CAVES IN THE SABAKAI ROCK

The complex (geological, archaeological, botanical, zoological) natural monument of republican significance of the Republic of Bashkortostan «The Cave in the Rock of Sabakai» is the only one within the Ufimsky plateau in the territory of the Duvansky municipal district. Data on speleological objects of this monument with the word «cave» in the name, except for the length of three caves and the mention of the site of an ancient man in them, were absent. This article presents the results of a survey by the author in 2021 of speleological objects of the natural monument «Cave in the Sabakai Rock». A total of 15 morphologically diverse speleological objects were identified. A diagram of their location is given. Data on the history of the study of speleological objects of the rock Sabakai are given. The physical-geographical and geological conditions of the area where the monument is located are described. On the basis of topographic survey, morphological, morphometric, and complex speleological characteristics of speleological objects are given. Conclusions are drawn about the dependence of the morphology of speleological objects on the purity of the composition and layering of karst rocks. The scientific and applied significance of speleological objects has been assessed. Conclusions are drawn about the conservation status of caves, grottoes and the natural monument «Cave in the rock Sabakai» in general. As a result, of all the components of the speleological objects of the site, their morphology and morphometry have been relatively well studied, while other components of the cave environment have not been studied enough. Further study of the speleoobjects of the monument in the fields of archeology, biology, microbiology, microclimate, etc. may increase the value of some of them, which will require a reassessment of the scientific and applied significance of the caves of the monument. An attempt was made to establish the age of speleological objects and conclusions were drawn about the need for further study of this unresolved issue. Morphological features of speleological objects are illustrated by numerous photographs. Features are established and recommendations are given for visiting and using the caves for tourism.