Durrell in Russia

The Durrells are on the move again, this time to make a BBC television series about wildlife in 11 Russian nature reserves. Filming took place over a 10-month period, exposing the crew to every extreme of climate. Most trying, physically, was constant sunlight at the Bikada Reserve far above the Arctic Circle, where they went to see musk oxen. At Repetek, near the Afghanistan border, temperatures were above 100; there in the desert, rangers patrol the reserve on camels. In the Ukraine, one of the last areas of virgin steppe is preserved; it is home to exotic and endangered grazing animals. The authors experienced fabulous hospitality and eager cooperation during their trip. They admire the work being done to protect wildlife, but note that there is no coordination among the reserves, no exchange of information. The Durrells give us a rare portrait of contrasting landscapes and a sharp sense of the vastness of the U.S.S.R. A splendid excursion. Photos.