IREMEL

IREMEL, a natural park of area 49.3 thous. ha within the territory of Beloretsky and Uchalinsky raions. It was organized in order to preserve unique natural complexes, to protect rare plant species and rare animal species, to ensure stable hydrological condition of the heads of the rivers of Bashkir (Southern) Urals, to organize recreation and tourism (2010). It includes Iremel mountain group, and Avalyak and Yagodny ridges. The Belaya River originates in the territory of I. The relief is represented by medium-altitude mountains. There are swamps in intermountain depressions (Karaguzhinskoye, Septinskoye, Tygynskoye and Tyulyukskoye). The flora of I. accounts for approx. 550 species of higher vascular plants, including 11 species found only in the territory of I. (Dryas octopetala, Lagotis uralensis, Silene paucifolia, etc). There are over 30 relicts and 15 endemics. 60 plant species are included in The Red List of the RB, of which Cypripedium calceo­ lus, Epipogium aphyllum, etc are included in The Red List of the RF. The fauna of I. is diverse. There are approx. 270 species of vertebrates and 350 species of invertebrates. 126 bird species nestle here. 40 animal species are included in the Red List of the RB, 14 of them are included in the Red List of the RF. An ecological corridor of the park runs on the border of South Ural Reserve to protect migratory routes of large animals.