Shorsky National Park

Shorsky Overview

Shorsky National Park, known locally as Шорский национальный парк (Shorsky Natsional’nyy Park), is a vast protected area in southwestern Siberia, Russia.

Covering approximately 1,614 square miles (4,180 square kilometers), the park is situated in the Tashtagolsky District of Kemerovo Oblast, about 300 kilometers south of the regional capital, Kemerovo. Established in 1989, Shorsky National Park was created to preserve the unique natural complexes and cultural heritage of the Mountain Shoria region, home to the indigenous Shor people.

The park’s terrain is predominantly mountainous, with elevations ranging from 500 to 800 meters above sea level, reaching a maximum height of 1,555 meters at Kubez Mountain. This rugged landscape is characterized by deep river valleys, dense taiga forests, and numerous karst formations, including caves and limestone outcrops.

The Mrassu River, meaning “Siberian Pine River” in the Shor language, flows north to south through the park’s center, serving as its main watercourse. The park’s geology, featuring soluble rocks like limestone, has led to the development of springs, caves, and unique rock formations.

The vegetation in Shorsky National Park is representative of the dark taiga biome, with approximately 92% forest cover. The dominant tree species include Siberian pine and Siberian fir, with occurrences of spruce, pine, and aspen. Willows are commonly found along the floodplains.

The park’s flora is diverse, with records of 51 species of trees and shrubs, over 600 vascular plant species, 300 species of moss, and more than 200 species of mushrooms. This rich biodiversity reflects the park’s position as a transition zone between the Altai Mountains and the West Siberian Plain.

Wildlife in the park is abundant and varied. Large mammals such as brown bears, red deer, roe deer, mink, and sable inhabit the area. The park is particularly known for its sable population.

Other predatory mammals include wolves, foxes, wolverines, weasels, ermines, otters, badgers, and lynxes. Birdlife is equally diverse, with 183 recorded species, offering birdwatchers ample opportunities to observe various avian species in their natural habitats.

Shorsky National Park boasts several notable natural features that attract visitors. The “Saga Waterfall” is a multi-tiered cascade dropping 15 meters into a serene pool and grotto. The “Tsar’s Gate” is a prominent rock formation with a natural arch overlooking the Mrassu River.

Caving enthusiasts can explore the “Moonlight” cave, extending 200 meters and adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and the “Azasskoy” cave, known for its expansive gallery. In total, the park contains over 60 documented caves and distinctive rock outcrops.

Visitors can engage with the park through various activities. Hiking and horseback riding trails traverse the diverse landscapes, offering immersive experiences in the dense forests and mountainous terrains. The Mrassu River provides opportunities for rafting, allowing visitors to navigate its scenic course.

For accommodations, the park maintains three shelters equipped with wooden huts suitable for year-round stays. To access the protected areas, visitors must obtain permits from the park headquarters in the town of Tashtagol.

Conservation efforts in Shorsky National Park have led to significant successes. The cessation of logging activities following the park’s establishment has allowed mature forests to regenerate, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health.

The park’s management focuses on preserving the natural environment while promoting sustainable tourism practices. However, challenges persist, including mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and ensuring that increasing tourism does not negatively impact the park’s ecosystems.

Ongoing efforts aim to balance conservation objectives with the cultural and economic needs of the local communities, particularly the indigenous Shor people.

Park Map

Shorsky National Park Highlights

Wildlife

The Shorsky National Park, located in the Kemerovo region of southern Siberia, Russia, is a vast wilderness known for its taiga forests, rugged mountains, and pristine rivers. This park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including large mammals, rare amphibians, and unique bird species. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Shorsky National Park.

Siberian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos collaris)
One of the park’s most powerful predators, the Siberian brown bear roams the forests and riverbanks, foraging for berries, nuts, fish, and small mammals.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx wrangeli)
A secretive and highly skilled predator, the Eurasian lynx hunts hares, roe deer, and small mammals in the park’s dense woodlands.

Siberian Roe Deer (Capreolus pygargus)
A key herbivore of the park, the Siberian roe deer thrives in its meadows and forest clearings, feeding on grasses, leaves, and shrubs.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa ussuricus)
A robust and resilient species, the wild boar forages through the park’s undergrowth in search of roots, berries, and small animals.

Wolf (Canis lupus lupus)
A top predator in the park, the wolf hunts in packs and preys on deer, wild boar, and smaller mammals, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance.

Sable (Martes zibellina)
A small but agile carnivore, the sable is highly valued for its luxurious fur. It hunts rodents, birds, and insects in the taiga forests.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A powerful and tenacious scavenger, the wolverine is well adapted to the harsh Siberian environment, feeding on carrion and small mammals.

Siberian Salamander (Salamandrella keyserlingii)
A remarkable amphibian, the Siberian salamander can survive extreme cold by freezing solid in winter and thawing in spring.

Common European Adder (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in the park, the common European adder is often found in sunny forest clearings, preying on small rodents and amphibians.

Siberian Chipmunk (Eutamias sibiricus)
A small but energetic rodent, the Siberian chipmunk gathers seeds and nuts, playing an important role in forest regeneration.

Birds

The Shorsky National Park is an important habitat for various bird species, ranging from majestic raptors to songbirds and forest-dwelling birds. The park’s vast forests, rivers, and mountains create ideal nesting and feeding grounds. Here are some of the most iconic bird species found in the park.

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
A dominant bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle is often seen soaring above rivers and lakes, hunting fish, waterfowl, and small mammals.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
A powerful predator, the golden eagle hunts hares, marmots, and even young deer. It nests on cliffs and high trees in the mountainous areas of the park.

Ural Owl (Strix uralensis)
A nocturnal hunter, the Ural owl preys on rodents, small birds, and amphibians in the park’s dense forests.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a formidable nocturnal predator, hunting rabbits, hedgehogs, and other birds.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
A large and striking member of the grouse family, the Western capercaillie is known for its elaborate courtship displays in spring.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A majestic bird, the common crane breeds in the park’s wetlands and open grasslands, performing elaborate dances during mating season.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
A striking and common bird in the park’s forests, the great spotted woodpecker feeds on insects hidden beneath tree bark and plays a vital role in pest control.

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
A small but agile bird, the Eurasian nuthatch is known for its ability to climb down tree trunks headfirst while searching for insects.

Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)
A colorful and stocky finch, the hawfinch has a powerful beak capable of cracking open hard seeds such as cherry pits and acorns.

Siberian Rubythroat (Calliope calliope)
A strikingly beautiful songbird, the Siberian rubythroat is commonly seen flitting through the park’s undergrowth, singing its melodic calls.

Shorsky National Park remains a vital conservation area in Siberia, protecting its diverse wildlife while preserving the pristine landscapes of the taiga and mountain forests.