Prioksko-Terrasny Nature Reserve
Facts and practical information
Prioksko-Terrasny Nature Biosphere Reserve is one of Russia's smallest zapovedniks, sprawling over an area of 5,000 hectares along the left bank of the Oka River in the Serpukhov District of Moskva Oblast. It was established in 1945 as part of the Moscow Nature Reserve and is home to 900 plant species, 130 bird species, and 54 mammal species. A wisent nursery was established in 1948 to populate the region with European bison from the Belovezhskaya Pushcha and Western Caucasus. There is also a small herd of American bison. ()
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
European Bison, Wisent
The European bison, also known as the wisent, is one of two bison species still in existence today, the other being the American bison. Native to Eurasia, the European bison nearly went extinct due to excessive hunting, with the last wild animals of some subspecies...
Mammals
European mink
The European mink, also known as the Russian or Eurasian mink, is a small, semiaquatic mammal native to Europe. Although it bears a resemblance to the American mink, it is smaller and possesses a less specialized skull. Interestingly, despite their similar names...
Mammals
Greater spotted eagle
The greater spotted eagle, or simply spotted eagle, is a majestic bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. Its scientific name, *Clanga clanga*, comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning "scream." This impressive eagle is quite sizable, measuring between 59...
Birds
American Bison, Buffalo
The American bison, often referred to as the American buffalo, is a majestic animal that historically roamed North America in vast herds. These herds once stretched from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. Due to mid-20th century conservation efforts, the bison population...
Mammals
European turtle dove
The European turtle dove, a member of the Columbidae family, spends its summers in the southwestern Palearctic and winters in northern sub-Saharan Africa. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this bird was originally classified in the genus Columba but was later...
Birds
Tula