Intact forest sites are around lake Varozero in Belomorskij region of the Republic of Karelia (Tungudskoe district forestry, Belomorskoe forestry).
Status is planned SPNA landscape reserve "Varozero" (S = 1700 ha) according to “Territorial planning scheme of Karelia” (approved by Government Decree of the Republic of Karelia from 06.07.2007, No 102-P 2007).
The territory is characterized by the presence of natural ecosystems, abundance of rare and endangered species of animals, plants, lichens and fungi listed in the Red books of different levels, including Bryoria fremontii, Lobaria pulmonaria, Pandion haliaetus.
"Varozero" forests is so-called "red taiga" or almost extinct in Fennoscandia one-dominant pine taiga with after-fire origin. Natural diversity conservation of these primeval taiga forests as standards is of European significance. The presence of intact forest landscape, the reference nature of wetland forests tend to Northern taiga subzone of Eastern Fennoscandia, the presence of typical taiga flora and fauna species (including species listed in the Red books of Russia, Karelia and EF), high landscape vulnerability to anthropogenic influences, minimal scientific knowledge ensure the necessity of creating landscape reserve "Varozero".
The landscape reserve is created to preserve the unique natural complexes and objects, biological diversity, to keep territories for hunting, fishing, gathering mushrooms, berries and other uses of non-timber forest products, as well as for ecological tourism development.
Sources:
- photos from the archive of KRPO «SPOK» (ngospok@gmail.com).
- maps from "Scientific substantiation of planned landscape reserve "Varozero" (the Republic of Karelia, Belomorskij region)", 2009 year.
