Saratov Island
Few know of Saratov Island's natural beauty. It is a sanctuary for rare plants and animals specially adapted to live on one of the northernmost islands off Tamaris. While the island is part of Petrek, only the Saratov Island Flora and Fauna Society shows real interest in the mostly barren locale. They maintain a small dock on the southern edge and have built a hut where scientists and explorers can spend the summer. The National Geological Society in Samoir regularly sends members to Saratov Island to study the caves and rock formations.
Not even Saratov Island is safe from our nation's embrace of steam power and coal. Soot from our ships coat the rocks and kill the rare and unique plant life on the island. Fishermen who, twenty years ago, wouldn't dream of sailing within fifty miles of the shores now only stay just far enough away to avoid being dashed upon the rocks. They take fish that the birds need to feed their young, to survive. With each passing year, the birds have to fly farther out to see and spend longer away from their chicks. No one here would dream of leaving an infant alone for days on end, yet, because these are birds, we think nothing of it! And who is to blame but ourselves? The Society has watched this island for generations. And we say that we will not sit idly by while our beloved island chokes to death! This murder must end!
Geography
Saratov Island is rocky, treeless, and known for being perpetually windy. Above ground, there is no fresh water, and the steep cliffs running to the edge of the island make landing boats difficult. Inside the island, however, there is an expansive network of caves with the innermost chambers being covered in ice. In the summer, there are pools of clear fresh water that helps sustain life on the island. Standing at the highest point, it is possible to see the whole of the island, and the only safe entry is at the southern side where the rocks slope more gently towards sea level. On the northern side, there are tall columns of basalt, the final remains of an ancient volcano.
Fauna & Flora
The island is known as a haven for nesting birds, and puffins migrate to the island in the thousands. They share with petrels and kittiwakes. Due to its remote location, there are few natural predators on the island. The Saratov Brown Bat is unique to the island and lives there year round. They have a double layer of fur to keep them warm and dry and extra long claws capable of gripping ice only to be frozen in place during winter. However, a recent fungal epidemic decimated the population, and it has yet to recover. There are also voles, though no one is quite sure how they got to the island.
Mosses and lichens are abundant on Saratov Island, and they cover the rocks in an unusual display of color. Orange lichens are the most common, and most of the mosses are on the more protected southern half. In late spring, wildflowers dot the landscape in brilliant blues and whites.
Type
Island
Owning Organization
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