Agusalu Nature Reserve
Agusalu Nature Reserve is a nature reserve situated in eastern Estonia, in Ida-Viru County.
| Agusalu Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
 | |
  | |
| Location | Estonia |
| Nearest city | Jõhvi |
| Coordinates | 59°03′58″N 27°32′39″E |
| Area | 11,003 ha (27,190 acres) |
| Official name | Agusalu |
| Designated | 27 January 2010 |
| Reference no. | 1999[1] |
The nature reserve encompasses a portion of a large area of wetlands, 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.[2][3]
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.[4][3]
Today, the area has been equipped with a bicycle trail and other facilities for visitors.[3]
References
- "Agusalu". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- "The Annotated Ramsar List - Estonia". The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Archived from the original on 7 February 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
- Protected Natural Objects in Ida-Virumaa (PDF). Estonian Environmental Board. 2012. p. 20. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-02-19.
- "The Annotated Ramsar List - Estonia". The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Archived from the original on 7 February 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2013.