The Little Sosva Reserve terrain is of one extensive wetlands around a complex system of meandering rivers. The land is flat, cut with valleys and ridges by the rivers. The territory is about 85 km from north to south, and 23 km from west to east, with the Malaya Sosva river running up the middle. About 400 km of the middle and upper reaches of the Malaya Sosva are within the borders. In its upper reaches, the river is about 20 meters wide, and about 50 meters wide in the lower areas. The meandering riverbed is boulder-pebble with many sandbars and cliffs at the turns, and rapids in places where the course narrows. The highest ground in the territory is 154 meters above sea level. About 15% of the reserve is covered by marshes. Along the western and southern borders is a 5-8 km protected buffer zone.
Climate and ecoregion
Little Sosva is located in the West Siberian taiga ecoregion, a region that covers the West Siberian Plain, from the Urals to the Central Siberian Plateau. It is a region of extensive conifer boreal forests, and also extensive wetlands, including bogs and mires. The climate of Little Sosva is Humid continental climate, cool summer. This climate is characterized by mild summers and cold, snowy winters. In the Little Sosva Reserve, the average precipitation is 500 mm, the average snow cover is 184 days, and the average frost-free period 90 days from late spring to early autumn.
Flora and fauna
Malaya Sosva is central: its floral communities include species from Europe to the west, the classic taiga of the West Siberian Plain, some species of the southern steppe, and som of the northern taiga / tundra. The most common tree in the reserve is the Scots pine, a relatively undemanding tree that is resistant to ground fire. 83% of the territory is forest, most of which is pine forest on sandy soil. Siberian spruce is found above the lowest valleys, and cedars are found mixed in small numbers. Throughout the reserve, waterlogged downed pine trees support communities of sphagnum moss, bog vegetation, small shrubs. Scientists on the reserve have recorded over 400 species of vascular plants, and more are being discovered every year. Scientists on the reserve have recorded 38 species of mammals, 209 of birds, 1 species of reptile, 2 species of amphibians, 16 species of fish and many invertebrates. They are mostly typical of the middle taiga of the Western Siberian Plain: Siberian Chipmunk, brown bear, sable, ermine, elk, and grouse
Ecoeducation and access
As a strict nature reserve, the Little Sosva Reserve is mostly closed to the general public, although scientists and those with 'environmental education' purposes can make arrangements with park management for visits. There are a number of 'ecotourist' routes in the reserve, however, that are open to the public, but require permits to be obtained in advance. About 3,000 tourists visit the reserve each year. The main office is in the city of Sovetsky.
