Yugyd Va National Park

Yugyd Va Overview

Yugyd Va National Park, known locally as Югыд ва, is the largest national park in Russia, covering approximately 7,303 square miles (18,917 square kilometers). It is located in the Komi Republic, within the Ural Mountains, and is part of the Virgin Komi Forests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park’s landscape is dominated by rugged mountain ranges, dense boreal forests, and pristine rivers. The highest peak in the park is Mount Narodnaya, standing at 6,214 feet (1,894 meters), making it the tallest mountain in the Urals. The park is intersected by several rivers, including the Pechora and Kosyu, which contribute to the region’s rich biodiversity and serve as lifelines for the diverse wildlife inhabiting the area. The landscape is also characterized by vast taiga forests, tundra plateaus, and deep valleys, creating a remote and untouched wilderness.

Yugyd Va National Park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including large mammals such as brown bears, wolverines, and lynxes, which roam the dense forests. The elusive Siberian roe deer and reindeer can also be spotted, particularly in the open tundra and forested areas.

The park provides a critical habitat for rare species like the Russian desman, a semi-aquatic mammal found near water bodies. Birdwatchers may encounter golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and the rare great grey owl, among many other avian species. The diverse ecosystems support a range of fish species in the rivers, making the park an essential refuge for aquatic biodiversity.

Visitors to Yugyd Va National Park can experience its untouched wilderness through various outdoor activities. Hiking is a popular way to explore the park, with trails leading through ancient forests, along riverbanks, and up to breathtaking mountain summits. The rivers provide opportunities for rafting and kayaking, allowing adventurers to navigate through crystal-clear waters surrounded by pristine nature.

In winter, the park transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, attracting cross-country skiers and wildlife enthusiasts eager to witness the beauty of the taiga in its frozen state. Fishing is another popular activity, with the park’s rivers teeming with species such as grayling and taimen. The remote location ensures that visitors seeking solitude and connection with nature can truly immerse themselves in an unspoiled environment.

The park’s conservation efforts have been instrumental in preserving one of Europe’s last remaining wilderness areas. As part of the Virgin Komi Forests, it plays a crucial role in protecting old-growth boreal forests and the diverse species that depend on them.

However, the park faces threats from illegal logging, poaching, and the impacts of climate change, which could alter its fragile ecosystems. Despite these challenges, strict conservation policies and UNESCO designation have helped maintain its pristine condition.

Continued efforts in ecological research and sustainable tourism aim to balance human impact with the need for long-term protection. The commitment to safeguarding Yugyd Va National Park ensures that future generations can continue to experience the raw beauty of Russia’s northern wilderness.

Park Map

Yugyd Va National Park Highlights

Wildlife

The Yugyd Va National Park, located in the Komi Republic of Russia, is the largest national park in the country and part of the UNESCO-listed Virgin Komi Forests. This vast wilderness is known for its pristine boreal forests, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear rivers, providing a crucial habitat for many rare and iconic species. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Yugyd Va National Park.

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

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
A stealthy and elusive predator, the Eurasian lynx hunts hares, roe deer, and smaller mammals in the park’s dense taiga forests.

Wolf (Canis lupus lupus)
A key predator in the region, the wolf hunts in packs and preys on deer, wild boar, and smaller mammals, playing a vital role in the park’s ecosystem.

Siberian Roe Deer (Capreolus pygargus)
A common herbivore in the park, the Siberian roe deer grazes in the meadows and forest clearings, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and young tree shoots.

Elk (Alces alces alces)
The largest herbivore in the park, the elk inhabits the boreal forests and wetlands, feeding on aquatic plants, twigs, and bark.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A resilient and adaptable species, the wild boar forages through the park’s woodlands, searching for roots, berries, and small invertebrates.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A strong and tenacious scavenger, the wolverine thrives in the park’s remote wilderness, feeding on carrion and small mammals.

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 dense taiga.

European Beaver (Castor fiber)
An essential species in the park’s wetland ecosystems, the European beaver builds dams and lodges along rivers, creating habitats for many other species.

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

Birds

The Yugyd Va National Park is a haven for birdlife, with its vast forests, rivers, and tundra regions providing ideal habitats for resident and migratory species. 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 over the park’s 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 park’s mountainous areas.

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

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

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.

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

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
A rare and elusive species, the black stork nests in the park’s remote forested areas and feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates.

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.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
A large and elegant waterfowl species, the whooper swan breeds in the park’s wetlands and shallow lake areas, feeding on aquatic vegetation.

Yugyd Va National Park remains one of Russia’s most significant protected areas, preserving the rich biodiversity of the Komi forests while providing a sanctuary for these remarkable species.