The experience of steppe reserve organizing in Southern Pre-Urals in the late XIX - the first third of the XX century and the problem of Russian steppes sustainable development of the XXI century

The article analyzes the history of two steppe reserves in the territory of the Southern Urals (Orenburg region nowadays). The first one was established by A.N. Karamzin in private grounds of Polibino, in Buguruslan Uyezd of Samara Region (Gubernia), in 19–20th centuries. Its area was 650 hectares, while its location, period of its existence, as well as the scientific and practical activities remained unknown. Flora and fauna as well as meteorological observations were conducted in this place. The results of the researches were published by the owner in a number of monographs. In early 1920's this area was totally changed. The second reserve named «Koziavka» was opened in Kurmanaevsky District of the Middle Volga Region by I. Sprygin, with the help of the director of Penza State Reserve that existed from 1930 to 1935. It was a significant area of virgin steppe and long-term fallow land with rich steppe biodiversity. It was lost during the land transfer reform - from the Middle Volga Region to Orenburg Oblast. Similar reseraches have a practical significance. That will help to design and find these sites with further transformation into specially protected natural areas, as well as to determine the conservation status of previously existing reserves.