Meshchyora National Park | |
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Мещёра, Meshchera, Meshchora | |
Location | Vladimir Oblast |
Nearest city | Vladimir |
Coordinates | 55°34′N 40°15′E / 55.567°N 40.250°E |
Area | 118,900 hectares (293,808 acres; 1,189 km2; 459 sq mi) |
Established | April 9, 1992 |
Governing body | FGBU "Meshchyora" |
Website | http://www.park-meshera.ru/ |
Meshchyora National Park (Russian: Мещёра (национальный парк)) covers extensive wetlands (swamps, peat bogs, rivers and lakes) and pine/birch woodlands in the Meshchera Lowlands on the East European Plain in Vladimir Oblast, about 120 km east of Moscow. The wetland habitat provides for extremely rich biodiversity among the plants and animals.[1] The area is associated with the medieval Meshchera tribe, from which the area takes its name.[2] "Meshchyora" National Park (Мещёра) is not to be confused with "Meshchersky" (Мещёрский) National Park, which is just to the south, over the border in Ryazan Oblast. The Meshchyora NP is located entirely within the Oka River watershed. A small corner of the park touches on the border of the Moscow region. About 39% of the park territory is used and managed for agricultural purposes by local communities.[3]