The Great Arctic Zapovednik, or Bolshoi Arktichesky Zapovednik, is an area that is untouched by humans and its vast expanses include the Arctic Circle, the Taimyr Peninsula and the Karsk and Laptyv seas that surround the peninsula. Polar bears, walruses, reindeer and beluga have made their homes here, and even rare migratory birds enjoy the undisturbed landscape for their breeding time. The Bolshoi Arktichesky Zapovednik, became officially protected on 1993.