Agusalu Nature Reserve Explained

Agusalu Nature Reserve
Photo Width:240
Map:Estonia
Map Width:240
Location:Estonia
Nearest City:Jõhvi
Coordinates:59.0661°N 27.5442°W
Area:11003ha

Agusalu Nature Reserve is a nature reserve situated in eastern Estonia, in Ida-Viru County.

The nature reserve encompasses a portion of a large area of wetland, and the landscape is dominated by bogs; however it is also the location of the only system of continental sand dunes in Estonia, overgrown with rare old-growth forest. The area has traditionally been difficult to access and therefore the traces of human influence are very limited. It even served as a refuge for local people during times of war. Oil shale mining in the vicinity, as well as intensified forestry, are today the major threats to the area's unique environment.[1] [2]

The area is home to a number of rare or protected species. From the fauna, gray wolf and Eurasian lynx can be mentioned, as well as several birds - it is the most important nesting area in Estonia for the common greenshank and home to both white-tailed eagle and golden eagle. Plant species include unusual orchids.[3] [2]

Today, the area has been equipped with a bicycle trail and other facilities for visitors.[2]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Annotated Ramsar List - Estonia . . The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands . 19 February 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130207130856/http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-pubs-notes-anno-estonia/main/ramsar/1-30-168%5E16412_4000_0__ . 7 February 2013 .
  2. Book: Protected Natural Objects in Ida-Virumaa . 2012 . 20 . Estonian Environmental Board . 2013-02-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131029202828/http://www.keskkonnaamet.ee/public/Keskkonnaharidus/trykised/Ida-Virumaa_eng.pdf . 2013-10-29 . dead .
  3. Web site: The Annotated Ramsar List - Estonia . . The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands . 19 February 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130207130856/http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-pubs-notes-anno-estonia/main/ramsar/1-30-168%5E16412_4000_0__ . 7 February 2013 .