The Zhiguli Reserve was first officially established in 1927, and has undergone changes in name, status and boundaries since that time. Originally formed as Srednevolzhskiy Reserve in 1927 for scientific research, it was reorganized and renamed Kuibyshev Reserve in 1938 with an expanded focus on forestry managed. During this time, exotic species were introduced, such as the Sika deer and the Amur Cork Tree (Phellodendron amurense), with damaging consequences for the pristine nature of the native plants and animals. During the 1940s, further degradation occurred as commercial oil drilling was introduced to the territory. The reserve was closed in 1961, but re-established in 1966. In 1977, the reserve was officially renamed in honor of Ivan Sprygin, the pioneering naturalist of the Samara Region, and the first director of the Zhiguli Reserve.