Kazantyp Nature Reserve

Kazantyp Nature Reserve
Kazantyp Nature Reserve
Казантипский природный заповедник
IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve)
	Cove in Kazantyp Nature Reserve
	Map of Crimea
Location	Kerch Peninsula, Crimea
Coordinates	45°27′42″N 35°50′36″E / 45.4616°N 35.8434°E
Area	4.5 km2 (1.7 sq mi)
Established	1998

The Kazantyp Nature Reserve (Ukrainian: Казанти́пський приро́дний запові́дник, Russian: Казанти́пский приро́дный запове́дник, IPA: [kəzɐnˈtʲipskʲɪj prʲɪˈpodnɨj zəpɐˈtɕedʲnʲɪk]) is a small reserve (4.5 square kilometres (1.7 sq mi)) in the Lenine Raion on the Kerch Peninsula in Crimea. The reserve includes both territory of Cape Kazantyp and coast-aquatic-complex.

Kazantyp Nature Reserve was established in 1998. It is subordinated to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The reserve protects the ecosystems of coastal area and also near coastal sea algae communities. The plant communities are mostly associated to the steppe type.

Despite its small size, the reserve includes 486 kinds of Crimean vascular plants and over one half of the plants of the Kerch peninsula. The fauna includes birds and off-shore species.

The reserve protects virgin ecosystems of coastal areas, including near-coastal sea algae communities. The plant communities are mostly associated with the steppe type.

Kazantyp Nature Reserve is listed among the 138 most valuable areas of Ukraine, defined for the Important Bird Area Programme. According to UNESCO, Cape Kazantуp is a reserve of international significance.^{[citation needed]}