Moricsala Nature Reserve

Moricsala Nature Reserve (Latvian: Moricsalas dabas rezervāts) is a nature reserve in western Latvia (Courland). It is situated on two islands in Lake Usma and consists of boreal, mixed broad-leaf and oak old-growth forest as well as swamps.[3][4][5] Founded in 1912, it is the oldest nature reserve in Latvia. Being a so-called strict nature reserve, entry into the reserve is prohibited except for scientific purposes.[6][7] The nature reserve serves as a habitat for several rare species of moss, lichen and insects; for example, 222 species of butterflies can be found here. For some of these butterflies, the nature reserve is the only known habitat in the Baltic states.[4]

Moricsala Nature Reserve
Lake near Usma [lv]
Map showing the location of Moricsala Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Moricsala Nature Reserve
LocationLatvia
Coordinates57°11′35″N 22°07′47″E / 57.19306°N 22.12972°E / 57.19306; 22.12972
Area815 ha (2,010 acres) [1][2]
Established1912

References

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  1. ^ Moricsalas Dabas Rezervāts Protected Planet
  2. ^ "Moricsalas dabas rezervāts" (in Latvian). Latvian Nature Conservation Agency. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  3. ^ Strazdiņa, Līga; Madžule, Linda; Brūmelis, Guntis (2011). "A contribution to the bryoflora of Moricsala Island Nature Reserve, Latvia" (PDF). University of Tartu. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04.
  4. ^ a b "Moricsala reserve". Visit Ventspils. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  5. ^ "Moricsalas dabas rezervats". Baltic Country Holidays. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  6. ^ "Protected areas". Latvian Nature Conservation Agency. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  7. ^ "Specially Protected Nature Territories". Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia. Retrieved 22 May 2015.