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Questions about Yugyd Va National Park

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Where is Yugyd Va National Park located?

Yugyd Va National Park is located in the Komi Republic, a republic of Russia, on the western slopes of the Polar and Northern Ural mountains, on the border of Europe and Asia.

What is the significance of Yugyd Va National Park in Europe?

Yugyd Va National Park is Europe's largest national park, surpassing Vatnajokull National Park in Iceland. It was also Russia's largest national park until Beringia National Park was created in 2013.

When was Yugyd Va National Park established?

Yugyd Va National Park was established on the 23rd of April 1994 by the Russian Government, with the goals of protecting and enabling recreational use of the taiga forests of the Northern Urals.

Is Yugyd Va National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. In 1995, Yugyd Va National Park and the neighbouring Pechora-Ilych Nature Reserve were jointly recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site under the name Virgin Komi Forests.

What wildlife lives in Yugyd Va National Park?

Yugyd Va is home to around 180 bird species, 20 fish species, 5 amphibian species, and one reptile species. Mammals include reindeer, bear, wolf, wolverine, Arctic fox, moose, flying squirrel, otter, and pine marten, among others.

How many tourists visit Yugyd Va National Park each year?

According to the park's management, Yugyd Va receives around 4,000 tourists per year, which is well below its assessed recreational capacity. Annual user fees of roughly 2.4 million roubles (about US$100,000) fall short of the park's operating costs of around 5 million roubles (about US$200,000).