Cape Martyan

Cape Martyan is a monument of nature, national preserve (1973). A preserve 'Cape Martyan' is in the direct vicinity from the famous parks of Nikita Botanical Gardens, scientific workers of which is holding scientific research. The scientists of the Gardens exposed more than 500 species of plants, including 14 endemic sorts. Here is preserved a plot of primordial juniper forest, individual old trees of which are 500-600 years old. And a population of strawberry tree microcarpous is one of the largest in the Crimea, it numbers about 3000 individuals of this relic species. Three relic species - juniper, strawberry tree macrocarpous and lizard orchids - are included in the Red Book. All the sparse and relic plants are under reliable protection there. The fauna of the preserve is also very original. There are 15 species of mammals, 150 species of birds. 11 species of the fauna are included in the Red Book, Crimean gecko and leopard woodsnake are put down into the International Red Book. Adjoining to Cape Martyan a zone of the Black Sea is also reserve: more than 50 species of fish inhabit there. In summer there is little shadow in the juniper forest, the air is heated, loud singing of cicadas can be heard from everywhere. Such is a unique monument of the ancient crimean nature.