Fauna of Primorye. Nature, plants and animals of the Primorsky region

Pacific State Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education The University of Economics(UV)

WILDLIFE OF PRIMORSKY TERRITORY

Ussuriysk 2010

1. Introduction
2. Species diversity
3. general characteristics biodiversity
   • Birds of Primorsky Krai
     • Bird migrations through the territory of Primorye
   • Representatives of the order of insectivores
   • Chiroptera, or the bats
   • Rodents
   • Wild artiodactyl animals
   • Representatives of the order of carnivores
   • Studying terrestrial mammals

1. Animal salt licks as a phenomenon and indicator. Adaptation of animals to the conditions of the mountain taiga Sikhote-Alin

1. Problems of wildlife protection

1. Conclusion
2. Bibliography

INTRODUCTION

In Primorye there are 82 species of terrestrial mammals belonging to six orders. Distinctive feature The richest fauna of the region is the presence of a large number of endemic species, some of which are endangered and listed in the Red Books of various levels, and some are simply rare and require special protection measures.

Animal world Primorsky Krai is distinguished by a unique combination of northern and southern species. The richest and most unique fauna of cedar-broad-leaved forests. Typical mammals that give color to the Ussuri forests are predators: Amur tiger, Far Eastern leopard, Amur forest cat, Himalayan bear; ungulates: sika deer, wapiti. Wolverine, wild boar, lynx, sable, otter, as well as shrews and rodents are often found.

There are 360 ​​bird species in Primorye. Among them are many endemic species of the Chinese-Himalayan type of fauna or those that have a tropical appearance and winter in the Philippines and the Sunda Islands, in India and Indochina. In the forests of Primorye, the most common insectivores are: tropical-looking flycatchers, Chinese orioles, dart frogs: woodpeckers and nuthatches; herbivores: Jankowski's bunting, black-headed grosbeak; chicken: hazel grouse, pheasant. Scaly-sided merganser and variegated mandarin duck live in river valleys and lakes. Rare species are the Far Eastern stork, spoonbill, dry-billed crane, and white-naped crane.

In the reservoirs of the region there are up to 100 species of fish: crucian carp, Amur pike, topgazer, snakehead, chebak, grayling, rudd, taimen. Pink salmon, chum salmon, and masu salmon enter the rivers from the Sea of ​​Japan to spawn.

SPECIES DIVERSITY

Birds	Insectivores	Chiroptera, or bats	Rodents	Wild artiodactyl animals	Predators
Red-bellied Woodpecker	Ussuri mogera	Tubebills	Long-tailed mouse
Fish owl	Amur hedgehog	Brown long-eared bat		Amur goral
Mandarin duck			Manchurian squirrel	Wild spotted deer
black crane			Manchurian hare		Wild cat
Red-footed ibis			Far Eastern vole		Brown bear
Far Eastern stork			Daurian hamster		Himalayan bear
Crested Shelduck
Scaly-sided merganser			Little mouse
Red-crowned crane

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BIODIVERSITY

BIRDS OF PRIMORYE

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Among the birds of the Ussuri region there is a mysterious red-bellied woodpecker - the status of which is still not clear, and not only in Russia, but throughout its breeding range, which includes some part (which one exactly - there is no consensus among Chinese ornithologists) of the province Heilongjiang in China.
Of our woodpeckers, it is the only one that is truly migratory; the wintering grounds of D. hyperythrus subrufinus are located in the extreme southeast of China and Northern Vietnam and are adjacent to the habitats of its three southern subspecies.
Its close relationship with birds of the tropics is evidenced by its bright coloring and some behavioral details. The woodpecker has a bright red chest and belly and a white ring around the eye against the background of red plumage on the sides of the head, otherwise the color of the plumage resembles that of other pileated woodpeckers of the genus Dendrocopos. Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to photograph birds in nature. These woodpeckers often fly high above the forest canopy and almost always call in flight. The call of the red-bellied woodpecker is a long, modulating trill that increases in vibration. The drumbeat, on the contrary, is very short, the shortest of all other woodpeckers of the genus Dendrocopos, but quite sonorous and can be heard from a distance of more than 100 m.
The red-bellied woodpecker was introduced into the fauna of Russia in 1966 by G.Sh. Lafer and Yu.N. Nazarov, when several migratory birds were discovered on the islands of Peter the Great Bay. In the 70s, sightings of the species in the far south of Primorye became regular, but all attempts to find it here at the nesting site have so far been unsuccessful.
The discovery of the first nesting site of the red-bellied woodpecker in Russia was a complete surprise, almost 20 years after the first meeting. In 1985, it was discovered by O.P. Valchuk much further north, 60 km northeast of Khabarovsk. Since that time, the rufous-bellied woodpecker has been recorded here almost every year, and the geography of spring meetings of the species in Primorye and in the northeast of Heilongjiang province has expanded. And finally, in 1997, A.A. Nazarenko managed to find a new, second in Russia and first in Primorye nesting site for the species - on the Strelnikov Ridge in the Ussuri River basin.
As in northeastern China in the Russian Far East, the red-bellied woodpecker lives in secondary mixed deciduous forests low mountains and foothills with a predominance of oak and a large share of aspen in the forest stand. Probably, the species colonizes secondary cleared forests not immediately after logging, but when aspen stands reach maturity. It was not discovered on the territory of the Ussuri region until 1966, although many experienced researchers and collectors worked here, starting with N.M. Przhevalsky. Most likely, the red-bellied woodpecker appeared in the Russian Far East from northeastern China in the 60s, when the current secondary forests were formed throughout the border strip in the basins of the Ussuri and Amur rivers. The process of dispersal (or relocation) of the species apparently continues, because In China, due to increasing anthropogenic pressure, the area of ​​suitable habitats is steadily decreasing, while in Russia, on the contrary, it is increasing. We believe that the next nesting site of the red-bellied woodpecker in Russia may be the Lesser Khingan ridge in the Jewish autonomous region, covered with similar forests.
The biology of the red-bellied woodpecker is still poorly studied, but it is not fundamentally different from the biology of other woodpeckers, with the exception of details determined by the migratory nature of the species.
At a working meeting of the Bird Life Internetionel coordinating committee on the project of the Red Book of Birds of Asia /Khabarovsk, 1996/ it was decided to include the species in the lists of candidates for inclusion in this book. Currently, it is included in the new edition of the Red Book of Russia as a small, sporadically widespread and poorly studied species /Valchuk, in press/. Perhaps, as a special measure to protect the species, it would be advisable to create a reserve in the first nesting area. Collection of material on the biology of the species and study current state its population in the south of the Russian Far East continues.

Fish owl

In the Ussuri region there is an even rarer fish eagle owl. It is also found on the coast of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, in Primorye, on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. We can say that this is the most unusual owl in our country. Firstly, the fish owl is a long-standing representative of the Red Book. Secondly, unlike other owls, it feeds almost exclusively on fish.

In size, this owl is almost equal to the common eagle owl, but its coloring is low-contrast, monotonous, and in addition, its toes are bare, without feathers.

The fish owl spends almost all its time in one section of the river floodplain, overgrown with tall elms and poplars. Not every place is suitable for it - birds choose rivers rich in fish, as well as those that do not freeze completely in winter or have polynyas. Eagle owls feed there during the harsh season. They sit near open water on the shore and guard their prey. Five or six birds can gather near some wormwoods and gullies.

In summer, fish eagle owls usually look for fish from a coastal stone, from a high section of the shore, or from a tree trunk tilted over the water. As soon as the predator notices the fish, it immediately breaks away from the observation post and in flight grabs a lenok or grayling that has risen to the surface of the water. At night, he wanders through shallow riffles and snatches fish swimming by. To hold slippery prey, the eagle owl uses strong paws armed with very sharp hook-shaped claws. The inner surface of the paws is covered with small spines. Sometimes the fish owl changes its hunting grounds, moving from one section of the river to another. I happened to see entire paths that these birds trampled while wandering along the shore.

The fish eagle owl is distinguished by unusual fidelity for owls - pairs in this species apparently remain for several years. In February, when there is snow everywhere in Primorye, the mating season of owls begins, and the valley forests are filled with the spring calls of these birds. Birds do not interfere with each other’s “singing”: their voices sound at strictly defined intervals. Usually the male starts, but after his first syllable the female seems to insert her “song” into the male’s “song”, and both birds “sing” in a duet. Unlike the common eagle owl, the fish eagle never “laughs.” Fish owls often “sing” near the nest, sitting on one branch. Their duet can be heard far away in the morning or evening dawn - it can be heard at a distance of up to one and a half kilometers from the current couple.

At the nest, adult birds often whistle to each other.

Fish eagle owls build nests in hollows at a height of 6 to 18 m. Usually there are two, less often three, chicks in a nest. After two months they leave the hollow, but stay nearby while they learn to fly. However, for a long time, until autumn, adult birds continue to feed the young. It happens that the next year, almost adult young eagle owls fly to the new nest of their parents and, with a demanding whistle, beg them for food.

The number of this rare species of owls is steadily declining today. Economic development of floodplain areas, cutting down old hollow trees, accidental death in traps, development of water tourism, river pollution and depletion of fish stocks - all this reduces the number of these unusual birds.

Mandarin duck
The mandarin duck is the most beautiful duck on earth. Of course, we are talking about a drake. The duck is also elegant and graceful, but modestly colored. This is understandable: she cannot attract the attention of predators, since all the worries about the offspring are on her shoulders.

This is a small duck, also called Japanese duck and hollow duck. The average weight of a drake is about 620, and a duck is about 500 grams.

The flight of the mandarin duck is fast and very maneuverable: from the ground and from the water they rise freely, almost vertically.

Usually the mandarin duck is a very silent duck; it squeaks and whistles, but in the spring, during breeding, it continuously quacks, and its voice is significantly different in its melodiousness from the voices of other ducks.

Mandarin ducks usually make nests in hollows. A significant part of the diet consists of acorns. There are usually 6-7 eggs in a nest, often 8-10 eggs. The female incubates them for 28-30 days.

A rare species whose numbers tend to decline. Inhabits the Amur River, the Sikhote-Alin mountain system, the Ussuri Valley and Southern Primorye. The species nests in the south of Sakhalin and on the island. Kunashir.

The mandarin duck winters in Japan and Southern China.
The mandarin duck has no commercial significance. In China and Japan it was domesticated and bred as an ornamental bird.
The main nesting area of ​​the mandarin duck is on the Japanese Islands and on the island of Taiwan.
Mandarin ducks arrive in Primorye early, when there is still snow in places and the first gullies are just appearing on the rivers. They arrive in pairs and flocks and immediately begin their courtship; Sometimes one female is courted by up to three males. There are fights, but these fights are more like a ritual of competition.

Mandarin ducks arrive when Far Eastern frogs begin their spring concerts and spawning period. Frogs, like acorns, are a favorite delicacy of tangerines. Of course, there are also a lot of “dishes” made from plant seeds, fish, salamanders, etc. is included in the diet of these ducks, but the first two are the main ones. To feast on acorns, mandarin ducks sit on oak trees, collect them on the slopes of hills or in water.

Mandarin ducks nest in tree hollows, sometimes at a height of up to 20 meters, and one has to wonder how the chicks, falling from such a height, do not break. And then all sorts of predators appear, crows.

The female mandarin duck spends all summer raising her offspring. Males shed their nuptial plumage in June and become almost indistinguishable from females. Mandarin ducks live along remote taiga rivers, along channels blocked by windbreaks, and oxbow lakes, and therefore are still preserved in sufficient numbers. And although they are listed in the Red Book of Russia, they are not yet in danger of extinction. It is difficult to imagine the Far Eastern rivers without beautiful tangerines. Its close relative lives in America - the Carolina duck, but in beauty it is noticeably inferior to the mandarin duck, and there are almost no forests left there like ours. Both species belong to wood ducks and are found in treeless areas only during migration.

In autumn, mandarin ducks fly south late. Some males that stay until November manage to “put on” their mating plumage again...

black crane(lat. Grus monacha) is a bird of the crane family, nesting mainly in the territory Russian Federation. For a long time it was considered an unstudied species; the first nest was discovered by Russian ornithologist Yu. B. Pukinsky only in 1974. It is listed in the International Red Book as an endangered species. The total number of black cranes is estimated by ornithologists at 9400-9600 individuals.

One of the smallest species of cranes, its height is about 100 cm and its weight is 3.75 kg. The plumage of most of the body is bluish-gray. The flight feathers of the first and second orders of the wings, as well as the tail coverts, are black. The head and most of the neck are white. On the crown of the head there are almost no feathers, with the exception of many black bristles; The skin in this place in adult birds is painted bright red. The beak is greenish, slightly pinkish at the base and yellow-green at the top. Legs black-brown. Sexual dimorphism (visible differences between males and females) is not pronounced, although males appear somewhat larger. In young birds in the first year of life, the crown is covered with black and white feathers, and the body plumage has a reddish tint.

During the breeding season, the black crane feeds and nests in hard-to-reach areas of high sphagnum bogs of the taiga with oppressed woody vegetation, mainly consisting of larch or rare shrubs. Avoids both large open spaces and dense vegetation. In winter migration areas, it stops near rice or grain fields and in wetlands, where it gathers in large flocks, often together with gray and white-naped cranes.

The diet does not differ from the diet of the gray crane and includes both plant and animal foods. It feeds on parts of aquatic plants, berries, grain, insects, frogs, salamanders and other small animals. In a Japanese nursery it is fed with seeds of rice, corn, wheat and other grain crops.

A pair of black-crowned cranes celebrate their union by singing together, which is usually produced with the head thrown back and the beak raised vertically and is a series of complex, drawn-out melodic sounds. In this case, the male always spreads his wings, and the female keeps them folded. The male starts screaming first, and the female responds to each of his screams with two. Courtship is accompanied by characteristic crane dances, which may include jumping, running, flapping wings, tossing tufts of grass and bending. Although dancing is most associated with mating season, ornithologists believe that it is a common behavior of cranes and can act as a calming factor against aggression, relieving tension or enhancing the marital bond.

The nest site is chosen in hard-to-reach places in the middle of the mossy swamps of the middle and southern taiga with sparse oppressed vegetation. Pieces of wet moss, peat, stems and leaves of sedge, twigs of larch and birch are used as material for the nest. Egg laying occurs in late April-early May, the female usually lays two eggs averaging 9.34x5.84 cm in size and weighing 159.4 g (according to other sources, egg size is 10.24x6.16 cm). The incubation period is 27-30 days, both parents participate in incubation. The chicks fledge after about 75 days.

CURRENT STATE OF SOME RED BIRDS SPECIES

Red-footed ibis

In the 19th century it nested in Primorye (Przhevalsky, 1870). After 1917, it was no longer seen breeding in Russia. N.M. Przhevalsky (1870) counted two to three dozen birds during spring migration and no more than 20 during the breeding season. Over the past 60 years, solitary birds have been encountered three times in Primorye (Spangenberg, 1965; Labzyuk, 1981, 1985). In the 80s of the twentieth century. A special search for the red-legged ibis was undertaken in Primorye. The questionnaires were prepared by the Japan Wild Bird Society. The searches did not yield positive results. The local population is considered extinct.

Far Eastern stork

A significant part of the species population lives in Primorye. The main nesting area is the Ussuri-Khanka lowland. In 1974-75 About 140 pairs nested in Primorye. During these years, there were an average of 1.6 chicks per stork family (Shibaev et al., 1976; Shibaev, 1989). In recent decades, the number of this bird has been declining. Unlike the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), the Far Eastern stork (Ciconia boyciana) is less attracted to humans. Although it lives mainly in anthropogenic landscapes, nests are practically never found in villages.

Crested Shelduck

A species whose existence was known from old Chinese and Japanese drawings, as well as from several museum specimens. The Crested Shelduck was thought to be extinct. However, bird sightings in 1964 in Southern Primorye (Labzyuk, 1972) and in 1971 in North Korea(Sok, 1984) allow us to hope that birds are still preserved in nature. However, a questionnaire survey conducted in the early 1980s in East Asia, including Primorye, did not give positive results (Nowak, 1983).

Scaly-sided merganser

More than 90% of the world population of this duck nests (breeds) in the Russian Far East. (Only a very small number also nest in northwestern China.) In Primorye, the scaly-sided merganser is found on many mountain rivers in the Sikhote-Alin ridge system. The state of the population does not cause any particular concern.

Red-crowned crane

The nesting grounds of the Japanese crane in Primorye are connected with the Khanka lowland, as well as with the lower reaches of large tributaries of the river. Ussuri. Maximum amount birds were counted in 1980 (116 specimens) and 1986 (123 specimens). Successfully nesting pairs (families) were 18-19 and 20, respectively. Habitats (breeding biotope) - extensive grassy swamps with reeds in combination with lakes and small rivers. Birds from Lake Hanka fly to the Korean Peninsula for the winter. The state of the population is quite stable.

Reed sutora

This bird with an extravagant appearance was discovered in Primorye in the late 60s of the 20th century. Its main nesting area is the Khanka Lowland. According to 1977/79 estimates. no more than 400 breeding pairs lived there. The nesting biotope of the reed sutora is reed thickets. Birds spend the winter in these same thickets, feeding on insects that hibernate in the reed stems. This extreme specialization makes the species very vulnerable. Grass fires, which regularly occur in the Khanka lowland, are especially dangerous for the species. In the Chinese part of the range, industrial reed harvesting is practiced.
The creation of the Khanka Nature Reserve in 1990 somewhat reduced the severity of the threat to the existence of the species. However, it did not remove the threat completely. It is necessary to expand the territory of the reserve and fight fires.
IN last years reed sutora was found in small numbers in other areas of Primorye.

BIRD MIGRATIONS THROUGH PRIMORYE TERRITORY

The Primorsky Territory is confined to middle latitudes and to the area of ​​​​contact of the Asian landmass and Pacific Ocean, as well as the fact that the valley itself large river edges - r. Ussuri and wetland areas of the lake. Khanki and the lake plain of the river. Tumangan cross the region in the meridional direction, all this leads to the fact that in spring and autumn the Primorsky Territory falls into the zone of action of the great “Eastern Trans-Asian migratory flow of migratory birds”. Tens and hundreds of thousands of birds - waterfowl, waders, ground passerines and others - in the spring from their wintering grounds in East and Southeast Asia and Australia on the way to their nesting grounds in North and Northeast Asia (and in the fall - in the opposite direction) visit Primorye , stopping here to rest and replenish energy resources. It is noteworthy that out of a total list of 460 bird species recorded in Primorye, over 200 species cross the territory of Primorye during their seasonal migrations.
There are 2 main migration flows passing through the territory of the region. One is along the sea coast. It is followed by most of the waders, sea gulls, loons and other “sea” birds. The other is confined to the river valley. Ussuri and the wetlands of the Khanka lowland and lake plain of the river. Fog. Most of the waterfowl and the vast majority of land birds cross Primorye this way. In the extreme south of the region, in the Tumangan wetlands, these streams merge.
The first description of the spring migration of birds to the lake. Khanka belongs to N.M. Przhevalsky, who carried out his observations here in 1868 and 1869. Subsequently, many ornithologists, professionals and amateurs, engaged in visual observations of the passage of birds in Primorye, including different years of the current century. As a result, the timing of migration for most bird species and the estimated number of migrants, primarily waterfowl, are now known quite well. Unfortunately, in recent decades there has been a persistent trend of population decline for most waterfowl. Thus, the number of the kloktun population has fallen catastrophically.
Bird ringing, as a method of studying their migrations, has not become widespread in Primorye. In 1962-1970 on the lake Khanka under the leadership of V.M. Polivanov, over 5.5 thousand chicks of gray and red herons were ringed. Returns of rings, in the amount of 2.6 and 1.5%, respectively, made it possible to determine the flight areas of young birds (including far to the north) and to clarify the migration and wintering areas of these herons. In the same years, in the seabird colonies in Peter the Great Bay, under the leadership of N.M. Litvinenko, over 23,000 black-tailed gull chicks were ringed. This made it possible to clarify the pattern of movement of birds of different ages and in different seasons of the year throughout the entire Sea of ​​Japan. Some other seabirds, including the Japanese cormorant, waders and some passerines, were banded in much smaller numbers.
In the 80s, within the framework of international cooperation between International Foundation Crane Conservation (USA), the Wild Bird Society of Japan and the Laboratory of Ornithology of the Biological Institute of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences to monitor the population of the Japanese crane (see below) marked the chicks of this crane with colored rings. The project did not bring any scientific surprises.
Since the fall of 1998, the Amur-Ussuri Center for the Study of Bird Biodiversity has begun a long-term bird ringing project in the Primorsky Territory. The project is carried out on the initiative and with the financial support of the Department of Social and Ecological environment Toyama Prefecture, Japan and with the assistance of the Committee for Conservation and Sustainable Use natural resources Administration of Primorsky Krai. The main goal of the project is to create a monitoring service for the state of populations of certain groups of birds, with an emphasis on passerines through their capture and tagging during the migration period.

INSECTIVORE

Ussuri mogera

The Ussuri mogera lives in deciduous forests (primarily preferring valleys of mountain rivers) with loose soil. Leads an underground lifestyle. The passages of the Ussuri mogera are usually located at a depth of up to 10 cm; only in areas with dense soil does it dig deeper passages with the release of earth to the surface and the formation of molehills. It feeds on earthworms, larvae and adult insects.

Live animals emit a characteristic garlic odor. Lives in Primorye and in the south of Khabarovsk Territory in deciduous and mixed forests. On occasion, he catches mice and shrews. It builds passages with a diameter of 7-9 cm at a depth of up to 20 cm. It does not make molehills, but ridges of soil above the passages are usually noticeable. The skins are much more High Quality than other moles, but due to the limited distribution area, the moger remains a minor commercial species.

Amur hedgehog

Amur hedgehog(lat. Erinaceus amurensis) - a mammal of the genus of forest hedgehogs; the closest relative of the common hedgehog. It is found in northern China, on the Korean Peninsula and in Russia - in the Primorsky Territory, in the south of the Khabarovsk Territory and in the Amur Region (in the floodplains of the Amur and Ussuri rivers).
The Amur hedgehog is very similar to an ordinary hedgehog, but has a lighter color. Up to a third of its needles are devoid of pigment, so the overall tone of the needle cover is light brown. The fur on the belly is brown, hard, and bristly. On the back and back of the body there are needles up to 24 mm long. The length of its body is 18-26 cm, tail - 16-28 mm. Weight, depending on the time of year, ranges from 234 to 1092 grams.

The Amur hedgehog inhabits a wide variety of biotopes, avoiding only high mountains, vast swamps and large arable areas. Its optimal habitats are river valleys and the lower parts of slopes, covered with coniferous-deciduous forest, with rich undergrowth and grass. Prefers to settle on the border of forests and open spaces. Spends the day in the nest, but on cool rainy days it can hunt around the clock. The basis of its nutrition is earthworms and other soil invertebrates, less often small terrestrial vertebrates, and even more rarely plant fruits. The breeding season lasts from late March to early April. There are 3-8 cubs in a litter. Sexual maturity occurs at 2 years of age.

A common species in the Russian Far East.

CHEATS, OR BATS

Chiroptera, or bats, are represented in the Primorsky Territory by 15 species - of which the long-fingered, long-tailed and Ikonnikova bats*, the leather-like and eastern pipistrelle and the oriental bat are very small in number, and a clear tendency is noted for a further reduction in the number of these species and subspecies. The reason for this is the destruction of animals in natural underground cavities - karst caves and the reduction of places used for brood colonies - old buildings, since the roofs of new buildings are completely unsuitable for the formation of colonial accumulations. The oldest, currently fading group of bats is the tubenoses, rare places of which are found scattered across the vast territory of South and Central Asia. Only in the south of Primorye does a representative of this group live - the Ussuri small tubebill*. In the south of the Khasansky district there is the only colony of the common longwing in Russia, listed in the Red Book of Russia. Unfortunately, this colony, numbering up to 1000 individuals, was located in fortifications on the border with China and there is information that it was destroyed in connection with the recently completed demarcation of the Russian-Chinese border. The most numerous wintering species is the brown long-eared bat*.

RODENTS

Belyak

Large hare: body length of adult animals is from 44 to 65 cm, occasionally reaching 74 cm; body weight 1.6-4.5 kg.

The ears are long (7.5-10 cm), but noticeably shorter than those of the hare. The tail is usually solid white; relatively short and rounded, 5-10.8 cm long. Paws relatively wide; the feet, including the pads of the toes, are covered with a thick brush of hair. The load per 1 cm² of the area of ​​the hare's soles is only 8.5-12 g, which allows it to easily move even on loose snow. (For comparison, for a fox it is 40-43 g, for a wolf - 90-103 g, and for a hound dog - 90-110 g).

There is a clearly expressed seasonal dimorphism in color: in winter the white hare is pure white, with the exception of the black tips of the ears; The color of summer fur in different parts of the range ranges from reddish-gray to slate-gray with brown streaking. The head is usually colored somewhat darker than the back; sides are lighter. The belly is white. Only in areas where there is no stable snow cover do hares not turn white for the winter. Female white hare are on average larger than males and do not differ in color. There are 48 chromosomes in the hare hare karyotype.

Tsokora

The Manchurian zokor (subspecies epsilanus) inhabited most of the Khanka lowland at the beginning of the last century. However, by the 70s - 80s it was preserved only in the Primorsky Territory in 3-4 small isolated areas with sparse settlements in the western part of the lowland, in the Ussuriysky, Oktyabrsky, Pogranichny and Khankaysky districts. The range of this species continues to decline. Outside Russia, the Manchurian zokor is common in Mongolia (in the east) and China.

This is a relatively large zokor, the color of the fur can vary from dark gray to light, grayish ocher. The upper part of the nose and forehead are lighter and grayer. The chin and circumference of the mouth are whitish. Dark-colored individuals often have a pale-whitish spot on the back of the head. The tail is almost naked, with very sparse grayish hairs. Body weight can reach 456 g (on average - 297 g), body length is about 209 mm (minimum - 190 mm, maximum -238 mm), tail - 34-50.5 mm (average - 40.7 mm), feet - 32.7 (30-35.5). The length of the claw on the third finger is 14-18 mm.

The Manchurian zokor leads an underground lifestyle. Each animal digs its own complex two-tier system of passages; the area of ​​the hole can be judged by the volume of earth thrown to the surface in cone-shaped heaps. Feeding passages pass at a depth of 12-20 cm. The diameter of the burrows of underyearlings is 4-5 cm, of adults - 8-12 cm. The average diameter of emissions: 20-50 cm, height 10-30 cm. Spring heaps are smaller in volume than autumn ones, since When making passages, part of the earth is driven into the old autumn passages. When digging up the roots, the tsokor constantly makes new passages in the upper tier and clogs the old ones with earthen plugs. The lower tier of the burrow system is located at a depth of 40-110 cm and is connected to the feeding passage system by several vertical tunnels. The length of the passages of the lower tier is limited and undergoes little change. Storerooms, latrines and a nesting chamber are located here. The length of surface passages reaches 150 m. The Manchurian zokor is active all year round. During the day, peaks of activity are confined to the morning and evening twilight hours. The greatest seasonal activity of this species is observed in May-early June and is explained by the resettlement of young animals. By mid-summer, the intensity of the zokor's digging activity decreases. In autumn (August-October), a slight increase in digging activity is again observed, which is associated with the need to create food reserves. In winters with little snow, when the soil freezes, zokor activity is not observed in surface passages.

Manchurian squirrel

The decoration of the forests is the Manchurian squirrel, which is a special large subspecies of the common squirrel. The short black hair characteristic of squirrels in the summer gives way to dark gray in winter. Interesting feature The ecology of squirrels is a phenomenon of mass migrations: in years of food shortage, animals begin to undertake grandiose transitions to productive places. At this time, they can be seen in the most unsuitable habitats for them - among fields, meadows, in villages, on rocks, moving in a certain direction.

In appearance it is somewhat reminiscent of a flying squirrel, the most characteristic feature of which is a hairy fold of skin stretched in the form of a membrane on the sides of the body between the front and hind legs. This animal rarely jumps through trees like a squirrel, but more often, having climbed up the trunk to the top, it rushes down, spreading its limbs to the side. At the same time, the expanded membrane serves as a kind of glider wings or a parachute. During a gliding descent, the flying squirrel can make quick and sharp turns, and in a straight line, descending, fly up to 100 m.

Manchurian hare

The bush hare (Lepus mandshuricus) is a mammal of the genus of hares of the order Lagomorpha. Previously, it was often grouped with the Japanese bush hare (Lepus brachiurus) or classified as a separate genus, Caprolagus.

Species of the genus of hares. Previously, it was often included in the Japanese bush hare (L. brachiurus) or in the genus Caprolagus. Body weight 1.3-2.3 kg, body length 430-490 mm, tail length GO-95 mm, foot length 110-130 mm, ear length 75-90 mm.

The ears are very short; the tail is relatively long, gray below, black above. The color of the back and top of the head is buffy-brown or buffy-gray with dark streaking; there are whitish spots on the sides of the head, a dark stripe under the eye; The sides of the body and paws are fawn, the belly is dirty white. There are individuals that are black with a fawn throat and white belly or almost white. Winter fur is slightly lighter than summer fur. Like the hare, it is a typical forest dweller, preferring deciduous forests with dense shrubby undergrowth. Prefers areas with thickets of hazel and young oak trees, aspen and birch forests. The most typical biotopes for it are small overgrown ridges along rivers and springs. It lives in low watershed areas with rocks and rocky rubble, in floodplains of rivers, and on islands overgrown with bushes. In winter, it prefers steep southern slopes of hills, where little snow accumulates. Willingly colonizes overgrown burnt areas and cutting areas. Avoids coniferous plantations. It also does not like old, closed plantings and settles only on their outskirts; avoids open places. Like all hares, it is active at night. Daytime roosts are arranged in dense bushes, under dead trees and creases, stones; sometimes occupies hollows of fallen trees, root voids and old holes (for example, badgers). Like many hares, when lying down, it stays very “firmly”, allowing a person to come up to 2-3 m. In winter, especially during heavy snowfalls, it buries itself in the snow. In inclement weather, it does not come to the surface at all, but feeds under the snow, making passages in its thickness. Shelters are used many times. The individual home range of the Manchurian hare apparently does not exceed several hundred square meters. The Manchurian hare, frightened by a person, quickly runs away, but only until it disappears from sight. Unlike other hares, he does not confuse his tracks at all, does not take notes, but tries to evade pursuit “directly” and hide. It feeds on the above-ground parts of various herbaceous, tree and shrub plants. It is noted that its range coincides with the range of Lespedeza bicolor and does not go beyond the boundaries of its growth. In winter, like the hare, it switches to feeding on young shoots and bark, mainly poplar and aspen. It feeds on berries, fruits, and algae.

Daurian hamster

The Daurian hamster is a small (slightly larger than a mouse) animal with a short tail. Body length 82-126 mm, tail 20-33 mm. The muzzle is noticeably pointed, the ears are relatively large (up to 17 mm), rounded, the foot is bare, the tail is covered with soft short (sometimes longer and coarser) hair, there are no transverse rings on it.

The color of the upperparts is light brown, with ocher and rusty tones; along the ridge there is a black stripe, sometimes very blurred, and in the most light-colored races in the winter fur it is preserved only in the form of darkening in the back of the head. The border between the color of the top and sides is even. The soles are relatively densely pubescent. Calluses are not reduced, but in animals with winter fur they are hidden in the fur. In the karyotype 2n = 20.

Skull with a relatively long and narrow nasal region. The upper line of its profile, like that of the gray hamster, is uniformly convex. The nasal processes of the premaxillary bones only barely extend beyond the frontal edges of the nasals. The longitudinal depression along the midline of the skull is relatively weakly expressed, especially the part that extends onto the frontal bones. The length of the interparietal bone is more than three times its width. The upper incisors are noticeably weaker than those of the previous species; their free sections are slightly deflected back, and the alveolar sections limit only weakly expressed depressions on the lateral surfaces of the premaxillary bones.

Reliable fossil remains are unknown. Some signs of similarity with specimens of the modern species are present in extinct forms of gray hamsters from the European part of the former USSR. They are even more pronounced in small hamsters from the ancient Pleistocene of Transbaikalia, the late Pleistocene-Holocene of Primorye, and also the South. China (Choukoudian) The former are related to C. barabensis, the latter - to C. griseus Milne-Edw.

Little mouse

The smallest of rodents and one of the smallest mammals on Earth (only the shrew, a tiny shrew, is smaller than it). Body length 5.5-7 cm, tail - up to 6.5 cm; weighs 7-10 g. The tail is very mobile, grasping, capable of curling around stems and thin branches; hind legs tenacious. The color is noticeably brighter than that of the house mouse. The color of the back is uniform, brownish-ocher or reddish, sharply demarcated from the white or light gray belly. Unlike other mice, the little mouse's muzzle is blunt and shortened, and its ears are small. The northern and western subspecies are darker and redder in color.

The little mouse inhabits southern part forest and forest-steppe zone, penetrating along river valleys almost to the Arctic Circle. In the mountains it rises to 2200 m above sea level (the central part of the Greater Caucasus Range). Prefers open and semi-open habitats with high grass. It is most numerous in tall grass meadows, including floodplains, in subalpine and alpine meadows, on rafts, among rare shrubs, weed vegetation in wastelands, on fallow lands, hayfields and borders. In Italy and East Asia it is found in rice fields.

Activity is around the clock, intermittent, with alternating periods of feeding and sleep. The baby mouse is sensitive to overheating and avoids direct sunlight. A characteristic behavioral feature of the baby mouse is movement along plant stems in search of food, as well as the location of the summer nest. The mouse builds round nests with a diameter of 6-13 cm on herbaceous plants (sedge, reed) and low-growing shrubs. The nest is located at a height of 40-100 cm. It is intended for breeding and consists of two layers. The outer layer consists of leaves of the same plant to which the nest is attached; the inner one is made of softer material. Ordinary residential nests are simpler. In autumn and winter, baby mice often move into simple burrows, into stacks and haystacks, and sometimes into human buildings; laying trenches under the snow. However, unlike other mice, baby mice do not reproduce in such conditions, bringing offspring only in the summer in above-ground nests. They do not hibernate.

Baby mice are weakly social, meeting in pairs only during the breeding season or in large groups (up to 5,000 individuals) in winter, when rodents accumulate in stacks and granaries. With the onset of warm weather, adults become aggressive towards each other; males in captivity fight fiercely.

WILD HOULED ANIMALS

Red deer

Dimensions of males: length 220-255 cm; shoulder height 146-165; head length 52.5-56. Total weight - 170-250 kg. Sizes of females (cm): 185-216; 120-135; 34-48: weight 140-180 kg.

An adult wapiti has 10-12, less often 14 and, as an exception, 16 processes on both horns.

The length of the red deer horns is 87 cm, the span is 82 cm, the length of the largest processes is 32.5 cm and the circumference of the base of the horn is 20

The summer fur of the red deer consists of short, close-lying hair with a thin base, about 15 mm long, with a light yellowish lower part and a red top. There is no undercoat. General type the skins are bright red or yellowish-red, in the area of ​​the neck and shoulders there is a dark stripe 3-4 cm wide along the ridge, the mirror does not stand out from the color of the back, also of a reddish-red tone, but is delimited below by a black stripe. The head is covered with very short grayish hair, the legs are brownish. The skin that covers the antlers is covered with velvety brown or grayish wool.

Winter fur. The area from the end of the nose to the ears and the base of the horns is deep brown, with some lightening around the eyes, and the hair covering it is dense and short, 4-5 mm long. The neck is covered with long, up to 60 mm, gray-brown hair, which forms a kind of mane in winter and even darkens. The back and sides are covered with very short (5 mm) light gray fur with a sandy tint in the area of ​​the shoulders on the ridge and with a brownish coating in the back of the back formed by the dark ends of the hair. The mirror is yellow-red in color, sharply delimited on the sides by a black stripe 3.5 cm wide.

Young animals are distinguished by a reddish coloration of a shorter and sparse mane in the area between the ears. Juvenile coloration: juveniles, like all deer of the genus Cervus, are red with several rows of white spots.

The tail vertebrae of the wapiti are covered with a thin layer of tendons and muscles, covered with glandular dark brown tissue of a granular structure, weighing about 300 g. This gland consists of two lobes lying on the sides of the tail and connected together above and below, also extending to the base of the tail. Together with this gland and the skin covering it, the tail looks like a fleshy, bluntly rounded ending cylinder (5-6 cm in diameter and 15 cm in length) slightly thinning towards the end. The wapiti, like all other representatives of the genus Cervus, have lacrimal fossae that secrete a resinous yellowish “sulphur.” On the metatarsus of the wapiti, on outside, in the upper third there is an oval area with thickened skin and bristly, red-yellow hair, several times longer than the dark brown fur surrounding it.

The wapiti's hoof is short and wide. Its dimensions in a bull are as follows: front leg—length 11 cm, width when compressed 9 cm, height along the front edge 7 cm; hind leg—length 11 cm, width 8.3 cm, height 7.5 cm. In the female it is relatively more elongated. As with all artiodactyls, each half of the hoof is slightly asymmetrical, the inner one being somewhat narrower. In summer, the hoof is dense with a rounded, evenly worn edge that does not protrude beyond the sole (as is observed in moose, which live more on soft moss), but forms one plane with the latter. The angle formed by the connection of the hoof with the pastern, and the angles formed by the articulations of individual parts of the limbs, are close to 180º. The hoof is very strong, ending relatively bluntly, and the structure of the limbs as a whole corresponds to the load placed on them by the weight of an overweight animal, and to the manner of its movement.

Red deer live in the mountains on steep, often rocky slopes; in the valleys, extensive areas of pebbles along the banks of rivers are also common, that is, there is almost always a hard substrate under the feet of wapiti. Normally, animals move at a walk, not avoiding the steepest and rockiest places, and even walk on placers, and in case of alarm they move with strong high jumps, vigorously pushing off from the ground. At a trot, wapiti run little and move from jumping to walking. The movement patterns of bulls and females are slightly different. Females predominantly gallop, bending their spine more strongly and energetically, while bulls often trot.

Amur goral

One of the rarest ungulates in Russia, the goral, is found in the Sikhote-Alin mountains. This species is endangered and survives only in the most inaccessible areas of the ridge. Favorite habitats are steep rocky cliffs descending directly to the sea. Goral jumps along steep cliffs with amazing ease, making rapid jerks and jumping up to two meters. Gorals are not adapted to long running and try not to move away from the saving rocks. Currently total number These animals are estimated at 500-700 individuals, of which only 200 gorals live outside protected areas. Hunting and trapping of goral has been prohibited since 1924; the species is included in the Red Books of the IUCN and Russia.

Ussuri sika deer

An endemic species of ungulates listed in the Red Book of Russia is the Ussuri sika deer. The summer coloration of these animals is very beautiful - numerous white spots are scattered across the bright orange background. No wonder the Chinese call this deer “hua-lu”, which means “flower deer”. It is believed that in Primorye there are two ecological forms of this narrow-area subspecies - wild and park. It is the wild populations of deer that are protected by law. Currently, aboriginal populations have survived only in the Lazovsky and Olginsky districts, mainly in the Lazovsky Nature Reserve and the adjacent territory. Deer, unlike bovids (bulls, goats and rams), change their antlers annually. In the first stages of growth, deer antlers are soft, covered with delicate skin and hair; Only by autumn do they become hard and ossify. Horns before ossification are called antlers and are widely used to prepare the drug pantocrine. It was this fact that served as one of the reasons for the extermination of sika deer at the beginning of the century.

Musk deer

The original small musk deer weighs only up to 10 kg. Unlike other sika deer and wapiti, male musk deer are hornless, but have upper jaw sharp fangs 6-8 cm long. The musk deer's hind legs are significantly longer than the front ones, which allows it to easily jump up to 7 m. It walks with a calm step, “hunched over,” and if necessary, to get its usual winter food (lichens) from the trees, it stands on its hind legs, resting its front legs against the trunk. Males have a kind of gland on their belly, the so-called “musk deer stream,” which is a bag the size of egg, filled with a porridge-like brown mass with the smell of sulfur ether - musk, which is widely used, for example, in perfume production to fix the odors of perfumes.

Boar

Speaking about the ungulates of Primorye, one cannot fail to mention the Ussuri subspecies of wild boar, which differs well from the other four subspecies in its large body size. Externally, the wild boar bears little resemblance to the domestic pig. This is a massive animal on strong legs, with a highly developed anterior girdle, a very thick and short neck and a powerful head, making up about a third of the entire body length. There are also old male loppers weighing up to 300 kg, although average weight boars, including young ones, are much smaller, approximately 70 kg. From the end of November, wild boars begin their rut, accompanied by fierce fights among males. And young piglets are born at the end of March - April, when there is still snow. The piglets, having left the specially constructed nest “gayno”, already from the fifth day independently look for food under the protection of their mother, who continues to walk with them until the spring of next year

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ORDER OF PREDATORY

Amur tiger

Primorye is home to a rare subspecies of tiger, the number of which has stabilized at a low level. Over the last century, the Amur tiger population has experienced profound and dramatic changes: from a relatively high number at the beginning of the century to a deep decline in the late 30s - early 40s, when about 20-30 animals remained throughout the entire range within the country, then a turning point to gradual increase until 1990, when tiger numbers may have reached 300 - 350 individuals. The main factor that brought the tiger to the brink of extinction was direct persecution by humans, and the turning point in its fate was the introduction of legislative protection for the tiger in Russia in 1947. Although there is no immediate threat of extinction for this subspecies, its future remains a source of serious concern. In most areas of the region, there is a clear imbalance in the population density of the main species of potential victims of the predator and the predator itself. The most important negative factor was the increased poaching, which has increased since the early 90s. commercial in nature (skins, bones and other parts of killed tigers are sold in most East Asian countries as valuable medicinal raw materials). Currently, a detailed “Strategy for the Conservation of the Amur Tiger in Russia” has been adopted and comprehensive efforts are being made to normalize the situation with this rare and beautiful predator.

Far Eastern leopard

Another endangered predator is the Far Eastern, or Amur, leopard*, which is the northernmost of all leopard subspecies. Its population is considered genetically isolated and requires measures to preserve it as a genetically unique component in the system of species diversity both in the region and in the world as a whole. Currently, there are no more than 50 leopards in the region and scientists are making every effort to save this animal from extinction. The leopard's weight does not exceed 80 kg. Its winter fur is thick, with bright colors: black or black-brown solid or rosette spots are scattered across the ocher-red background. The leopard walks and jumps completely silently, and its bright colors perfectly camouflage it in any season, so it is very rare to see this slender cat with soft, smooth movements.

Red Wolf

This is a fairly large animal with a body length of 76-110 cm, a tail of 45-50 cm and a weight of 17-21 kg. His appearance combines the features of a wolf, fox and jackal. The red wolf differs from the ordinary wolf in color, fluffy fur and a longer tail that almost reaches the ground. Characterized by a shortened, pointed muzzle. The ears are large, erect, with rounded tops, set high on the head.

The general color tone is reddish, highly variable in individual individuals and in different parts range. The end of the tail is black. Wolf cubs up to 3 months are dark brown. The hair in winter is very high, thick and soft; in summer it is noticeably shorter, coarser and darker. The tail is fluffy, like a fox's. Based on the variability of color, fur density and body size, 10 subspecies of the red wolf have been described, 2 of them are found in Russia.

The red wolf differs from other representatives of the canine family in its reduced number of molars (there are 2 in each half of the jaw) and big amount nipples (6-7 pairs).

The red wolf is a typical mountain dweller, rising up to 4000 m above sea level. For most of the year it lives in the subalpine and alpine zones, in the south of its range - in low- and mid-mountain zones. tropical forests, and in the northeastern regions - in the mountain taiga, but everywhere its presence is confined to rocky places and gorges. It does not settle on open plains, but in search of food it makes long-distance seasonal migrations, sometimes appearing in unusual landscapes - forest-steppe, steppe and even deserts. With the establishment of high snow cover in the mountains, the predator followed the wild artiodactyls - argali, mountain goats, roe deer and imarals - descends to the foothills or moves to the southern sunny slopes and other areas with little snow. Rarely attacks domestic animals. In summer he regularly eats plant foods.

The red wolf lives and hunts in packs of 5-12 individuals (sometimes more), apparently uniting animals of several generations. Relations within the pack are usually non-aggressive. He hunts mainly during the day, pursuing his prey for a long time. Prey ranges from rodents and lizards to deer (sambar, axis) and antelope (nilgai, garna). A large pack can cope with a gaur bull, a leopard and a tiger. Unlike many canines, red wolves kill game not by grabbing the throat, but by attacking from behind. Two or three red wolves can kill a 50-pound deer in less than 2 minutes.

Refuges for red wolves are usually rock crevices, caves and niches in the slopes; They don't dig holes. They have developed hearing, swim well and jump well - they are able to cover a distance of up to 6 m. Red wolves avoid people; In captivity they breed, but are not tamed.

Amur wild forest cat

The wild forest cat, the smallest representative of felines in the Far East, is common, but not numerous in the forests of Primorye.

The animal weighs 4-6 kilograms, and especially large individuals - males that become fat in the fall - weigh up to 8-10 kilograms. The length of their strong flexible body is from 60 to 85 centimeters, for the “record holders” - up to a meter.

The thick reddish-fawn winter coat is covered with many dark rusty spots, sometimes merging into stripes.

Two white arrows stand out on the forehead, blurry rings are noticeable on the tail, and the abdomen is dirty white with a yellowish tint. Unlike domestic cats, wild forest cats from time immemorial have worn “fur coats” of the same color, the same pattern, and the same thickness.

Like all members of the cat family, the wild cat has sharp teeth and claws, keen hearing and excellent eyesight. He is a magnificent tree climber.

Quite long legs allow him to make large jumps and rapid throws, which not only a mouse or a hare, but also a bird rarely dodges.

The force is enough to lift up a young roe deer. But he is not capable of a long chase: he does not have the endurance of a wolf or a harzin.

However, like all cats, the wild cat is lazy and prefers rest to everything. He walks only when necessary, slowly, carefully, usually not on the ground, but along fallen trees and trees.

The forest cat leads a twilight-nocturnal lifestyle, although sometimes it stays awake during the day - in case of emergency. It usually makes a nest in the hollows of standing and fallen trees, in small caves or among stones, sheltered from precipitation and winds, and occasionally in dry holes between the roots of trees and under dead wood. During the day he sleeps with pleasure and goes out hunting at sunset.

The cat's gastronomic preferences include mice, voles, chipmunks, Manchurian hare, squirrels, birds no larger than pheasants and ducks. Sometimes it attacks weasel and mink, which it easily deals with, or even roe deer, even piglets. Unlike domestic cats, it is not afraid of water, swims well, enthusiastically catches fish, frogs and other aquatic life, and on occasion will not fail to snatch up an unwary sandpiper or muskrat.

In the summer and early autumn, when food is plentiful, the cat gets very fat, but in the winter, especially when deep snow falls, it is difficult for him: he does not know how to catch mice and voles in the snow, chipmunks and frogs sleep, but he cannot catch a hare or a bird. It is very difficult to catch one that sinks deep into the snow.

The forest cat is a close relative of the common domestic cat; they even give birth to common offspring. Beautiful and slender, the children are more similar to their wild parents in both appearance and disposition. But what’s strange: being relatives of our cute and obedient Murkas and Vaskas, forest cats are very difficult to tame and train.

Only caught by very small blind kittens and raised in tireless care and affection, they become completely tame, friendly and do not strive at any time to demonstrate the strength of their claws and teeth. At the first opportunity, these freedom-loving animals run away into the forest, but soon return to the person who raised them.

Some fifty years ago the northern border of the Amur range forest cat passed along the left bank of the Amur region - through the middle parts of Zeya, Burei, Urmi and Kura, down the Amur, passing beyond Komsomolsk. Now it has shifted far to the south, covering only the southern part of the Primorsky Territory.

In the 30s, when the harvest of skins from this animal reached 2 thousand pieces, its population was apparently estimated at 8-10 thousand individuals, of which about 80% lived in Primorye. By the beginning of the 70s, the former cat population had decreased to 2 thousand, and they were all concentrated in the Primorsky Territory, and now there are 2 times fewer of them - no more than 1 thousand for the entire region.

Brown bear

The brown bear, the largest bear in Europe and Asia, is widespread throughout the Ussuri region, although the main part of the species' habitat is confined to the central part of Sikhote-Alin. This animal spends most of its time in search of food, feeding mainly on plant foods. As is known, brown bears hibernate, using dens for wintering, located under the inversion of a tree or in a windfall in coniferous forests, mainly in remote, deep-snow areas of the mountains. Bears that are not well-fed enough for normal winter sleep do not hibernate. These are the so-called “connecting rods”, which tend to wander throughout the taiga all winter in search of any food, even the remains of wolf “meals”. They attack ungulates and are dangerous to humans when encountered.

Himalayan bear

The Himalayan bear, which is popularly called either white-breasted or black, is distributed only in the southern part of the Far East, living in deciduous forests. They are noticeably different from brown bears. Their fur is silky, black with a white spot on the chest in the shape of a flying bird. Large males weighing 200 kg are rare, and females usually weigh no more than 100 kg. Himalayan bears spend about 15% of their life among treetops, feeding on berries, acorns and nuts. For the winter they go to bed in mid-November, before the snow. Dens are located in hollows of soft trees - poplar or linden. There, in February, females will give birth to two, rarely three, blind bear cubs, weighing only 500 grams. The species is included in the Red Book of Russia. However, at present, the process of reducing the number of this species has been stopped and the number of bears in Primorye has increased markedly.

STUDY OF TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS

Http://www.fegi.ru/primorye/animals/5.htmThe study of terrestrial mammals in the Primorsky Territory and the entire Far East of Russia is carried out by employees of the Laboratory of Theriology of the Institute of Biology and Soil Science, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The Theriology Laboratory was organized in 1989 on the basis of the former laboratory of vertebrate zoology, which existed since the creation of the Biology and Soil Institute in 1962.
Currently, laboratory staff are working on the topic “Birds and mammals of the Russian Far East: fauna, population monitoring, conservation problems” with two main sections: “Organization and functioning of mammal communities of the Russian Far East” and “Ecology and spatial structure of mammal populations.” The most important areas of research are:

• studying the systematics, biology, ecology, zonal-regional patterns of the structure of the population of mammals of the Far East in natural and anthropogenic landscapes with the aim of developing ecological foundations and creation effective means management of their populations;
• monitoring of populations and development of ecological foundations for the protection of the gene pool of rare mammals, rational use and expanded reproduction of economically valuable species;
• elucidation of the ways of formation, formation and patterns of functioning of modern mammal communities in the Far East.

ANIMAL SALT LOCKES AS A PHENOMENON AND INDICATOR

ADAPTATION OF ANIMALS TO THE CONDITIONS OF THE MOUNTAIN TAIGA SIKHOTE-ALIN

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  In the mid-mountain spruce-fir and larch taiga in Sikhote-Alin, areas with a high seasonal density of animals are everywhere, which are mosaically distributed among vast spaces of relatively empty taiga. The appearance of relatively densely populated oases with wild animals among vast expanses of almost uninhabited taiga in most mid- and high-mountain ecosystems is due to various factors. Previously, it was believed that the main environmental structuring factors were three: 1 - feed (the presence of sufficient supplies of summer and winter food); 2 - snowy (absence of long periods of deep snow) and 3 - protective (presence of certain forms of relief and vegetation). The complex of studies we conducted allows us to speak about the existence of another determining factor influencing the spatial distribution of animals, which we propose to call geoadaptation. The fact is that most (perhaps all) herbivorous animals have an evolutionarily determined mechanism for expanding their adaptive capabilities through the dietary consumption of certain minerals. Their absence in a particular natural environment can narrow the adaptive possibilities for the habitat of animals.
  An indicator of the manifestation of the geoadaptation factor is lithophagy (from the Greek: “litos” - stone and “phagos” - to eat). This term is directly related to the term “geophagy”, which has long existed in the English-language scientific literature, denoting the consumption of earthy substances by humans and animals. Geophagy in humans has been studied for about 200 years. The largest reports on geophagy of a descriptive nature are the works of the famous American ethnographer B. Laufer (Laufer, 1930), as well as the Swedish authors B. Anell and S. Lagercrantz (Anell, Lagercrantz, 1958). Geophagy in relation to animals in the English-speaking scientific community is used mainly in relation to primates, although the facts of eating earthy substances have been noted by many zoologists in relation to a variety of animals and in almost all corners of the world. Zoologists most often associate the facts of the use of earthy substances for food by large herbivorous animals with the need of animals for sodium due to the low content of this element in feed and water, which is typical for some ecosystems. In some cases, this explanation is confirmed by geochemical data showing increased sodium content in the minerals consumed, but this is not always the case. Geophagy among humans and primates (which is very characteristic of the tropical and subtropical regions of the Earth) is usually explained by the desire to treat digestive disorders of the diarrheal type. In recent years, articles devoted to the study of the mineral composition of “edible lands” have increasingly noted the similarity of their mineral substances used for similar purposes in medicine. The most famous in this regard are the French drug Smecta, which is essentially the clay mineral smectite, as well as the pharmaceutical Koapectate (TM), a mixture of kaolinite and smectite, widely used in Africa.
  Places where they are celebrated characteristic features the constant appearance of wild animals for the purpose of using earthy substances for food is usually called “animal salt licks” in Russian-language scientific literature. The English synonym is mineral lick. In the Turkic-speaking environment, such places are called kudyurs. In addition to solid minerals on zverovye salt licks, animals often drink mineralized source water. This fact, in our opinion, relates exclusively to sodium supplementation.
  Lithophagy in animals and people, according to our ideas, has the same cause in all geographical points of the Earth. The phenomenon is based on the body’s instinctive desire for versatile adjustments to the work of its functional systems, which are periodically subject to mismatch under the influence of certain unfavorable factors environment (climatic, geochemical, high natural background radioactivity, etc.). The possibility of such a correction is due to the virtually identical properties that many supergene (created during the weathering process) minerals possess in terms of the regulation of many physiological, bioenergetic and information processes in living organisms. In the extensive literature devoted to the biological effects of natural zeolites, smectites, opalites and a number of other minerals formed in near-surface conditions under the influence of solar-cosmic radiation and other agents of physical and biological weathering, numerous evidence has already been accumulated that when eating such minerals, stress resistance increases, immunity to diseases; There is a beneficial effect on the symbiont microflora in the digestive tract. In addition, such minerals can act as a strong healing factor of local importance, for example, in the healing of wounds, ulcers, bone fractures, etc. Such minerals have a strong effect on the general and, especially, mineral metabolism in the body; increase food digestibility. We believe that the biologically active effect of supergene minerals is determined by their evolutionarily fixed fundamental role, which they played at the stage of the emergence of the first forms of life on Earth. Minerals that have the property of increasing the adaptive capabilities of organisms include some varieties of high-silicon zeolites, smectites, kaolinite group minerals, chlorites, some hydromicas, vermiculites, as well as some structural varieties of silicon oxides. The main active factor in such minerals, in our opinion, is a special low-temperature variety of silicon oxide, present in varying quantities in all of the listed minerals. The second most important factor is microelements, the third is sorption, ion exchange and biocatalytic properties.
  It should be noted that accidental consumption of any natural minerals along with the main food is typical for almost all animals without exception. Instinctive eating of only some minerals (which is, in fact, lithophagy) is most characteristic of herbivorous animals. Although we know of cases of active lithophagy in predators, for example, in Kamchatka bears. In different physiological groups of animals, lithophagy is expressed differently. For example, in birds, as well as in fish and a number of marine animals, lithophagy manifests itself in the form of targeted ingestion of sand, pebbles or pebbles. Land mammals, especially ruminants (the same is true for primates, and, apparently, in the recent past for all people), prefer clay-like substances. Lithophagy, as already noted, can take on traditional forms with visits to the same places. Most often this is due to the uneven distribution of adaptogen minerals in the landscape.
  In ruminants, due to their physiologically determined addiction to sodium salts, there can be two incentives for lithophagy. Along with the main, instinctive desire for adaptogen minerals, they may exhibit an instinctive reflex desire to consume sodium-rich minerals. Moreover, sodium in these cases, as is clear from our observations, is most often a paragenic element (born together with adaptogen minerals).
  Typically, lithophagy is seasonal. The amount of minerals consumed once is most often measured in units of percent of the body’s weight. For example, deer weighing about 100 kg can eat from 1 to 5 kg of clay at a time. In lithophagous humans, the dose can range from tens of grams to a kilogram of clay-like substances.
  The places of origin of traditional places of lithophagy in animals (whether it be permanent places of search for “pebbles” by birds, places of geophagy in primates, places of extraction of “edible lands” in humans, as well as animal salts in herbivorous ungulates) are always determined geologically, geomorphologically and biologically. The last factor is most often represented by the general long-term presence of minerals in the zone of life of plants and soil microorganisms, but sometimes their “ripening” is accelerated by termites or other herbivorous lithophagous insects. Large animal salt licks, which enjoy special attention among animals, arise from a relatively rare combination of tectonic, lithological and geochemical factors, and therefore remain unchanged for many millennia. That is why the largest animal salt licks are the most important and ancient places of concentration of wild ungulates and, accordingly, predators. (Ancient people in this sense differed little from animals, as evidenced by the finds of “edible lands” in the oldest human burials in Africa, as well as the frequent location of large ancient human settlements to outcrops of such rocks. A striking example confirming this idea for Sikhote-Alin is is a well-known multi-layered monument of the Paleolithic era near the village of Ustinovka, located next to large deposit smectites and zeolites).
  For herbivorous birds, the search for the necessary minerals in the form of siliceous sand and gravel, derivatives of a wide variety of rocks, on the territory of Sikhote-Alin is not associated with any difficulties. Breeds of this type are widespread here almost everywhere. It is very rare to find large areas of wetlands here, where there are no “pebbles” not only in the edges of streams, but also in the roots of fallen trees, which can create geoadaptation problems for sedentary herbivorous birds, for example the chicken family. Problems of this kind are characteristic almost exclusively of platform regions of the globe in the conditions of vast wetlands, such as are known, for example, in Western Siberia. In these cases, animals may exhibit abnormal physiological changes in the development and spatial organization of populations, as seen, for example, in wood grouse (Telepnev, 1988).
  For large herbivorous animals in Sikhote-Alin, problems of geoadaptation exist and in some places are strongly expressed, as evidenced by the uneven population of mountain taiga territories and the location of relatively numerous animal solonetzes in them.
  Depending on the general and specific geological situation, adaptogen minerals on animal solonetzes may have different mineral-geochemical composition and genesis. For example, within the coastal volcanic belt, where predominantly volcanogenic rocks of Mesozoic-Cenozoic age are distributed, most animal solonetzes are confined to outcrops of volcanic rocks of medium and acidic composition, initially enriched with water-saturated glasses, along which later, under the influence of hot waters, at the stage of cooling of magmatic foci, zeolites and smectites were formed. As a rule, tuffs and glasses of the Kuznetsov and Bogopol volcanic complexes, which are still attributed to the Paleogene-Neogene period, undergo such transformations geological history. Such clayey-zeolite rocks coming to the surface are almost always accompanied by the expression of interest in them by large mammals. Animal salt licks associated with paleovolcanic centers can be extremely picturesque and when you get acquainted with them they always make a great impression. (In the equatorial zone, especially in places with large concentrations of large animals such as elephants, such salt licks are especially picturesque. Their descriptions are sometimes found on the pages of popular geographical literature). Their geomorphological location is the sides of streams, mountain slopes and watershed spaces. In Sikhote-Alin, such animal salt licks are known in the upper reaches of the rivers: Samarga, Kuznetsova, Sobolevka, Maksimovka, Taezhnaya; along the tributaries of the Bikin and Ussurka. They are also found in southern Sikhote-Alin. Some of them, for example those that are located on the territory of the Sikhotealinsky biosphere reserve, have been studied for a long time (Kaplanov, 1949). Most of them have been described and studied in detail only recently (Panichev, 1987). Salt licks of this type are actively visited by elk, red deer, roe deer, and lagomorphs. The period of their most active visits by animals is spring - early summer and autumn.
  Another type of animal solonetzes in Sikhote-Alin is associated with the outcrops of mineralized source waters that form in the rock mass under the influence of carbon dioxide. The origin of carbon dioxide in these cases can only be speculated. Judging by the specific isotopic composition, it is most likely associated with the decomposition of carbonates in the contact parts of cooling magma chambers to carbon dioxide, followed by the saturation of cold waters of artesian basins or waters circulating along tectonic faults with this gas. Weakly acidic carbonic waters dissolve rocks along the path of their movement, becoming saturated with various salts. Where such waters reach the surface, they quickly clay the rocks, forming thin linear weathering crusts. If animals find such places, then over time, they become manifest in traces in the form of a characteristic network of approach paths; as well as areas of rocks cleared of vegetation with signs of being eaten and licked. The animal solonetzes formed in this way can be very extensive in area. Their geomorphological location is floodplains and terraces of rivers and streams, less often saddles of watersheds. Animal solonetzes of this type have a clear structural connection to fault tectonics and are widespread in both volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The largest of them are known among sedimentary rocks within a 20-30 kilometer zone in the marginal part of the field of volcanic rocks of Mesozoic-Cenozoic age. Many of them are described in the upper reaches of rivers, along the tributaries of the Bikin and Ussurka (Kaplanov, 1949; Liverovsky, 1959; Panichev, 1987).
  The frequency of visits to “carbon dioxide-clay” solonetzes is close to the previous “clay-zeolite” type.
  Finally, the third type of animal solonetzes of the Sikhote-Alin, identified by L.B. Kaplanov (1949), is the so-called “swamp” solonetzes. They arise in floodplains, less often on river terraces above the floodplain, usually in the coastal part of oxbow lakes, drainless swampy lakes; sometimes within the wetlands of mountain plateaus; They are very typical for the marshy coastal-marine plain. Their formation is associated with the unloading in the area of ​​swamping of the same weakly mineralized carbon dioxide waters, both deep-tectonic and artesian formations. Such solonetzes are widely found in central and northern Sikhote-Alin. They are visited mainly by moose, especially in the summer-autumn period.
  Animal salt licks in Sikhote-Alin, as centers of seasonal concentration of animals, are extremely important components of mountain taiga ecosystems. A detailed study of the spatial patterns of their formation indicates that they all form regular groups, confined, for the most part, to relatively young paleovolcanic centers of different levels of the exogenous section. The relative saturation of the mountain-taiga territory of Sikhote-Alin with animal salt licks, “tied” to certain lithotectonic systems, was undoubtedly one of the factors that predetermined the focal nature of the distribution of wild animals, as well as the specific nature of their relationship with the habitat.
  Violation of these well-established connections between wild animals and their habitat in the middle mountains in Sikhote-Alin, which have developed over thousands of years, can lead to even more destructive consequences than those that we see today in the low-mountain zone, where

More productive forests grow, relatively evenly populated by wild animals.

PROBLEMS OF WILDLIFE PROTECTION

• Currently, there are six state nature reserves in the Primorsky Territory: Sikhote-Alinsky, Lazovsky, Ussuriysky, Khankaysky, the Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve, and the Far Eastern State Marine Reserve. Their total area is 4% of the territory of the region.

  Nature reserves are reserves rare species animals such as the Amur tiger, white-breasted bear, goral, sika deer. Among the priorities in the field of protection of rare species of animals in Russia, one of the first places - along with the Amur tiger - is occupied by the Far Eastern leopard, which is one of the most beautiful and rarest forms of cats of the world fauna. In terms of numbers, it is 10-15 times inferior to the tiger, and in terms of habitat area - many tens of times. Over the past 20 years, the leopard's range within our country has almost halved.

  The flora of Primorsky Krai includes the following: tree species: spruce - 22%, cedar - 18.9%, fir - 3.7%, larch - 10.8%, oak - 17.5%, stone birch - 6.1%, white birch - 9.9%, ash - 2.7%, linden - 3.6%, elm - 1%, aspen - 2%, other species - less than 1.3%. Of the species of Manchurian flora, there are such rare ones as pointed yew, Sikhotinsky and Fori rhododendrons. They are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.

Structural and legislative support for environmental protection activities is constantly changing, both in form and in essence. Three major milestones in environmental change efforts demonstrate how much these structures have changed. Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated July 30, 2004 No. 400 “On approval of the Regulations on the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources and amendments to Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated July 22, 2004 No. 370” (Collection of Legislation of the Russian Federation) was barely adopted and implemented. Federation, 2004, No. 32, Art. 3347), as it was followed by numerous amendments to it and the Law on Wildlife, as well as the Regulations on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of May 29, 2008 No. 404 (Collected Legislation of the Russian Federation, 2008, No. 22, Art. 2581). Important regional decisions were made on the basis of these documents. Thus, by order of the governor 365-PA dated December 26, 2007, the Department for the Protection, Control, Regulation and Use of Fauna was created in Primorye.

In all these changes, however, what remains the same is that natural resource exploitation, production management and control remain concentrated in the same or interdependent government agencies.

The difference between the current moment is that the threat to the expansion of nature does not come from government agencies directly, but from the actual producers and owners of natural resources - large monopolies. The strength of these monopolies increases all the more against the background of the weakness of the legislative and executive powers, in the conditions of concentration of state functions in one government agency environmental control and natural resource management. At the same time, monopolies show more energy and foresight than any government structures in the past. And here we must admit that they have achieved a lot. Most highway construction is carried out without the necessary deductions to compensate for the damage caused to nature.

The attempt initiated by the Legislative Assembly to introduce Korean pine (cedar) into the regional Red Book in Primorye was not crowned with the expected success.

A major threat to the leopard population is posed by the project to lay a gas pipeline in southwestern Primorye. This highway will continue the fragmentation of the habitat of the almost extinct species that began with the construction of the expressway.

The threat of building an oil refinery in the immediate vicinity of the Vostok marine reserve has not been removed. On the territory of the Mountain Taiga Station of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, survey work to justify the underground burning of the coal deposits there, which poses a threat to the Ussuriysky nature reserve, the Shtykovsky reservoir that feeds the city of Vladivostok, and the recreational area of ​​the city of Ussuriysk.

There is a lot of talk about the imperfections of environmental legislation, but the changes that have occurred in the last 3 years have done little to improve it, and often exacerbate the shortcomings. So, in essence, the system of payments for pollution has been eliminated environment, nature reserves are deprived of many of the previous tax benefits; even claims for compensation for damages for violation of the reserve regime are subject to income tax.

In Primorye, since 1992, there has been a system approved by the Regional Council people's deputies“Long-term program for the protection and rational use of natural resources of the Primorsky Territory for the period until 2005.” (Environmental program). 5 years have passed since its completion, but Primorsky Krai still does not have an equivalent environmental document. Some regions of the country have adopted Action Plans, which to a certain extent may be adequate to regional environmental programs.

At the same time, in some cases there are examples of successful protection of protected areas and adjacent territories from the destructive effects of some projects that have not been developed from an environmental standpoint. The transfer of the oil terminal from the area of ​​the Perevoznaya station, located in close proximity to the Kedrovaya Pad nature reserve, can be considered a great success of the “green movement”.

In response to the transboundary spread of pollution, the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences has developed a program to ensure the environmental safety of the Far Eastern seas.

Public review of projects remains the most important means of protecting protected areas when laying highways, pipelines and power lines. And its timely, competent and complete implementation is very important. But, as a rule, companies provide fragments of projects for examination, and very significant circumstances often remain hidden. Besides, large companies They are working on a system of profanation of public expertise, when expert opinions are given by non-resident (usually Moscow) organizations whose powers need to be challenged. In other cases, such as in the offshore development project in Magadan region, planners greatly overestimate the positive effects and expected benefits for the local population.

The current moment as a whole is characterized by little controlled overexploitation of all types of natural resources. Forested areas are especially affected. According to a certificate from the Primorsky Territory Forest Administration, the area under ripe and overmature cedar forests decreased from 1847.3 thousand hectares in 1978 to 233 thousand hectares in 2010. Continuous reorganization of structures and departments designed to control the exploitation of forests distracts the already small staff of inspectors from performing their duties.

Gamekeepers and other hunting staff still have their rights reduced. The public inspection corps has been completely eliminated. As a result, poaching and predation are flourishing, destroying the natural habitats of key and rare species of animals and plants.

The destruction of cedar and cedar-deciduous forests undermines the food supply of wild animals, primarily ungulates. In search of food and escaping from hunters, more and more animals are concentrated in protected areas. Along with ungulates, large predators also accumulate there. Excessive density of ungulates in some reserves has already led to lack of food, which is especially noticeable in the example of sika deer. On the other hand, an increase in the density of predators is fraught with diseases, and there have already been cases of tigers appearing in populated areas with diseases of unknown etiology.

As a result of the increased concentration of animals, poaching is intensifying along the perimeter of protected areas and in buffer zones. Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation dated November 27, 2008 No. 315 “On approval of the Regulations on the issuance of personalized one-time licenses for the use of wildlife objects classified as hunting objects in protected areas federal significance"(Registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation on December 26, 2008 No. 13025) makes it possible to hunt legally and directly in specially protected areas.

Thus, the pressure of persecution of wild animals increases, and their reproduction capabilities deteriorate. In these conditions, the role of protected areas is especially great. In fact, only in protected zones are there still ripe and overmature cedar forests, as well as high-yielding Mongolian oak plantations, which form the basis for the well-being of the entire taiga population. However, it is these species that are especially attractive to loggers and therefore there is a threat of logging penetration into protected areas. On the other hand, the legal protection of protected areas cannot be considered sufficient, and the number and volume of violations cannot be compared with the number and severity of penalties applied.

Therefore, today the priority task is to preserve protected areas in full, as well as their conservation status. It is also unacceptable that economic activity in protected areas became the basis for their survival.

Taking into account the low percentage of areas occupied by protected areas, the slow increase in their number and the rapid degradation of individual territories due to direct and indirect anthropogenic impact, one should strive to ensure the functional interaction of all elements of the network of protected areas, the creation of environmental migration corridors, incl. and cross-border.

CONCLUSION

The fauna of the Primorsky Territory is very diverse in its composition.

However, there are a lot of problems in preserving animal species listed in the Red Book. Although many have almost disappeared from this territory.

On the territory of the Primorsky Territory there are several reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and state-protected areas, which contribute little to the conservation of endangered and rare species of wildlife.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• www.ru.wikipedia.org
• www.fegi.ru
• www.primorsky.ru
• www.window.edu.ru

The rich fauna of the Primorsky Territory includes 82 species of terrestrial mammals, many of which are endemic, listed in the Red Books of various ranks, or simply rare, requiring special protection measures.

Insectivores

The order of insectivores is represented by the Ussuri mohera, a close relative of the European mole. The Japanese mogera, listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, also lives in the south of the region. The endemic species of the region is the Amur hedgehog, the “Red Book” species is the giant shrew, whose weight reaches 15 grams.

Chiroptera

Primorye is home to 15 species of bats, some of which (long-fingered bats, long-tailed and Ikonnikova bats, oriental bats, oriental and leatherback bats) are very few in number. In the south of the region, the Ussuri Tubebill lives, and in the south of the Khasansky district there is a colony of the common longwing, listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. The most numerous wintering species is the brown long-eared bat.

Rodents

Rodents are the most numerous inhabitants of the region. The long-tailed mouse, the zokor, the flying squirrel, and the Manchurian squirrel, the largest subspecies of the common squirrel, live here.
Common species include chipmunks, the East Asian mouse and mouse mouse, red and red-gray voles, field mice, Far Eastern voles, and two species of hamsters—the rat-like and the Daurian. Two species of hares live in Primorye - the Manchurian and the white hare.

Artiodactyls

The Primorsky Territory is home to seven species of artiodactyls: wapiti, Amur goral, wild sika deer, roe deer, musk deer, elk and wild boar. The rarest of them is the goral, which lives in the Sikhote-Alin mountains and is listed in the Red Books of the region and the Russian Federation.
The Ussuri sika deer is also “Red Book”, the wild population of which is preserved only in the Lazovsky Nature Reserve.
The local Ussuri wild boar is distinguished by its large size - old male cleavers reach 300 kg in weight.

Predators

The cat family of the region includes: lynx, wild cat, tiger and leopard. The population of the Amur tiger, which is on the verge of extinction, is under special protection.
The Far Eastern, or Amur, leopard, the northernmost of all leopard subspecies, is also under threat of extinction.
There are two species of bears in the region - brown and Himalayan (white-breasted). The population of the latter, listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, has recently increased and now does not raise fears of extinction.

From the canine family, the region is inhabited by the fox, raccoon dog, wolf and the “Red Book” red wolf.
Their predators of the mustelid family in the region include wolverine, sable, badger, harza, weasel, ermine, weasel, American mink, solongoi and otter.

Offers

• Call of the Tiger National Park

  The Call of the Tiger National Park is located in the heart of the Ussuri taiga, at the junction of the Lazovsky, Chuguevsky and Olginsky districts. The territory of the national park covers part of the Sikhote-Alin ridge, the mountain system of Mount Oblachnaya, the upper part of the Milogradovka (Van-Chin) river basin, the upper reaches of the Ussuri River, and the sources of the Kievka River. Within the national park there are more than 50 peaks over 1000 meters high, and Mount Oblachnaya (1854 m) is the highest peak in Primorye.

• Ussuriysk State Nature Reserve

  Ussuri state reserve located on the territory of the Ussuriysk and Shkotovsky districts of the Primorsky Territory. The reserve was founded in 1932 and until 1973 it was called Suputinsky. Until 1972, the area of ​​the reserve was 16.55 thousand hectares; currently its area has been expanded to 40.43 thousand hectares.

• Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve

  The reserve was founded in 1935 on the territory of the Krasnoarmeysky, Terneysky and Dalnegorsky districts of the Primorsky Territory. The total area of ​​the reserve is 387.2 thousand hectares, of which 2.9 thousand hectares are in the sea area and 4 thousand hectares are in the Abrek tract. The reserve is located on the eastern and western slopes of the Sikhote-Alin mountain system and stretches 1200 km in length and 250 km in width.

• Elk State Zoological (Hunting) Reserve

  The Elk State Zoological (Hunting) Reserve was created in 1986 on the territory of the Terneysky District, in the northern part of the Primorsky Territory. The area of ​​the reserve is 26 thousand hectares.

The Primorsky region is distinguished by its flora and fauna, which successfully combines the features of southern and northern nature.

The Sikhote-Alin Mountains are a natural barrier to the path of air masses and create special climatic conditions. The Sea of ​​Japan softens the climate in the coastal zone. The unique nature needs protection, because it is thanks to the environmental measures taken that today you can buy crab meat not only in the region, but also in all cities of the country.

There are six nature reserves and 13 wildlife sanctuaries on the territory of Primorye. Some of them have access to sea ​​coast, and one is a completely marine reserve.

Fauna of the Primorsky Territory In terms of the diversity of fauna on the territory of Russia, there is hardly a territory that can be compared with Primorye.

About 180 species of fish can be found in the Sea of ​​Japan:

Salmon;
flounder;
greenling perch;
herring.

In winter, most of the population goes out on the ice to fish for smelt, which has a strong smell of fresh cucumbers. This small fish is good both fried and dried.

From mid-summer until autumn, Pacific salmon enter coastal rivers and spawn only once in their lives.

Fish such as chum salmon enter rivers from the sea and rise upstream, where spawning occurs. Males acquire their nuptial colors at this time.

Having laid eggs, both females and males die. This ability to return to their place of birth for a single spawning in life distinguishes Pacific salmon from Atlantic salmon, which can spawn several times.

Among coastal fish there are many commercial species, which, together with some invertebrates, are available on store shelves. For example, all guests of the region were able to freely buy crab meat, which is mined in Primorye.

Invertebrate animals inhabit coastal waters;
sea ​​cucumbers;
crabs;
shrimps;
sea ​​urchins;
octopuses;
squid.

Of course, all these animals have the right to be treated with care, but I would like to say something special about the giant Doflein octopus. This mollusk is distinguished not only by its large size; you can find octopuses weighing from 15 to 60 kg, but also by its high intelligence. The animal willingly communicates with divers and can become an attractive object for the development of underwater tourism and attract diving enthusiasts to the region.

Today, Doflein's octopuses are being mercilessly destroyed, especially during periods when they accumulate in shallow waters. If the giant octopus is not officially included in the Red Book, like the Amur tiger and the Far Eastern leopard, the animal will simply disappear.

After all, once upon a time the Kamchatka crab was subjected to mass extermination and it became impossible to buy Kamchatka crab claws in Primorye, not to mention sending them to other regions.

There are 13 species of sharks in the marine area off the coast of Primorye, but only three species pose a danger to the lives of swimmers:

White:
blue - blue;
hammer.

And although the likelihood of encountering formidable animals tends to zero, several years ago there were cases when several swimmers suffered from a white shark attack.

But you shouldn’t be afraid of huge jellyfish, reaching a diameter of one meter, their poison only affects fish, but the jellyfish themselves can easily become prey, as they are delicacies in Japan and China. Their meat is very popular among gourmets from these countries.

In Japanese fish markets you can find not only huge jellyfish, but also buy Russian-caught crab meat.

In addition to fish and invertebrates, quite rare marine mammals live in coastal waters:

finless porpoise,

Very interesting representative cetaceans,

The animal is slow, and its young often travel on the backs of their parents;
some species of whales, whose populations were reduced to a critical minimum during the years of uncontrolled fishing.

In the coastal zone, divers can also encounter pinnipeds:
larga seal;
sea ​​lion;
bearded seal or bearded seal.

All these and other representatives of marine and coastal fauna can attract tourists to the region, who will not only be able to see these wonderful animals, but also buy crab meat and taste this delicacy in coastal cafes.

In the future, the region should become attractive for Russian and foreign divers; they will be able to dive up to 40 meters in the most picturesque places.

Divers will not only enjoy exploring the underwater world of the Sea of ​​Japan, but also, when leaving the region, will be able to take away vivid impressions about the underwater world of the Sea of ​​Japan.

In addition to large land animals such as the tiger, wapiti, and bear, the region is home to smaller, but no less interesting, mammals.

The Amur forest cat, a subspecies of the Bengal cat, is the third wild feline, after the tiger and leopard, that lives in the region and needs protection. It feeds on small rodents, but can attack a hare and even a roe deer - a small wild deer.

Notable reptiles also live in Primorye, these are:
Amur snake, there are specimens both multi-colored and almost black, up to 2 m in size;
Far Eastern freshwater turtle, lives on Lake Khanka and in some rivers.

Considering the location of the region bordering China, there are many tourists from this country on its territory, and many local reptiles and amphibians are considered a delicacy by the Chinese and are bought by them from local producers.

Most people who have the opportunity to buy crab meat obtained from the coastal shores, living in the central regions of the country, have never even heard of such an animal as the Japanese mogera, a small insectivorous mole, which is also a rare species.

The fauna of Primorye is represented by 15 species of bats, most of which are:

Lesser tubebill;
brown long-eared bat;
eastern pipistrelle,
fell into the category of endangered animals.

These bats were destroyed more out of superstitious ideas, because bats do not pose any value or danger to humans; they lead an active lifestyle in the warm season at dusk. The objects of hunting of bats are mainly insects.

But the artiodactyl animals of Primorye, especially sika deer, wapiti, the Primorsky subspecies of red deer, and musk deer, are objects of hunting, including poaching. The rarest of the ungulates was the Amur goral.

There are a large number of people willing to buy wild ungulate meat, as well as to buy crab, which leads to a decrease in the population; at the same time, the food supply for predatory animals, tigers, leopards, and red wolves is also reduced. Ussuri wild boars - cleavers, whose weight exceeded 300 kg - have also become rare.

The insects of the Primorsky Territory are noteworthy; the body length of the Ussuri relic woodcutter is 8 - 10 cm; next to it you can also find the celestial barbel. These beetles, representatives of arthropods, are distant relatives of seaside crabs; anyone can buy Kamchatka crab claws, not only in Primorye, but also beyond its borders.

Among the birds, it is worth noting the unusually elegant mandarin duck, which, perhaps, has no equal in the brightness of its plumage in the coastal forests.
The Japanese crane also deserves attention; it creates a pair once and for its entire bird life.
The coastal land is distinguished not only by its diverse fauna, but also by its rich flora.

Fauna of Primorye

The flora of the Primorsky Territory has a huge number of plants that have medicinal and beneficial properties. Many of them are harvested either as medicinal plants or as edibles.

First of all, bracken fern is harvested in the region; it is also popular not only among residents of the region; everyone who comes to the region can buy dried bracken fern, as well as buy Kamchatka crab limbs. Local Koreans prepare a huge variety of cold and hot dishes from it.

Osmund fern, although inferior to bracken, taste qualities, but is also prepared for food. Uncontrolled harvesting of these plants causes a decrease in their number in the forests of Primorye.
Plants such as:

Schisandra chinensis;
Aralia;
eleutherococcus,

are recognized as powerful immune agents, as well as the legendary ginseng. Today, the coastal population of ginseng is the only place on earth where this plant occurs frequently enough for natural regeneration.

Agricultural technology for breeding and growing ginseng has now been mastered in artificial conditions, most often this is the kind of ginseng that can be bought outside the region, but you can buy crab not artificially grown, but the real thing, caught off the coast of the region.

It is worth mentioning separately about algae; they belong to lower plants and many of them are widely used by humans. In the Primorsky Territory, commercial production of kelp is underway, from which the usual salad called seaweed is prepared and ahnfeltsia is extracted, which is the raw material for agar-agar.

Unsustainable mining annually reduces the reserves of these algae and, perhaps, you will soon be able to buy a salad from seaweed It will be as difficult as it was once impossible to buy Kamchatka crab limbs. In addition, algae are of great importance for the biology of the crab; it is among the bottom vegetation that the juvenile crab hides during the first years of life. Over the past 30 - 35 years, kelp stocks have decreased by 15 times.

Many plants are relict and they are a real living treasure of the coastal land.

Komarov's lotus is the most cold-resistant lotus on earth. The mass flowering of the lotus is a spectacle whose beauty is universally recognized. The hills covered with rhododendron bushes are also beautiful; in the spring, when there is no foliage on the neighboring bushes, the slopes are shrouded in a gentle purple fog - this is the rhododendron blooming, it is not for nothing that it is called the beauty of spring. If rhododendron branches are cut at the end of winter and placed in water, they very quickly bloom their extraordinary flowers.

The pointed yew is a plant whose ancestors grew during the time of dinosaurs. The yew that grows in the region today looks the same as its ancient ancestors for more than 200 million years.

Very often, trees in the Primorsky taiga are intertwined with lianas, as in tropical forests, except for Schisandra chinensis, there are three species of actinidia, wild grapes and the most powerful liana - Manchurian liana, more than 15 m high. The leaves of this liana are very large, up to 35 cm, heart-shaped, with long petioles and similar to the leaves of tropical vines, and the flowers have a very bizarre curved jug shape. Kirkazon fruits are similar to cucumbers.

There are many legends about the Rhodiola rosea plant; they say that whoever finds this flower in the taiga will be healthy until the end of his days, but you cannot buy or sell the plant, you just need to find it, but anyone can buy a crab.

Of interest are also such deciduous tree species as:
ash, with valuable wood;
Amur velvet, with cork bark;
Manchurian nut, the fruits of which are prescribed miraculous properties.
Coniferous trees presented:
fir trees;
larch;
junipers;
pine trees;
firs.

Korean cedar pine, which is simply called cedar, deserves special attention. All visitors to the region can buy crab and Pine nuts, which are as good in taste and nutrition as crab meat.

In recent decades, nuts have been harvested in such huge quantities that it condemns many animals to starvation during the winter months. Chinese entrepreneurs come every year to buy these raw materials. Cedar pine nuts are very valued in the Middle Kingdom.

See all the beauty of the animal and flora Anyone can see the coastal land with their own eyes. Now all types of tourism are developing in the region, there is a unique safari park that surprised the whole world with the relationship between the Amur tiger and the goat Timur, and anyone can buy crab, which is now available to both local residents and guests of the region.

The Red Book of the Primorsky Territory is the result of the enormous work of a whole team of professionals who are passionate about their work. It is intended for a wide range of readers, from schoolchildren to doctors of science. The book contains information about plants and animals that are on the verge of extinction, have already disappeared, or those whose populations are declining from year to year. The purpose of any Red Book is to attract public attention to the problems of nature conservation, to convey in an accessible form information about the need for a person to take a careful attitude towards the environment.

Structure of the Red Data Book of Primorye

As a rule, all such publications are created according to a certain template. The Red Data Book of Primorsky Krai is no exception.

“Animals” and “Plants” are its two main sections, each of which contains several more subsections.

To make it clear to the reader, the structure is based on the systematization familiar to everyone: kingdom - phylum - class - order - family - genus and species. This structure allows the reader to quickly find the desired animal or plant in the book.

Categories

The Red Book of Primorsky Krai contains an assessment of the state of populations. They are divided into several categories that correspond to both international and national standards. The categories are presented in the following table.

Red Book Primorsky Krai	The Red Book of Russia	According to the IUCN system
	0 - probably extinct	RE - probably extinct in the region
	1—endangered	CR - critically endangered (on the verge of extinction)
	2 - declining populations	EN - endangered (endangered)
	3 - rare	VU - vulnerable
		NT - potentially vulnerable
		LC—moderate concern
	4 - status is not defined	DD - not well studied
	5 - restored	(absent)

Legal status

There are several large cats under special state protection: forest cat, leopard. They belong to the first category. Poachers, even despite all the preventive measures taken by the state, are attracted by their valuable fur, which is in great demand on the black market.

Greenland and Japanese whales, several species of killer whales and dolphins have been hunted uncontrollably for a long time. Today their fishing is prohibited. However, representatives of endangered species often accidentally end up in the nets of trawl vessels.

In total, the first volume of the Primorsky Red Book includes 35 species of mammals.

Flora of Primorye

Which flora representatives does the Red Book of Primorsky Krai include? "Plants" is the second volume of the publication. It describes the species protected by the state by the total number:

• 29 plant species (including algae and mosses);
• 66 species of lichens;
• 58 types of mushrooms.

Human economic activity, deforestation and drainage of swamps lead to the death of lichens, mosses and fungi over vast areas.

Nature conservation measures in Primorsky Krai

The authorities' efforts to protect rare species are primarily aimed at further research. Many species are poorly studied; scientists need to collect additional information on the basis of which they can organize nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in the Primorsky Territory.

Law enforcement agencies monitor poaching activities, stopping attempts at illegal hunting and fishing, fruit collection and deforestation.

Over the years of the existence of the Red Book of Primorye, significant success has been achieved, reflected in the preservation and increase in the population size of some species. But at the same time, many plants and animals are still under threat. Preserving them and restoring their numbers is possible only with reasonable efforts on the part of the authorities and the population. Everyone can make their contribution to this noble cause: by donating funds to environmental funds, refusing interior items, clothing and products for which rare plants and animals die.