The deputy director for the protection of the Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve reported that the recent severe fire in the protected area caused damage estimated at 0.5 billion rubles, according to TASS. The statement highlights the scale of the loss and underscores the impact on the reserve’s habitats and ecological value.
Kudryavtsev noted that the fire in the Obzhorovsky section was the most destructive blaze in recent years. The fire service brought the blaze under control after three days of intensive effort. The swift response helped prevent an even larger catastrophe and protected critical zones within the reserve that support a range of wildlife and plant communities.
Despite the devastation to some reed beds, the most valuable forested areas, including the nesting sites of various bird species, were preserved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of wetland and forest ecosystems to fires and the importance of rapid intervention to safeguard breeding grounds and migratory habitats.
In remarks about the broader significance of the Astrakhan Reserve, Kudryavtsev emphasized that the Volga Delta and the reserve have earned the nickname Bird Hotel because more than 300 bird species inhabit or migrate through the area year-round. This exceptionally rich avifauna makes the site a key location for biodiversity, ecotourism, and international conservation interests. He warned that fire, often linked to human activity, remains a persistent threat to this delicate avian population, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and responsible stewardship.
The fire in the Astrakhan Reserve began on March 15 and affected an estimated area of about 3,000 hectares. The event prompted coordinated firefighting efforts, ongoing monitoring, and post-fire recovery measures designed to restore damaged habitats and support wildlife that may have been displaced during the incident. The longer-term work involves assessments of ecological impact, strategies to prevent future fires, and ongoing collaboration with regional authorities to strengthen fire prevention and response capabilities.