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Prielbrusye
National Park
Facts:
Animals •
Vegetation • Historical
and Cultural Monuments • Geographical
Features • Conservation Status • Visitors
Guide •
References
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Animals
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Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra caucasica), wild mountain
goats, live at the borders of alpine meadows and forests, where
they feed on grasses and young trees. Higher in the mountains,
tur (Capra caucasica) rest in groups of eight to 10 during
the day, descending carefully to graze in alpine meadows only
in the evening. In the winter months they form larger herds and
head towards the valleys. It is a difficult time of year for
the tur, when food is hard to find and many animals become the
prey of wolves (Canis lupus).
Foxes also hunt in the national park, preferring small rodents,
such as wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and voles (Microtus spp.).
Lynxes (Lynx lynx) prey on Caucasian snowcocks (Tetraogallus
caucasicus) and other birds, as well as hares (Lepus europaeus),
roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and young tur and chamois.
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) live throughout the forests
of the national park, but are particularly fond of the Baskan
River valley, and can sometimes be seen in the early morning
drinking from the Narzan mineral springs. The unassuming weasel
(Mustela nivalis) -- a mere 20 cm from nose to tail --
is actually a fierce predator, hunting many of the park's rodents.
Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are common in the park, forming
groups of eight to 15.
Six species of bird are found in the Russian Red Book of rare
and endangered species: Caucasian black grouse (Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi),
Saker falcon (Falco cherrug), golden eagle (Aquila
chrysaetos), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus),
imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), and bearded vulture (Gypaetus
barbatus). Other colorful birds include Eurasian dipper (Cinclus
cinclus), parrot crossbill (Loxia pytyopsittacus),
goldfinch (Cardeulis carduelis), great rosefinch (Carpodacus
rubicilla), gray wagtail (Motacilla cinerea), alpine
chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus), tawny owl (Strix aluco),
Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo), and song thrush (Turdus
philomelos). Though the park does not lie in the direct path
of the Great Caucasus migration route, a number of migratory
birds nonetheless pass through Prielbrusye in early spring and
fall, such as gray and purple herons (Ardea cinerea, A. purpurea),
mute swans (Cygnus olor), greylag geese (Anser anser),
gadwalls (Anas strepera), teals (Anas crecca),
little grebes (Tachybaptus ruficollis), and common cranes
(Grus grus).
The Caucasian viper (Vipera kaznakowi), another red-listed
animal, is endemic to the region. The banded newt (Triturus
vittatus ophryticus), also listed in the Russian Red Book,
can be found in forests on slopes and valleys alike up to elevations
of 2,750 m above sea level. Other more common amphibians in the
park include the common newt (T. vulgaris), European spadefoot
toad (Pelobates fuscus), common European toad (Bufo
bufo) and European green toad (B. viridis), European
tree frog (Hyla arborea), lake frog (Rana ridibunda) and
brown frog (R. macrocnemis).
A local species of brown trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario)
that swims in the park's rivers may live for more than 50 years,
and may swim upstream to elevations of 3,000 m above sea level.
The fish is carnivorous, spending its youth chasing insects,
worms, and mollusks; as an adult, it attacks larger fish, such
as the northern pike (Esox lucius). Mostly the trout eat
crustaceans such as the gammarus (Gammarus pulex).
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Vegetation
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With its perpetually frozen cap of snow, Mt. Elbrus cools the
entire area, supporting plant life characteristic of cooler climate
zones. The sharp changes in elevation throughout the park further
create several belts of vegetation. At the highest levels where
plants still grow -- about 3,000 to 3,500 m above sea level --
small colonies of lichens cling to rock faces. Mouse-ears (Cerastium spp.),
whitlow-grasses (Draba spp.), and saxifrages (Saxifraga
vinnica) may also be found peeking out through these lichen
gardens. In the alpine belt between 2,700 and 3,000 m above sea
level, grasses grow eight to 15 cm tall in summer pastures.
Further down, in the sub-alpine meadows, grasses and flowers
may grow as tall as 70 to 80 cm. One of the region's loveliest
flowering shrubs, the Caucasian rhododendron (Rhododendron
caucasicum), grows in these areas. Locally called the "alpine
rose," the pale pink and cream-colored blossoms of the rhododendron
come into bloom in early spring. The plant digs its roots deep
into the thin soil of steep mountain slopes, allowing it to withstand
snows of up to 1.5 meters.
Birches (Betula spp.) and Caucasian and Scots pines (Pinus
kochiana, P. sylvestris) are the predominant trees in the
lower forests of the national park. One particularly interesting
birch (Betula raddeana) is a relict from the Tertiary
Period, about 65 million years ago. Through it is a rare species,
its pale pink bark and dark green leaves make the tree easy
to spot.
The park's high mountain forests are also rich with mushrooms
and wild berries -- wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca),
bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), black current (Ribes
nigrum), and raspberry (Rubus idaeus). The silvery
foliage of the sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) can
be seen all along the Baskan River Valley.
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Historical
and Cultural Monuments
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During the Second World War, German troops
attempted to cross the Caucasus Mountains near the peaks of
Mount Elbrus, moving the front to its highest elevation of
the entire war. During the battle in 1943, casualties were
heavy on both sides, though the Red Army succeeded in preventing
the Germans from crossing to the Caspian oilfields east of
the mountains. Many of the soldiers were never buried in the
ground, but the perpetual snows of Mount Elbrus have covered
their bones. In 1971, a special war museum and monument to
these soldiers was built at the "Mir" Station, located at 3,500
m above sea level and accessible by cable car. From the station,
visitors can also see a 360-degree panorama of Elbrus and the
surrounding mountains. The museum draws around 9,000 guests
annually.
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Geographical Features
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Prielbrusye National Park lies along the Baksan River basin,
including the high mountains in which the river's headwaters
form. The park stretches from the northern side of Mount Elbrus
down through the jagged peaks of the Great Caucasus Mountain
Range that divide the Russian Federation from Georgia. Glaciers
cover 155 square kilometers, 15.3 percent of the full area of
the park. In turn, these glaciers provide the main water source
for the park's streams and rivers. There are few lakes; the handful
of glacial lakes, such as Syltran-Kyol, 2,950 m above sea level,
are high in elevation and difficult to reach.
The two heads of Mount Elbrus, for which the park is named,
are the highest peaks in Europe (the eastern peak is 5,621 m
above sea level, the western -- 5,642 m). The two peaks are actually
individual volcano cones separated by 1.5 kilometers. Geologists
surmise that Elbrus rose from the ground 10 million years ago,
and that its last volcanic activities ended just 1,500 to 2,000
years ago. In fact, in ancient folklore, it was on the two peaks
of Mt. Elbrus that Prometheus' arms were bound as punishment
for giving fire to humanity.
The region's volcanic past is apparent in other features of
the park as well. Visitors may notice a sulfuric odor rising
from numerous naturally carbonated mineral springs. Commonly
called "Narzan," the water of these springs is rich in various
mineral salts, and is believed by many to have powerful healing
properties. The Dzhili-Su hot springs, located at 2,380 m above
sea level, maintain a temperature of 22.4 degrees Celsius year-round. |
Conservation Status
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Elbrus has long drawn hikers and mountain climbers, but it is
only in recent decades that concern for preserving its wilderness
has been expressed. Official scientific study of the region's
glaciers began in the 1930s, when scientists from the Soviet
Academy of Sciences began continual observations of the area.
In 1961 a High-Mountain Geographic Institute was formed to observe
the peaks of Cheget and Terskol. Three years later, in 1964,
the Geography Department of Moscow State University opened a
permanent research center in the area, focusing particular attention
on studying glaciers.
The park is divided into three functional zones. Visitors are
not allowed to enter the strictly protected zone, which is reserved
for conservation and limited scientific observation. In the moderately
protected zone, scientists and tourists alike are welcome. The
regulated zone is designed for extensive, through regulated,
recreational use, including hotels, restaurants, and roads; in
addition, locals are allowed to graze their herds and cut hay
in this area.
Promoting tourism while preserving the region's flora and fauna
is a continuing challenge for park managers. Elbrus has been
a popular resort in winter for skiers and in summer for hikers
since the 1930s. Hotels, restaurants, and gondolas were built
to accommodate the thousands who visited each year. At the present
time, the park staff is unable to force visitors to stay on trails
and clean up after themselves, but they hope that continuing
education for park visitors will help alleviate the problem.
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Guests to the park will find much to do during
their stay in Prielbrusye National Park. Numerous trails branch
out from the main roads, tracing scenic routes from short,
level walks to strenuous, multiple-day hikes. More serious
alpinists can even climb to the summit of Mount Elbrus or surrounding
mountains, with or without the aid of local outdoor adventure
agencies. The park is open for downhill skiing between December
26 and March 31. Amenities include a number of ski runs of
varied difficulty and opportunities for heli-skiing.
The main road winds 20 kilometers through the picturesque
Adyl-Su Valley, offering motorists views of sparkling glaciers
and snowy peaks. Travelers can also stop to enjoy and gather
water from the Narzan springs, which bubble up in the valley.
Where paved roads end, a system of cable cars and chair lifts
bring visitors high up the mountain to the "Mir" station, 3,500
m above sea level. Along the way, guests can view the lovely
Devichy Kosy (ÔMaiden's Braids') waterfall. A war memorial
museum and 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains
rewards visitors at the top.
Several hotels and restaurants are located in the village
of Terskol, located on the main road, and elsewhere in the
park. Campgrounds are also available. Buses to and from the
park run regularly from Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria
(appx. 3 h) and Mineralnye Vody, a resort city in the Caucasus
(appx. 4 h). Tour companies can also arrange transportation
to and from a number of locations. |
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References
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Bekkaev, M.A., and M.M. Gorlov. Prielbrusye National Park.
El-Fa Publishing Center, Nalchik, 2003 (Russian).
Golombek, I.B. "Prielbrusye National Park." Zapovedniks and
National Parks of the NorthernCaucasus. Kavkazsky Krai Publishing Agency, Stavropol,
2000 (Russian).
Zabelina, N.M, L.S. Isaeva-Petrova, and L.V. Kuleshova. Zapovedniks
and National Parks of Russia. Logata, Moscow, 1998
(Russian and English).
Interviews with zapovednik staff also provided information for
this article.
Text by Lisa Woodson.
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