Astrakhan Nature Reserve

Astrakhan Nature Reserve is a Russian zapovednik, or strict nature reserve, covering islands and wetlands of the Volga Delta where the Volga River enters the northwest Caspian Sea in Astrakhan Oblast. Its landscape of extensive reeds, cattails and willows provides critical nesting habitat for waterfowl and wading birds, and its waters hold some 50 documented fish species, including beluga sturgeon. The reserve was established in 1919, covers 66,816 hectares, and since 1975 has been designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance; since 1984 it has also been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.