This reserve is located in the Arctic Ocean approximately 200 km north of the Chukchi Autonomous Region in the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia. Its core area covers 9,163 km2. This heritage site in the Arctic Circle consists of the mountainous landscape of Wrangel Island (7,608 km2), Geraard Island (11 km2) and the surrounding waters. Wrangel Island was protected from the glacial effects of the Quaternary Ice Age and is characterised by exceptionally rich biodiversity. It has the largest population of Pacific walrus in the world and is home to the world’s most concentrated polar bear nesting ground. It is the northernmost nesting area for 100 species of migratory birds, including many endangered birds. Currently, 417 species or subspecies of vascular plants have been identified on the island. Its species density is two times that of any other area of the Arctic tundra and higher than that of other Arctic islands.
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(2020). Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve, Russia. In: Chen, A., Ng, Y., Zhang, E., Tian, M. (eds) Dictionary of Geotourism. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_1724
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2538-0_1724
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