Island of Water

In fact, the island appeared relatively recently and was the result of an error in calculations during the construction of a water canal between the Egorlyk and Kuban rivers. When the canal was built and allowed water, the latter flooded into the surrounding area and flooded pastures, leaving only a few islands.

The island is located in a state reserve on Lake Manych-Gudilo in the Orel district of the Rostov region. It is a hilly area with gentle banks on one side and a large cliff on the other. Only grassy steppe plants grow on it: thyme, wormwood, typchak, and there is not a single tree or shrub.

Once upon a time sheep and horses were bred on the island. But, over time, the water began to gain salt, and it was decided to end the farm. The animals were transferred to the mainland. But the horses were so out of control that they were left there.

It is not clear how the horses survived to this day. Currently, the herd of wild horses is under UNESCO protection, and Russian scientists are studying this population, trying to understand how animals that have lost human support change.