Preservation of the natural diversity of the steppe zone of the south-east of the European part of Russia

Volgograd State University, Volgograd, Russia

^* Corresponding author: ryabinina@volsu.ru

Abstract

The article deals with conditions and formation stages of steppe specially protected natural territories in the south-east of the European part of Russia and Volgograd region. To achieve the goal, the author used methods of field complex landscape-ecological studies, analysis of cartographic, literature and fund materials. Volgograd region is situated in the middle of the south-east of the Russian Plain. It is established that the region is characterized by high diversity of landscapes and ecosystems which belong to three natural zones (forest-steppe, steppe and desert steppes) and nine landscape provinces. This area can become a key territory for building an interregional nature conservation framework with major nuclei of etalon ecosystems and landscapes. The author suggests the following ideas to improve the network of specially protected natural territories in the south-east of the Russian Plain. First of all, it is advisable to establish a number of state nature reserves and national parks of cluster type representing the landscape range of the steppe zone in the south-east of the European part of Russia. Secondly, the idea of initiating new forms of innovative protected territories looks quite promising.