Azov-Syvash National Park was created to preserve the rich flora and fauna, unique natural complexes of the northern Azov region. It covers an area of over 52,000 hectares, of which only 8469 hectares are occupied by land, and 43,685 hectares - are Azov Sea, Syvash lake and Utlyutskyy estuary.
52,000 hectares
8469 - land
43685 - water
The water contains useful minerals and acid salts, sodium chloride, magnesium and potassium, etc.
One of the most interesting places in Azov-Syvash park is "dead" - or rather "rotten sea" - Lake Syvash. This Bay of the Azov Sea is divided into eleven shallow waters. Its total area is about 2500 km².
Sivash is separated from the Sea of Azov by Arabat Spit. Together with Perekop isthmus, they form the boundary between the Crimean peninsula and the mainland.
Due to the extremely high salinity, water is not suitable for living organisms. Here you can find only some types of bacteria, algae and invertebrates. Only in some eastern parts of the lake, some fish live. But there is a wide variety of birds - more than 100 species: pelicans, cormorants and others. Many of them are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
Also, Syvash mud is of great value. Studies have shown that its use is highly beneficial for the skin, joints and is an effective way to relieve stress. The total reserves of salt in the lake is about 200 million tons.
Since ancient times, the region is engaged in the extraction of salt, and today there is a salt plant. Here you can find the pink salt, rich in the carotene - algae growing in the lake contains it. In the future, the production of beta-carotene with pink brine for food and cosmetic purposes is possible.
Every year tourists come to experience the healing qualities of Syvash water and mud.
Byriuchyi Island is a "spit" in the Azov Sea with area of 7232 ha and 20 km in length
Another outstanding point of the Azov-Syvash National Park is a Byriuchyi Island (in translation - "Wolf Island").
Byriuchyi Island was formed as a result of reclamation of sand and limestone, so its western coastline has many bays and coves. Along the coast there are many lakes. The climate on the island is temperate, continental, with long hot summers. It is dominated by vascular plants - reed, bulrush, bluegrass etc. The island has meadow and sandy steppe landscapes. In the 70-80-ies of the last century the forests of narrow-leaved oleaster, elm, locust, and ash, were planted, covering the total area of 232 hectares.
The fauna of the island is represented predominantly by cloven-hoofed animals - there are red deer, fallow deer, kulans, horses and mouflon. Also, there are foxes, raccoon dogs, and pheasants. Most plants and animals are acclimatized, as up until the 20s, the Island had a poor wildlife.
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Mailing address:
54, Petrovskogo Street., 75500, Henichesk, Kherson region
Tel. (05534) 3-21-09, fax 3-65-90