserve currently consists of three sites in the lower reaches of the delta: Damchiksky (in the west), Trekhizbinsky (in the middle part) and Obzhorovsky (in the east).

The positive role of the reserve in preserving and restoring the flora and fauna of the Volga delta and the Northern Caspian is obvious: it was possible to restore the number of many species that were threatened with complete extinction (for example, the lotus, the big white heron). In 1984, by the decision of UNESCO, the Astrakhan Reserve was awarded the status of a biosphere reserve.

Through the reserve are route routes of migratory ducks, geese. The most numerous mallards, broad-bearings, stitchtails, dives, scirks and others. Many birds stop in the Volga delta to feed themselves. They eat and rest here, gaining strength before a long and heavy flight to warm lands. Some stay on nesting grounds.

There are few mammals. Basically these are boars, wolves, foxes, otters, field mice, baby mice. There are squirrels, lizards, and patterned slivers. In the lower reaches of the Volga Delta there are more than 290 species of plants. Among them are relics (salvinia, chilim). In the reserve grows a fabulous lotus flower of extraordinary size and color. The reserve has the Caspian Ornithological Station, which studies the number, placement and migration of birds. Astrakhan Reserve is the largest center of bird ringing.