Employees at the Khakassky state nature reserve in Abakan were surprised by a rather unusual delivery: a brand new Lada Niva Travel all-terrain vehicle was handed over to the reserve as part of a federal program. Usually, recently delivered vehicles are parked for a period in a secure lot, but this time the car was kept near the protected area for a short, purposeful stay that highlighted its potential role in conservation work.
During the time the vehicle awaited transfer to the reserve’s fleet, AVTOVAZ specialists discovered a nest with eggs beneath the hood. At the reserve director’s request, the nest remained undisturbed and was left in place as the vehicle prepared for its next phase of use. According to Viktor Nepomniachtchi, the director of the reserve, the nest’s exact origin remains unclear — it is not specified whether the eggs were already situated within the territory before the car arrived or if they were moved along with the vehicle. In any case, five chicks have since hatched, providing a small, natural reminder of the habitat the new vehicle will help protect. Nepomniachtchi noted that the presence of the car can be considered a fortunate sign of reliable, 100 percent protected transport in the reserve’s operations.
The Niva Travel was acquired using federal budget funds and, aside from a minor natural artifact, met all specifications of the order. Once the chicks were accounted for, the vehicle was integrated into the reserve’s operational plan. Its primary mission is to safeguard the Khakassky territory, supporting rangers and researchers in monitoring wildlife, patrolling sensitive zones, and responding quickly to any ecological incidents. The announcement underscores how modern, government-supported vehicles can enhance the effectiveness of conservation work in remote and protected areas, where reliability and off-road capability are essential for safe access and rapid deployment.
- In a separate regional update, a driver in Sweden reportedly paused to help a calf over a barrier during a journey, illustrating how vehicles can intersect with wildlife encounters in diverse environments.
- Footage and details about similar driving experiences are available for viewing on RuTube, offering additional context on how vehicles perform in real-world, off-road conditions.