The Oysul Reedbed: An Oasis in the Kerch Steppes

In the north of the Kerch Peninsula there is the Oysul (Astana) Reedbed, an ornithological reserve. This is the only place of the natural range of red ducks — the ruddy shelducks; the Eurasian crane, demoiselle crane, and mute swan are also found here. In recent years, the reserve has become endangered due to salinization of the soil.