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Kandalaksha nature reserve

This reserve was created because it was necessary to prevent the total extinction of the eider - a big northern sea duck known for its valuable eiderdown. For a long time hunters got eiderdown during laying of eggs, destroying both eggs and birds. As a result the species – as valuable «among the birds of north seas as the sable among the fur-bearing species in taiga» – was under the threat of extinction. In 1930 new hunting rules were approved, according to which eider hunting and destruction of their nests were prohibited within the whole country. Large group of Kandalaksha skerries were declared a refuge (zakaznik) of waterfowl and forest game, and soon the Kandalaksha game-reserve was created.

Nowadays the number of eider nests amounts to 3,000 there. Kandalaksha Bay as one of the most important waterfowl habitats is included into the list of wetlands of international importance. Several endemics (species that grow only there) grow in the part of the nature reserve called «Turiy Mys»: a dandelion species (Taraxacum) and a sun rose species (Helianthemum arcticum) are included into the Red Data Book of Russia.

There are no ecological paths in the protected zone. But there is an excursion route around the water area of Kandalaksha Bay without landing to the islands of the nature reserve. The reserve-related Nature Museum is open in Kandalaksha.