Photographs by Hendrik Zeitler Click on any photo to see a larger version. © 2001 Hendrik Zeitler Orenburgsky Zapovednik preserves islands of steppe that had nearly vanished by the end of the 18th century. © 2001 Hendrik Zeitler Pale blue forget-me-nots (Veronica spp.) bloom in May in the Orenburgsky Zapovednik. © 2001 Hendrik Zeitler In spring, fields of hedysarum (Hedysarum spp.) paint the steppes yellow as far as the eye can see. © 2001 Hendrik Zeitler The lazy bends of the Ural River form the northern border of the Aituarskaya Steppe in Orenburgsky Zapovednik. © 2001 Hendrik Zeitler The Russian almond (Cerasus fruticosa) grows widely on the steppes of the Orenburgsky Zapovednik. © 2001 Hendrik Zeitler One of the first flowers to bloom on the steppes in early spring, the purple pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens) changes from brilliant blue to dry husks by mid-May. © 2001 Hendrik Zeitler Two steppe marmots, or bobaks (Marmota bobak) stand keenly alert just outside their burrow. © 2001 Hendrik Zeitler The stars trace a circular pattern through the night sky above the Orenburgsky Zapovednik.

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