Khanka Nature Reserve

Khanka Nature Reserve is a protected wetland area in Primorsky Krai in the Russian Far East that conserves habitats associated with Lake Khanka and its surrounding marshes. It protects reedbeds, freshwater marshes and associated wildlife typical of a transboundary lake system.

The reserve’s significance lies in its role as habitat for migratory waterfowl, waders and other wetland-dependent species, with seasonal concentrations of birds during migration. It supports aquatic and reedbed vegetation communities.

The protected area was established to conserve the lake’s ecological values and to regulate hunting and resource use around this internationally shared freshwater body. Management focuses on habitat protection and scientific monitoring.

The reserve occupies shoreline and lowland areas around Lake Khanka, which sits on the Russia-China border; the surrounding landscape is predominantly flat wetland with bogs, meadows and agricultural tracts beyond the protected zone.

• Wetland importance: The reserve protects extensive reedbeds, marshes and shallow waters that are critical stopover and breeding habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland birds.