Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park, located in the Moscow Region and city of Moscow, was established in 1983. It covers an area of 11 000 ha, of which 3 000 ha are within the administrative boundaries of the city. The park is located northeast of Moscow in the heart of the Eastern European Plain, with the highest elevation being 194–234 m above sea level.

Losiny Ostrov National Park, of all Moscow attractions, offers the best combination of nature and wildlife. In terms of size and grandeur, it is often compared to Rio de Janeiro's Pedra Branca State Park and Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park. It is the Russian capital's first national park, where many species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles can be found.

Moraine and water-glacier relief characterize the terrain. Coniferous-broad-leaved forests of spruce and linden with an admixture of oak or maple are common; pine forests can be found on sands and loamy sands. The flora includes over 500 vascular plant species, including numerous orchids in the Yauza swamps. The upper Yauza wetland complex is the most valuable; it covers approximately 500 ha and contains channels, shallows, reed and cat's tail thickets, and an oligotrophic moor.

Waterfowl on the flyway use it as a breeding ground and a stopover, including the red-necked grebe, great crested grebe, bittern and little bittern, common heron, and various ducks. There are 186 species of birds in the world (including 125 nestings). The Park is home to rare birds such as the red-footed falcon, hobby falcon, goshawk, kestrel, common buzzard, honey buzzard, and kite. The quail can be found in meadows, while the hazel grouse can be found in spruce forests and along streams.

Google rating: 4.6/5
Address: Poperechny Prosek, 1G, Moscow 107014, Russia
Phone: +7 499 268-60-45
Website: http://elkisland.ru/