[1][2] The reserve was formally established in 1992 to protect the biodiversity of the upper Barguzin valley, and to study natural processes of the area.

The territory also covers parts of the South Muya Ridge and the Amutskaya Basin.

Glacial origin is evidenced by cirques and lateral moraines in the Barguzin valley.

The dominant vegetation is light coniferous taiga with Dahurian larch Larix gmelinii forming the canopy in areas with low snow cover.

In the river valleys the floral communities are those of meadows, in combination with sedge and willow marshes.

[6] The current inventory of animals in the reserve shows 201 species of vertebrate: 6 fish species, 3 of amphibians, 4 of reptiles, 145 of birds, and 43 species of mammals[6] As a strict nature reserve, the Dzherginsky Reserve is mostly closed to the general public, although scientists and those with 'environmental education' purposes can make arrangements with park management for visits.