What animals live in the Trans-Baikal Territory. Our Transbaikal animal ...

Thanks to the works of these and other researchers, by the beginning of the twentieth century. faunistic lists were refined, species new to science, their distribution and economic importance were described.

In the twentieth century a network of research institutions is being created, systematically studying the fauna of the region. At present, the main centers of zoological research in the Chita region are the Institute natural resources, ecology and cryology (), Sokhondinsky and reserves, Chita anti-plague station , Chita Regional Museum of Local Lore .

Large area, complex terrain, the presence of a global watershed, location at the junction of various natural areas determined the diversity of the fauna of the Chita region. Here you can meet the inhabitants of various natural zones: steppes, forest-steppes, various types forests and high mountain tundra. The composition of the animal world is formed under the influence of a number of faunas: European-Siberian, mountainous East Siberian (Angara), Dahurian-Mongolian, there are elements of the Manchurian and even Chinese-Himalayan. On the one hand, Transbaikalia was inhabited by species of northern origin: Amur lemming, elk, hare, snowy owl, ptarmigan, taimen , grayling , ; on the other hand, southern steppe species: Mongolian marmot, Dahurian, steppe polecat, , , Mongolian lizard (lizard), Mongolian. Representatives of the Far Eastern fauna penetrated the river valleys of the Amur basin: the Amur tiger, mandarin duck, black mallard, Far Eastern, , . Alpine fauna is represented by the bighorn sheep , black-capped marmot etc.

From the west of Transbaikalia, species of the European-Siberian fauna inhabited - wild boar, Siberian, viviparous lizard. There are significant differences between the species composition of the fauna of Transbaikalia and more western regions, partly due to the influence of Lake. Baikal and adjacent ranges. It is here that the western boundary of the distribution of some Transbaikalian species passes. Within similar biotopes can be found different types animals. So, in the eastern regions of Transbaikalia there are more inhabitants of the Far Eastern fauna, in the southern - Mongolian.

In different years, the introduction (artificial settlement) of some mainly commercial animal species was carried out, such as the European hare, American, white and motley silver carp, , etc.

In the Chita region five main types of fauna characteristic of natural complexes Transbaikalia: highlands, taiga, forest-steppes, steppes and reservoirs.

Animals of the highlands. The fauna of the highlands is characterized by poor species composition, which is explained by severe climatic conditions. The scarcity of the food supply led to the dominance of rodents and ungulates. The inhabitants of the high mountain tundra are reindeer and bighorn sheep, and the number of these species is small. Of the small mammals, the most typical is the alpine pika, which inhabits stone placers. In the thickets of cedar dwarf (see Stlantsy), Asian is common. In the north of Transbaikalia (Kodar and Udokan ridges), the black-capped marmot is occasionally found (see Marmots). A few types of predators are represented,,. The species composition of birds is not rich. In the highlands, you can meet the tundra partridge (see), horned lark, mountain horse, mountain wagtail,, nutcracker. Low temperatures prevent the penetration of amphibians and reptiles into the Trans-Baikal highlands. The fish fauna is represented by cold-loving species: , taimen, grayling, in the deep lakes of the north of Transbaikalia are found, whitefish. Davatchan - a special subspecies of the Arctic char - is endemic to the Northern Transbaikalia and is taken under protection.

The species composition of insects is specific, mainly small and dark-colored forms predominate, which allows them to survive in conditions of low temperatures and short summers. Among the beetles, rove beetles and sawflies predominate. Diurnal butterflies are represented mainly by mountain species of mother-of-pearl (see), and jaundices (see). Diptera are numerous: mosquitoes (see), horseflies, midges, combined popular name"vile".

Taiga animals. The taiga zone occupies a significant part of the territory of the region, largely determining the originality of the animal world. The poverty of the fauna of the northern regions of the taiga is associated with the uniformity of landscapes, more severe climatic conditions, and an insufficient food supply for many animal species. The southern taiga has the richest fauna. This is largely due to the presence of several layers in the forest canopy. Some of the inhabitants of the taiga move to the lower tiers, where you can find food, for example, the seeds of the Siberian pines(cedar), the harvest of which in some years can be significant. The fauna of the cedar forest is especially diverse because Pine nuts serve as important food for many species of mammals and birds. Of the mammals, representatives of the orders of ungulates, rodents and carnivores are the most common. A typical inhabitant of the Siberian taiga is the eastern subspecies of the red deer () - one of the objects of hunting. In addition, young deer antlers (antlers) used in medicine are valued. The largest inhabitant of the taiga is the elk. The weight of large males reaches 570 kg. The number of moose is highest in flat areas, near the banks of stagnant reservoirs, swamps, lakes, where they can eat aquatic vegetation.

Winters with little snow make it possible to penetrate into the forest zone from the forest-steppe to such a species as the Siberian roe deer. In the southern regions of the taiga, it is common, especially characteristic of cedar forests and mixed forests. The smallest ungulate -, its weight does not exceed 8-10 kg. Usually the musk deer prefers steep rocky slopes where it hides from predators and finds food (lichens). The musk deer is an important object of fishing, including poaching, because of the so-called "musk deer jet" - the musky gland of males used in perfumery and oriental medicine. Of the lagomorphs, the mountain hare is widespread in the taiga, and the northern pika is found on the stony slopes. The most numerous and the object of the fur trade is the squirrel, and its number in some years can increase significantly. Among the rodents, the most typical inhabitants of the taiga are the Asian chipmunk, red, red-gray and Ungur, East Asian forest. The abundance of small rodents favors the reproduction of sable, one of the most valuable inhabitants of the taiga. Sable is the most numerous in cedar forests. The family of mustelids (except for sable) is represented by ermine, weasel, column. Common (but rare).

The master of the taiga is considered Brown bear preferring places rich in berries and pine nuts.

One of the important species regulating the population of large mammals, especially ungulates, is the wolf, which is widespread in the taiga zone. The number of the wolf must be constantly monitored, since during mass reproduction it can cause significant damage to agriculture. Of the cats, it is more common, preferring sparse areas of dark coniferous taiga.

The species composition of birds in the taiga is not rich. Species of grouse, woodpecker, corvids and carnivores are most widely represented. Of the grouse, it is common, living in pine and cedar forests with undergrowth. Widespread, which are more often noted along the banks of rivers, streams, where there are berries. In the northern regions of the taiga, the white partridge is found. Black grouse is common in forest clearings, forest edges, and burnt areas. A characteristic bird of the coniferous taiga is the nutcracker, famous for the fact that by making stocks of seeds (nuts), it contributes to the renewal of the Siberian cedar. Owls and eagle owls are quite widespread. From birds of prey more common goshawk .

Reptiles in the taiga are few, common and viviparous lizards are noted.

Among xylophages that feed on wood, the most importance have numerous species of woodcutter beetles (black barbels, leptura, yudolii, etc.) and bark beetles.

Gall formers are common in the forest zone, among which gall midge flies predominate. The chemical action of the insect or its larva leads to the growth of plant tissue. The resulting gall provides the larva with food and at the same time serves as a refuge from enemies.

Some larvae small species insects are able to settle in the tissues of a leaf or needle, feeding on their contents. At the same time, a light winding trace (“mine”) is visible on the surface of the sheet, at one end of which you can see a larva - a “miner”.

Important Component forest ecosystems- ants, especially those belonging to the forest genus - formic. Ants make up a significant part of the biomass of taiga ecosystems and regulate the abundance of many species of invertebrates. Among the others important functions ants - loosening the soil and enriching it with organic and mineral components, the destruction of wood, the spread of seeds of some plant species. Common and numerous in the forest zone are bloodsuckers - horseflies, mosquitoes, midges, midges, bloodsucking flies. Of the arachnids of the taiga, ticks of the Ixodes family are common. Some of their species are not only carriers, but also a reservoir of pathogens for a number of dangerous human diseases. The taiga tick, a carrier of the causative agent of spring-summer encephalitis, and species of the genus Dermacentor, carriers of tularemia, tick-borne typhus, and brucellosis, are widespread. Interesting feature Transbaikalian forests - the penetration into this zone of more southern steppe species of insect origin: some species of butterflies - whites and marigolds, as well as locusts.

Fauna of the forest-steppe and steppe zones. In Transbaikalia, the Siberian taiga and the Mongolian steppes come into contact and penetrate far into each other, which largely determines the originality of the animal world. Characteristics natural complexes - their very high dynamism and inconstancy. During the alternation of dry and wet climatic periods, the habitats of animals change radically. Steppe lakes either fill up or dry up, and bare saline areas are formed in their place. Accordingly, the vegetation and animal population almost completely change. The most optimal conditions are found in the forest-steppe by rodents and ungulates. Among rodents, the most common are long-tailed and Daurian ground squirrels, Dzungarian and Daurian hamsters, Brandt's vole. Jumping jerboa is found in the south of the zone. An interesting specialized species is the Dahurian zokor, leading an underground lifestyle. The largest species of rodents is the Mongolian marmot (tarbagan), previously widespread in steppe zone. In recent decades, due to poaching, the number of this interesting view dropped sharply. A very rare species of the steppes is the Daurian hedgehog, which belongs to the order of insectivores. Hare well adapted to life in the steppes tolay and the related Dahurian pika (a detachment of lagomorphs). A characteristic forest-steppe species is the Siberian roe deer, which at present, due to intensive hunting, prefers to stick to forest pegs and pine forests. The dzeren antelope is considered a typical steppe species, not so long ago widespread throughout the steppe zone, now periodically entering the Chita region. from the steppes of Mongolia.

The famous scientist P. S. Pallas during a trip to South. Transbaikalia recorded encounters of such species of ungulates as kulan and argali sheep. A very rare steppe cat manul, leading a secretive lifestyle, settles in the rocks. Of the predators, wolves are of the greatest practical importance, the number of which increased significantly in the 1990s. A valuable fur animal in the forest-steppe is a fox, and in the steppe - a corsac. In the southern steppe regions of the region, the steppe polecat settles in the burrows of the tarbagan.

During wet periods within the Torey basin in the South-East. More than 1,500 medium and small lakes are formed in Transbaikalia, tens of thousands of waterfowl and water birds, and during the migration period, millions of birds stop to rest. During dry climatic periods, the number of waterfowl and near-water birds in the region decreases sharply, but the number of some semi-desert species, such as the Mongolian ground bird, increases.

Of the feathered predators, the Upland Buzzard, the Buzzard are common. common, steppe kestrel, very rarely - steppe eagle (see). Of the crane-like species, the crane- and gray cranes are found, the Dahurian is more rare. On migration black (monk) and white (sterkh) cranes are noted, young individuals of which can stay on steppe lakes throughout the summer. A large endangered species of the crane-like order -. Field, small, gray and Mongolian larks are widespread and numerous. Occasionally there are quails. The Dahurian partridge is of commercial importance. Reptiles are rare and usually represented by cottonmouth Pallas and the Mongolian foot-and-mouth disease.

The insect fauna of the steppe and forest-steppe is quite rich - these are both open-living species and species living in the soil and grass litter.

The basis of the steppe biocenoses is herbaceous vegetation, which led to the abundance of leaf-eating insect species. Locusts, beetles, butterfly caterpillars, sawfly larvae are numerous in the steppe. Among Lepidoptera, representatives of many families of diurnal club butterflies, such as nymphalids,, are common. Of the large and brightly colored species, butterflies of the family stand out: nomion - a typically steppe species of the Daurian-Mongolian fauna and the tail-bearing swallowtail, widespread in all biotopes, including steppe ones. Among leaf beetles, small and often brightly colored species of secretive beetles are numerous.

Actively flying insects are represented in the steppe, in addition to Lepidoptera, by various species of dragonflies, mosquitoes, midges, flying far into the steppe from water bodies (places for the development of larvae). Dragonflies and predatory ktyr flies occupy a niche among invertebrates as large diurnal predators that hunt in flight.

The abundance of flowering plants in the forb steppe attracts many pollinators: Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera.

The soil entomofauna is represented by numerous species of carnivorous and herbivorous ground beetles, dark beetles, as well as their larvae. The underground parts of plants are damaged by the larvae of some beetles and root beetles. The usual inhabitants of the upper soil layer are formics, myrmics, etc. In the dry season of the year, you can observe this interesting phenomenon How summer period rest. At this time, not only typically soil inhabitants (ants, dark beetles, ground beetles), but also leaf beetles, barbels, and other insects hide under stones and cakes of dried manure.

Animal world of reservoirs. Chita region has a significant fund of rivers and lakes that are of fishery importance and allow for the rational use of raw materials from water bodies.

The diversity and originality of the composition of the ichthyofauna of Transbaikalia are due to the location of this territory on the watershed of three large basins - Baikal, Lena and Amur.

The ichthyofauna of the Upper Basin. Cupid is represented by 40 species of fish that belong to 13 families. Its modern appearance was formed already in the middle of the Quaternary period. It has a mixed character, since, in terms of their origin and biology, the species that make it up belong to six different faunal complexes.

The boreal-plain complex is represented by the Amur pike, Amur chebak, silver carp, Amur sturgeon, lake minnow, common Amur gudgeon, loach. The fish of this complex mainly live in the thickets of floodplain reservoirs and river beds. All of them withstand a significant fluctuation of oxygen in the water; by the nature of their food, they are benthivorous, i.e. feed on bottom organisms. Amur chebak - a widespread species. Amur and is confined mainly to large rivers - Shilka, Argun, Onon, Ingoda. Numerous in the lakes Kenon, Nikolaevskoye, Arey. It feeds on vegetation, therefore it is the main consumer of this feed. One of the most valuable fish of the Amur is, however, at present it is a small species that needs protection.

The boreal-piedmont complex includes taimen , , grayling, , , Amur sculpin, variegated sculpin. These species are adapted to life in rivers with fast current, clear water rich in oxygen, with a rocky bottom. By the nature of their diet, most of them are benthophages and consumers of air insects. Spawning occurs in spring at low temperatures.

The ancient Upper Tertiary assemblage includes the Amur flathead asp, kaluga, carp, Amur catfish, lamprey, minnow, and Amur loach. The latter is adapted to life in water bodies with a small amount of oxygen, since it has additional respiratory organs. A number of species (Kaluga, Amur catfish, flat-headed asp) are predators, others feed on benthos. Kaluga is an endemic of the Amur ichthyofauna. In Transbaikalia, it occurs in Shilka, Argun, and the lower reaches of the Onon. Keeps in the deepest places of channels. Does not make large migrations. There are only a few reports about the capture of Kaluga. Feeds on young gubar horse, chebak , minnow. Sexual maturity reaches 16-17 years.

The Chinese faunistic complex includes the gubar horse, the Amur chebachok, the chebak-like minnow, the Khankinsky and eight-whiskered minnows,. These species are very demanding on the presence of oxygen in the water, therefore they live in riverbeds and only during the rise in the water level enter floodplain reservoirs. Spawning time is late spring and summer, when the water temperature rises significantly. The fish are small, except for the gubar horse.

The Indian complex is represented by one family - killer whales. Representatives of this family are characteristic of the ichthyofauna of India, China and other countries of the South-East. Asia. On the territory of the Chita region. their distribution is limited to the basins of Shilka, Argun, Onon. Transbaikalia is the most northern section family range.

The Arctic complex has only two species - burbot and whitefish, which prefer waters saturated with oxygen. The only representative of the cod family - burbot - is a predator and partially eats benthos.

A serious problem was the impoverishment of the species composition of fish living in reservoirs. The endemic species of the Amur basin (kaluga, Amur sturgeon, and whitefish) have practically disappeared. The number of valuable fish species (taimen, lenok, grayling) has decreased. Gubar horse, Amur catfish and carp have become rare.

The watercourses of the Chikoya and Khilka basins belong to the mountain and foothill types and are characterized by a rather poor and monotonous composition of the ichthyofauna - 5-15 species, among which salmon, grayling and cyprinids predominate.

A feature of the mountain fish community of the river. Chikoi - a very large proportion of salmon and grayling (84%) in the total ichthyomass. Lenok prevails (50%). Black Baikal grayling, Baikal whitefish and perch are also noted here. Five species of fish in the Baikal basin are officially named as endangered, therefore the populations of lenok, grayling, whitefish, which can be monitored on the Chikoy and Khilok rivers, should be used as indicators of the state of well-being or degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

The biospheric and national economic significance of water bodies in the north of Transbaikalia is very significant. In connection with the intensive economic development of the territory, significant changes have occurred in the composition of the fish fauna: there is a decrease in the number of valuable fish species, a decrease in growth rates and fertility.

There are 442 freshwater lakes in the region. They are located mainly in groups in pools. major rivers or confined to tectonic depressions. Deep-sea lakes Bol. and Mal. Leprindo, Leprindokan, Davatchan, Nichatka are characterized by low productivity and low temperatures. Grayling, whitefish, lenok, burbot live here, as well as a rare relict species of arctic char, or davatchan. In all the lakes of the Chkalov and Ivano-Arakhlei groups, perch, crucian carp, and roach are found. In the lakes Arakhley, Shaksha, Ivan, pike is also common, among non-commercial species - loach and minnows. The fish of the Torey lakes are mainly represented by silver carp and loach. However, the water regime of these lakes is unstable, and they are not of great fishery importance.

The fauna of invertebrates in the rivers and lakes of the region is rich and varied. Benthos (bottom inhabitants) of the rivers of the Upper Amur basin, Chikoya and Khilka are mainly represented by larvae of caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies, midges, horseflies, beetles, and mosquitoes. These mass species of invertebrates feed on most fish. The lakes of the Ivano-Arakhlei group are inhabited by benthic animals widespread in fresh water bodies. In met following groups: low-bristle worms (oligochaetes), leeches, mollusks, crustaceans, bugs, larvae of bell mosquitoes (chironomids), mayflies, caddis flies, dragonflies, louis flies, water beetles, lepidoptera (more than 100 species in total). The zoobenthos of many lakes is dominated by chironomids and molluscs. The greatest species diversity of chironomids (50 species) was noted in the lake. . Basically, they are inherent in all lakes, however, each reservoir is characterized by a specific combination of dominant species. Being the main filter feeders in water bodies, zooplankton organisms play a huge role in water self-purification. Many species of animals living in Transbaikalia need protection. Thus, 25 species of mammals, 57 of birds, 4 of reptiles, 1 of amphibians, 7 of fish, 2 of mollusks, and 68 of insects are included in the Red Data Book of the Chita Region and Aginsky Buryat Autonomous District. The distribution of some of them is shown on the map of rare animal species.

Lit .: Pavlov E. I. Birds and animals of the Chita region. Chita, 1948; he is. Game animals of the Chita region. Chita, 1949; he is. Notes of a naturalist from observations of seasonal natural phenomena in the Chita region. Chita, 1959; Geller S. Yu., Grebenshchikov O. S., Dzerdzeevsky O. S. and others. Cisbaikalia and Transbaikalia. - M., 1965; Izmailov I. V. Birds of the Vitim Plateau. Ulan-Ude, 1967; Kurentsov A. I. Entomofauna of mountain areas Far East THE USSR. M., 1967; Kurentsov A. I. Mace-winged Lepidoptera of the Far East of the USSR. L., 1970; Izmailov I. V., Borovitskaya G. K. Birds of southwestern Transbaikalia. Vladimir, 1973; Kuznetsov B. A. Key to Vertebrate Animals of the Fauna of the USSR. M., vol. 1, 1974; v.2, 1974; v.3, 1975; Shkatulova A. P., Karasev G. L., Khundanov L. E. Amphibians and reptiles of Transbaikalia. Ulan-Ude, 1978; Catalog of mammals of the USSR. L., 1981; The Red Book of the USSR (under the editorship of A. M. Borodin, A. G. Bannikov and others). M., 1984; The Red Book of the RSFSR (under the editorship of A. G. Bannikov, R. L. Boehme and others). M., 1985; Zatravkin M. N., Bogatov V. V. Large bivalves fresh and brackish waters of the Far East of the USSR. Vladivostok, 1987; Karasev G. L. Fishes of Transbaikalia. Novosibirsk, 1987; Afonin A. V., Vakhrusheva Z. P., Vershinin N. M., Isakova T. T., Kardash A. I., Korsun O. V., Krivenkova I. F., Markova L. P., Mironova V. . E., Nazarova E. I., Ogorodnikova L. I., Romanova N. G., Sklyarova L. P., Khamaganov S. A. Fauna of Eastern Transbaikalia. Tutorial. - Chita, 1997.

From the history Trans-Baikal Territory

The development of Transbaikalia began in the middle of the 7th century. Not far from the confluence of the rivers Ingoda and Chita, a Cossack detachment founded the first fortifications. Soon there arose whole system prisons, the Cossacks entrenched themselves not only in the valleys of the Selenga, Ingoda, Shilka, but also on the right bank of the Amur and Argun. The Argun prison became the extreme southeastern outpost of the new Cossack settlements. Thus, Transbaikalia turned out to be the territory of Russian politics, which was extremely disliked by neighboring China, which had its own views on the lands of Dauria - that was how Transbaikalia and the Amur region were generally called at that time.

In the 1680s, a 12,000-strong Chinese army went to war against Dauria, planning to completely annex it to their territory. But as a result of the signing of the Nerchinsk Treaty in August 1689, the Chinese had to be content with only the right bank of the Argun River. It was along it that the new border passed, and all Russian buildings from the right bank were moved to the left. Further formation of the border of Transbaikalia took place in the 18th century, when China began to lay claim to the lands of all of Southern Siberia.

In 1727, the Burin Treaty was concluded, according to which the border between Russia and China stretched from the Abagaytu hill to the Shamin-Dabaga pass in Altai. Under Catherine II, Transbaikalia became part of the Irkutsk governorship. The Transbaikal region on the territory of the Irkutsk province was formed in 1851 by decree of Emperor Nicholas I. By the same decree, Chita was given the status of a city. Later, the transfer of the borders of the present Transbaikalia occurred several more times - in connection with the division of this territory into different districts and regions and their unification into new municipal units.

In the 19th century, the first gold-bearing placers were discovered in Transbaikalia, which gave rise to industrial gold mining. Among the sights of Transbaikalia are many nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, thermal springs, picturesque lakes, mountain peaks and caves, as well as historical and architectural sites. For example, the Archangel Michael Church in Chita is a monument of wooden architecture of the 18th century. Now the museum "Church of the Decembrists" is open in its building, where their documents, books, and personal belongings are stored. Also interesting are the Konduisky town - a monument of the Mongolian period of Transbaikalia; Mount Alkhanai - one of the five sacred peaks of northern Buddhism; natural biosphere reserve "Daursky" with bitter-salty Torey lakes - the remnants of the Protorey Sea.

In the vicinity of the village of Kyra, the sites of the ancient people of the Stone Age with the first forges have been preserved. Another "attraction" of the region, which tourists tend to bring home, is local honey. Day of the beekeeper of the Trans-Baikal Territory, annually celebrated on August 14, is here national holiday. City Day in Chita is celebrated on the last Sunday of May.

Geography and climatic conditions

Located in Eastern Transbaikalia. It borders on the Buryat and Yakut Republics, the Irkutsk and Amur regions, Mongolia and China. About a thousand kilometers from north to south and 800-1500 kilometers from west to east extends the Trans-Baikal Territory. The main rivers are the Baikal, Lena and Amur basins.

A significant part of Transbaikalia belongs to the taiga zone, bordering in the south with forest-steppes and dry steppes. The mountain-hollow relief causes the interweaving of horizontal zonality and high-mountain zonality of landscapes. The low mountains and plains of southeastern Transbaikalia and part of the basins are occupied by grass-forb steppes. The outskirts of the intermountain basins and the lower part of the mountain slopes up to 1200 m are covered with mountain forest-steppe (birch, larch and aspen forests are interspersed with sections of steppes), from 1200 to 1900 m there is mountain taiga with a predominance of Daurian larch. There is a Siberian cedar, above 1600 m thickets of Siberian pine, lichen tundra begin, in the southern part of Transbaikalia - larch-birch and pine forests.

The climate of Transbaikalia is harsh, sharply continental. Already in October, an increased Atmosphere pressure. Winter in the intermountain basins is cloudy and dry, there is little precipitation, and the duration of sunshine here is longer than in Yalta and Kislovodsk. Even light winds are rare at this time.

In these conditions earth's surface loses a lot of heat as a result of radiation, which explains temperature inversions and the prevalence of persistent frosts. The average January temperatures vary from -23° in the south of the region to -30 -33° in the north and southeast, and the absolute minimums reach -50 -58°. Summer here is warm, sometimes even hot.

The average July temperature in the plains in the south of the region is from 19 to 21-22°, but on some days the heat reaches 35-40°. At an altitude of 1500-2000 m, July temperatures are 10-14°, and frosts occur even in July and August.

In the steppe regions of the Trans-Baikal region, 200-300 mm of precipitation falls annually, in the mountain-taiga zone - about 350-450 mm. 60-70% of their annual amount falls on the warm season, mainly in July and August, when it rains heavily.

In spring and June, rains are rare, and therefore droughts are observed in the steppe regions. In winter, no more than 5-8% of the annual precipitation falls in the intermountain basins; The thickness of the snow cover is not very high even in the mountain taiga, and in some steppe basins of Eastern Transbaikalia it is only 5-10 cm.

Administrative-territorial structure and population

According to the preliminary results of the All-Russian Population Census of 2010, the population of the Trans-Baikal Territory as of October 14, 2010 is 1,106.6 thousand people (1,099.4 thousand people according to 2012 data), 0.8% of the population of Russia. The population density as of October 14, 2010 is 2.6 people per 1 sq. km. km (in Russia, the population density is 8.4 people per 1 sq. km).

The main settlement zone covers the central, southern and southeastern parts of the Trans-Baikal Territory. The most densely populated (9-13 people/km2) strip along the railway and the valleys of the rivers Ingoda, Shilka and Onon. The population density is somewhat less in the Onon-Borzinsky and Aginsky steppes. In the south-west of the region, the population is located along the valleys of the Khilok and Chikoi rivers, in the northern regions the population density is low.

The Trans-Baikal Territory is inhabited by representatives of more than 120 nationalities, incl. Russians, Buryats, Tatars, Ukrainians, Byelorussians, etc. Aginsky Buryat Okrug is populated mainly by Buryats (54.9%, average population density - 4.2 people/km2) and Russians (about 40%). In the north, in the basin of the Vitim and Olekma, the Evenks and Yakuts live.

The Trans-Baikal Territory includes 31 administrative districts, 10 cities, 41 urban-type settlements, 28 settlements, and 750 rural settlements. The administrative center is the city of Chita, located 6074 km east of Moscow. The Trans-Baikal Territory is included in the eighth time zone, the time difference with Moscow is +6 hours.

The largest city is the regional center of Chita (325.3 thousand people). Other cities have a much smaller population: Krasnokamensk (55.7 thousand people), Borzya (31.4 thousand people), Petrovsk-Zabaikalsky (18.5 thousand people), Balei (12.5 thousand people). All cities and many urban-type settlements are the administrative centers of the districts.

Number of municipalities by type:

Municipalities, total - 418

Municipal districts - 31

Urban districts - 4

Settlements - 383

including urban - 45, rural - 338

Diversified complex of the region's economy

Among the subjects Russian Federation The economy of the Trans-Baikal Territory ranks 51st out of 82 regions. The volume of the GRP of the Trans-Baikal Territory in 2011 was estimated at 187.4 billion rubles, or 104.8% of the 2010 level. In the structure of GRP, the largest share is occupied by transport and communications (over 35%), industry (over 20%), Agriculture, hunting and forestry (9%), construction (7%). The economically active population is 541.3 thousand people.

The industry is represented by 1269 organizations that employ 52.2 thousand people or 9.6% of the economically active population of the region.

The volume of industrial production in 2011 amounted to 106.3% of the 2010 level. The basic economic activities of industry are mining; production and distribution of electricity, gas and water; in manufacturing - metallurgical production, production of machinery and equipment and food production. Their total share in the total structure of industrial production of the region is more than 90 percent.

The volume of agricultural production in farms of all categories in 2011 increased by 2.4% compared to 2010.

The peculiarity of the natural conditions of the region has historically determined the features of the agricultural sector. The main agricultural specialization of the region is animal husbandry.

The leading and promising sectors are beef cattle breeding, sheep breeding and herd horse breeding. Sheep breeding is represented by the breeding of the Trans-Baikal fine-wool breed of sheep. In beef cattle breeding, the gene pool of the Hereford, Kalmyk, Kazakh white-headed breeds of cattle has been preserved.

The housing stock of the region in 2011 totaled more than 21.5 million square meters, on average, 1 inhabitant accounted for 19.5 square meters of housing. In 2011, 277 thousand square meters of total living space were commissioned.

Investment potential

The basic investment projects that attracted the largest share of investments were the Southern Way (reconstruction of the section of the Trans-Baikal Railway from Karymskaya to Zabaikalsk), the investment project "Creation of transport infrastructure for the development of mineral resources in the south-east of the Trans-Baikal Territory", implemented with state support at the expense of Investment Fund of the Russian Federation and with the involvement of funds from OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, mining industry.

Strategically important for improving the economy of the Trans-Baikal Territory is the creation of a mining complex in the north of the region (the BAM zone).

Transport infrastructure

The length of public roads with a hard surface is 14.65 thousand km. The main highways run in the central and southeastern regions of the region, providing access to the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The length of the railways of the Trans-Baikal Territory is 2.4 thousand km. The railway network is represented by the Trans-Baikal section of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Baikal-Amur Railway.

There is an international airport in Chita, in addition there is an airport in the village of Chara (Kalarsky district). Cross-polar air routes pass through the territory of the region (over the waters of the Arctic Ocean).

Currently, the Chita Customs operates on the territory of the region, which is subordinate to 12 customs posts.

The railway checkpoint "Zabaikalsk" is the largest land checkpoint on the way of cargo traffic from Russia to China and back.

Automobile checkpoint "Zabaikalsk" serves up to 50 % passage of land cargo and passengers in road traffic between Russia and China.

Natural resources

The Trans-Baikal Territory is one of the regions with a fairly high resource potential (mineral resources, water, forestry and land).

The subsoil of the region contains 94% of the proven reserves of uranium of the Russian Federation, 36% of fluorspar, 37.2% of zirconium, 23.8% of copper, 30.5% of molybdenum, 22.7% of titanium, 14.4% - silver, 8.5% - lead, 7% - gold, there are also reserves of tungsten, tin, lithium, zinc and iron ores.

On the territory of the Trans-Baikal Territory, 23 industrial coal deposits and several dozens of coal manifestations with total reserves of 6.9 billion tons have been identified. The Apsat and Chitkanda coal deposits have a high gas content. The total reserves of methane in coal seams reach 63-65 billion cubic meters. m.

Significant timber reserves are concentrated in the region (forest area - 30 million hectares).

Flora and fauna of the Trans-Baikal Territory

Plants

Due to the diversity of natural conditions, the vegetation of the region is characterized by a complex and variegated composition. It presents 3 latitudinal zones: forest (middle and southern taiga), forest-steppe and steppe. The mountainous relief determines the manifestation and vertical zonality with the addition of subalpine (sub-bald) and alpine (bald) vegetation.

The flora of the region includes more than 1700 higher vascular plants. It includes: boreal Holarctic, Eurasian, South Siberian, Central Asian, East Asian, Manchurian-Daurian species. Among them, valuable medicinal, fodder, food, technical and ornamental plants are widely represented. For most of them, with the exception of trees and shrubs, no accounting of resources was made, although some of these species are used intensively.

Significant areas of berry land with productivity (yield) in some areas - blueberries up to 1000 kg / ha (average economic yield - 110 kg / ha), lingonberries - up to 625 kg / ha (average economic yield 137 kg / ha).

36 species of medicinal plants are harvested, most of all - leaves and shoots of lingonberries, wild rosemary, thyme, or thyme, as well as hawthorn and bird cherry fruits, bergenia roots.

The volume of blanks of other species is much less, but among them there are rare and relatively rare species - Ural licorice, pink radiola, milky-flowered peony, as well as species that are original for the Trans-Baikal Territory, the raw material reserves of which are concentrated only here: Pallas' or Fischer's spurge, skullcap Baikal, membranous astragalus.

Animals

The fauna includes more than 500 species of vertebrates, including more than 80 species of mammals (3 species are acclimatized: muskrat, hare and American mink), more than 330 species of birds, 5 species of amphibians and 6 species of reptiles.

The degree of knowledge of the region's fauna remains low. For most of the territory, the complete species composition of mammals and birds is still unknown, not to mention invertebrates, many of which have not yet been registered. The situation is no better with regard to the study of valuable mass fur and hoofed animals, which form the basis of hunting.

Some vertebrates belong to the category of rare and endangered animals. The most vulnerable and poorly studied in the region are: bighorn sheep, dzeren, otter, manul, weasel, hare, tarbagan, black-capped marmot, Manchurian and Daurian zokors, Daurian hedgehog.

Various commercial structures are being formed, aimed at the predatory use of wildlife resources. This is accompanied by an increase in the volume of poaching, illegal buying up and extraction of medicinal and technical raw materials of animal origin (musk deer, deer antlers, antlers, bear bile, etc.).

The ichthyofauna of the Amur is represented by 23-28 species of fish. Now in the catches there are rarely gubar horse, Amur catfish, carp, and very rarely - lenok, taimen and grayling. The endemics of the Amur basin - kaluga, Amur sturgeon and whitefish have practically dropped out of the composition of the ichthyofauna. Compared with the Middle and Lower Amur, the ichthyofauna of the upper reaches is 3-4 times poorer.

Background fish species in Ingoda, Shilka, Onon and Argun are taimen, lenok, and grayling. However, only in the upper reaches of the Ingoda they are numerous and their share reaches 30-40% of the catches. Downstream the river. Ingoda is experiencing significant anthropogenic load especially in the Chita region.

The fish productivity of the rivers of the Amur basin is approximately 12-55 kg / ha, the average for the Shilka is 27.3, and for the tributaries (below the city of Sretensk) - 31.4 kg / ha.

The ichthyocenoses of the Khilok and Chikoi rivers (Lake Baikal basin) with their tributaries are poorly studied; knowledge about them is fragmented. The watercourses of the rivers belong to the mountain and foothill types and are characterized by a rather poor and homogeneous composition of the ichthyofauna (5-15 species), salmon, grayling and carp predominate.

A feature of the mountain ichthyocenosis of the Chikoy River is a very large proportion of salmon and grayling (84%).

Black Baikal grayling is found in mountain streams, Baikal whitefish and perch - in foothills. The ichthyomass of the main commercial fish species ranges from 16.6 to 21.9 kg/ha.

The rivers of the Lena basin (Vitim, Olekma, etc.) are the least studied in terms of fisheries.

In connection with the construction of the BAM, more than others, attention was paid to the rivers of promising areas for development, in particular, the Chara River. She and her tributaries are typical grayling-valkovyh and act as spawning and feeding reservoirs. Bulk Views- grayling, valek and lenok. Fish productivity of the river is 5-7 kg/ha.

The landscape diversity of the reserve, the presence in it of many natural complexes - from the steppe to the alpine - also determined its floristic and faunal richness. To date, it has been established that 67 species of mammals, about 255 species of birds, 3 species of amphibians, 4 species of reptiles, and 8 species of fish live in the reserve and adjacent territories. More than 1,200 species of arthropods have also been registered, which, according to experts, makes up two thirds of the composition.

Most interesting representatives mammals - predators - in the reserve are represented by 15 species (together with the adjacent territories 19 species). The most numerous of them is sable - one of the brightest representatives of the mustelid family, the wealth of the Trans-Baikal taiga. In the protected area, the population density of this animal is 3-5 times higher than in neighboring commercial areas. Kolonok is found about 8-10 times less often than sable, adhering to the forest-steppe and low-mountain belts. Stoats and weasels are characteristic of the entire territory, distributed from the forest-steppe to the loaches. The river otter is extremely rare (a species listed in the Red Book of the Chita Region). The permanent inhabitant of the protected area is the wolf. Due to the high ecological plasticity, wolves master almost all natural landscapes. The owner of the taiga - the bear - is common here, and traces of his life are found everywhere. It is a great success even for an experienced naturalist to observe a lynx in natural conditions, this representative of the cat family is so careful and sensitive. Snow leopards are also possible on the territory of the reserve.

The Trans-Baikal taiga is also rich in ungulates. Five species of this group of animals live in the protected area. Red deer is one of the most numerous and ubiquitous. Elk is one of the background species of ungulates of the reserve. The favorite biotopes of these giants are the flattened tops of the rivers with the presence of shrub willows and birches, as well as moraine lakes with their rich aquatic vegetation. The reserve also serves as a reserve for musk deer, which has become a rare animal in the Trans-Baikal taiga due to predatory fishing with nooses. Its numbers are increasing in typical mountain taiga areas. The Siberian roe deer is more common in the river valleys of the lower forest belt and on the steppe slopes of mountain ranges. IN last years an increase in the wild boar population has been noted. These animals adhere to the valleys of large rivers, snowy ridges and pine forests of the southern slopes.

Hare, squirrel, flying squirrel, chipmunk are common inhabitants of the taiga. The long-tailed ground squirrel is widely distributed in the forest-steppe zone, and its isolated settlements are also found in the bald tundra. The smallest representative of the lagomorphs, the northern pika, lives in the barrens of chars and stony placers along the ridges of the upper and lower forest belts.

The avifauna is very rich in the reserve. About 170 nesting species have been registered, more than 30 species - on migration, over 10 species are noted as vagrant and over 50 species - wintering in the Kyrinsky district of the region.

From birds of prey ordinary species forest-steppe zone are black kite, common kestrel, red-footed falcon, field and marsh harrier. More rare are the steppe eagle, greater spotted eagle, saker falcon, peregrine falcon, white-tailed eagle. Black vulture strikes are not uncommon.

In the taiga, golden eagle, goshawk, sparrowhawk, common buzzard are common.

Widespread waterfowl are represented by 24 species. The most characteristic ducks are mallard and teal. Bean goose, whooper, kloktun, mandarin duck, black Baer, ​​kamenushka are listed in the Red Books of the Russian Federation and the region. Black-throated diver and red-necked grebe nest on mountain lakes. The great grebe is characteristic of large steppe lakes. Great bittern, gray heron and black stork nest in swampy floodplains of reservoirs.

In the reserve and adjacent territories, there are 4 species of cranes. The Common Crane nests in the vicinity of taiga lakes. The white-naped crane lives in swampy river valleys closer to the border with Mongolia. The belladonna is widely settled throughout the steppe Altano-Kyrinskaya basin. Here, in the vicinity of the lakes and along the river valleys, a very rare black crane is observed during the migration. The coot nests in the steppe saucer lakes, and the bustard nests in the most secluded corners.

Of the 6 representatives of chickens, only the Japanese quail is a migratory species, the rest live all year round in this territory. The white partridge lives in the alpine tundra, often descending into the river valleys in winter period. The stone capercaillie is quite widespread in the taiga of the upper forest belt. The hazel grouse lives in almost all types of forests. Black grouse mainly in the forest-steppe zone. Japanese quail and Dahurian partridge in the steppe zone of the Altano-Kyrinskaya basin.

Sandpipers are numerous in the reserve - up to 25 species, of which 13 are nesting.

Of the 10 species of owls, the most massive is the Ural Owl; eagle owl, listed in the Red Book of the region, is not uncommon. Passerines are the most numerous in the reserve (more than 100 species). Optimal biotopes for them are river floodplains, mixed forests at the junction of taiga and forest-steppe, lake shores, and bushes.

In numerous reservoirs are found different kinds fish. The rarest and largest representative of the ichthyofauna is the taimen, which enters the lower and middle reaches of the largest rivers of the reserve during the spawning season. Lenok, grayling and burbot are the most characteristic inhabitants of protected reservoirs. Occasionally, the Amur pike is found in the backwaters of the middle reaches of the rivers; common minnow.

Elk - The number of approximately 7000 - 9000 individuals. The main livestock is in the Tungokochinsky and Tungiroolekmensky districts. Density - 1 - 2 individuals per 1000 ha. In general, there is less than one animal per 1000 ha in the region. The southern border is not taken into account The largest of the deer. Range length. body up to 3 m. Weight up to 570 - 600 kg. The legs are very long. The head is massive, hook-nosed, with large ears, the neck is short, thick with a standing mane, a fold of skin hangs down under the larynx and lower lip - an “earring”. The horns are wide, spade-shaped with a span of 1.5 m. The hooves are large and long. The color of the body is dark brown, the legs are from light gray to white. Horns fall off at the end of November-December, begin to grow in March-April. It lives in forest and forest-steppe zones. In winter, it lives in thickets, on burned areas, in summer - in clearings, in marshy places. During the day it grazes and rests several times. In winter, it feeds during the day, in summer - at night, usually at dawn. It uses up to 350 species of plants for food, incl. Many tree and shrub species. Eats 12 - 20 kg of feed per day. Salt licks visit in summer. Red deer - The number of 20 - 25 thousand heads. Basically, the population is stable. Density 1-2 individuals per 1000 ha. Only in Khiloksky district the number decreased. 2 - 3% of the total livestock is harvested annually. It is a subspecies of red deer with a very slender build. Quite a large animal, body length 2.3 - 2.5 m, weight - 250 - 300 kg. Males have branched, annually changing horns. The ears are large, the tail is short. The color of the coat is brown or reddish in summer, gray in winter. Near the tail, the spot ("mirror") is large, from white to rusty. The horns fall off in March-April, and after a few days new ones, the so-called "antlers", begin to grow. Lives in plains and mountains, mixed and coniferous forests . He likes to graze on clearings and burnt areas. For a normal habitat, watering places and salt licks are required. In summer they feed in the morning and in the evening, in winter - around the clock. Hearing and smell are well developed, vision is weak. In nutrition uses about 300 species of plants. In summer it feeds on forbs, foliage, in autumn - fruits, in winter - shoots, bark, dry grass and leaves. They are of great commercial importance. The most valuable are antlers, from which a tonic medicine, pantocrine, is made. The meat is of good quality. For various crafts, skins and horns are used. Wolves cause great harm to deer, less often - bears, lynxes and wolverines. Wild reindeer Deer family. Large animal, body length up to 2.0 m, height at the withers up to 1 m, weight up to 100 kg. Compared to red deer, it is squat, with short legs. The hooves are large and can move apart. The tail is short, the ears are also short. The rods of the horns are arcuate, spatulately widened at the ends. In winter they are gray in color, in summer with a brown tint. They feed on lichens, herbaceous and shrubby plants, eat mushrooms, visit salt licks. The main enemies of deer are wolves, bears, lynxes, wolverines. In Kalarsky, Tungokochinsky and Tungiro-Olyokmensky districts. The number is from 7000 to 10000 individuals. Continues to shrink. They need protection. Wild boar Absent in three steppe regions. The number is approximately 6000 individuals. Decreased number in Sretinsky, Akshinsky, Khiloksky and Chita districts. This is a large forest animal with a massive body on short legs. The front of the body is higher than the back. The muzzle is elongated into a long snout with a "patch" at the end. Fangs grow throughout life up to 8 - 10 cm. Covered with thick, hard bristles of brown color, on the ridge and back - a mane. Body length up to 200 cm, tail - 30 cm, body weight 150 kg. The legs are short, with rounded black hooves. The habitat is very diverse: taiga, forest-steppe, rise high into the mountains. They settle in dense thickets, near swamps, reservoirs. They keep in herds, especially in winter and autumn during the fattening period. Wild boars are active at night, during the day they rest in the thickets. A lot of grass, reeds are dragged onto winter beds, and the bedding is raked into large shocks. In summer they rest from above, and in winter they burrow inside. In summer, it lives near water bodies, where it arranges mud baths. P The food is varied. They eat tubers, rhizomes, grasses, carrion, mice, chicks, as well as cultivated plants (potatoes, corn, oats). Gives birth to 4-5, sometimes up to 12 striped piglets. Lives up to 30 years. The main enemy is the wolf. In the forest, it brings both harm and benefit, loosening the soil, and contributes to the renewal of the forest. The number is declining. Roe Deer Lives in all areas. The number of more than 30 thousand individuals. The most massive species of the deer family. The population is relatively stable. It adapts well to the conditions of the anthropogenic landscape. Occurs in the vicinity of the city of Chita. Due to poaching, the abundance of predators, the number of stray dogs does not reach optimal values. In protected areas (Tsasucheisky boron), the number reaches 30 - 55 individuals per 1000 The smallest deer, ha. light, slender, graceful physique. Body length up to 150 cm, height up to 100 cm, weight 25 - 50 kg. Horns grow only in males, in females they are extremely rare. The color of the coat is bright red in summer, gray-brown in winter, near the tail there is a tail “mirror” white spot. Young calves are spotted. It lives in the taiga, forest and forest-steppe zones. In winter they live in groups. In hot weather they graze in the morning and evening, in winter they feed all day. In winter, they lie down in the snow, having previously dug it to the ground. They feed on leaves and thin shoots, sometimes on lichens. Salt licks visit in summer. Kobarga Found everywhere. The number is approximately 22,000 individuals. Due to the increasing demand for the jet - the musky gland of the male - is of great economic importance. It can reach a density of 50 - 60 individuals per 1000 ha. Hoofed, hornless graceful animal, up to 1 m long, weighing up to 10 - 17 kg. Hind limbs long, front short. The hooves are long, thin, pointed, the hooves of the lateral toes reach the ground. The hairline is dark brown, with indistinct spotting, coarse, dense. Males have fangs up to 10 cm long. The head is small, the eyes are kind, the ears are long. It lives in mountainous, hilly taiga, in rocky placers, as well as in flat coniferous forests with dense undergrowth of rhododendron. However, it rarely enters the loaches. Moves freely on the rocks, jumping from stone to stone, both from top to bottom, and from bottom to top. Resting in thickets, windbreaks. In summer it leads a nocturnal lifestyle, in winter it is daytime. The basis of nutrition is lichens and mosses, shoots, leaves, needles, herbs, cap mushrooms. The musk deer is a solitary animal, it does not form herds. Enemies - wolves, wolverines, lynxes, bears, sables, eagles. Exterminated by man because of the musk gland of the male. The snow sheep is listed in the Red Book of Russia. It lives on the Kodar ridge and possibly on the Udokan ridge in the mountain tundra. It belongs to rare and endangered species. There are no official numbers. It is necessary to organize a reserve in the Kalarsky district to preserve the species. Body length 180 cm, height at the withers up to 100 cm, weight up to 140 kg. The female is smaller than the male with horns. Horns up to 110 cm long in girth up to 36 cm. Chunky, brownish-brown fur. In the rocks it escapes from the wolves and here it rests on its beds. They live in herds of up to 10-20 pieces. Before the rut, males gather harems of 5-15 females. Dzeyren is listed in the Red Book of Russia. There are no counting data. It is possible to enter from Mongolia. There is a population in the Daursky Reserve. Brown bear The total number is about 2500 individuals. The increased demand for bearskin and bile requires the judicious exploitation of this species. The largest forest predatory animal. It has a powerful body with a massive head and small eyes. Paws are five-fingered, strong, with large claws. The gait is soft, unhurried, but runs fast, up to 50 km/h. It swims well and fishes in the rivers. Inhabits dense thickets with windbreak, places adjacent to clearings, water bodies. They live settled, on average 0.1 - 2 individuals per 1000 hectares, in cedar forests - up to 10. summer time lives among the big grass, on the berries. From mid-October to April, he sleeps in a den. For a lair, he selects a secluded place in the forest under the trunk of a fallen tree or under uprooted roots in a windfall, or in a thicket of young growth, often occupy caves in the rocks or dig a hole. The lair is large in size, up to 1 m high, 1-1.2 m wide, up to 1.8 m long. The bear gets very fat before hibernation. The accumulated fat is used to maintain body temperature during hibernation up to 37 degrees. It feeds on animals and plant foods. Eats insects, catches fish, small inhabitants, loves honey, berries, especially raspberries, lingonberries, doves. Often destroys anthills. In the bear's den, 1-3 blind cubs weighing up to 0.5 kg appear. In the spring they eat greens, insects, hunt wild ungulates. In medicine, bear fat and bile are used. In lean years, many bears do not hibernate, they are called "rods". They are not afraid of humans, they attack domestic animals. Wolf In all regions of the region. Sunset is observed from Mongolia and China. The number in the region is not less than 1800. The permissible density should not exceed 0.5 per 1 thousand square kilometers, that is, no more than 200 individuals. Population control is needed. A typical large predator with a slender body, elongated head, narrow muzzle, erect ears, powerful muscular neck. Legs dry, very strong, straight digitigrade, 4 toes on paws, claws not retractable, blunt. The tail is long, fluffy. Body length 105 - 155 cm, tail -35 - 50 cm, weighs 35-50 kg, sometimes even up to 80 kg. They hunt in groups for large animals - elk, cows, horses. They also catch hares, roe deer, and deer. They feed on carrion, the fruits of wild plants. At one time, the wolf eats more than 3 kg of meat. Wolves settle in ravines, gullies for breeding, the rest of the time they lead a wandering lifestyle. They live in pairs. Perfectly adapted, intelligent predator. He hears well, has great physical strength and endurance. It hunts at night and travels up to 100 km without rest. Obtains food by stealing, chasing and stealing animals. More often, weakened and sick animals become victims. The raccoon dog penetrated the Amur and from China. Not studied. Possible source of rabies. The body is squat, on short legs, covered with thick long coarse brownish-gray fur, the chest is brownish-black. Wide sideburns are developed on the sides of the head. On the muzzle there is a characteristic pattern in the form of a dark mask. The tail and legs are short. Body length up to 80 cm, weight from 4 to 10 kg. Lives on the Torey lakes, in the floodplains of the Argun, Onon, Ingoda, Khilka rivers, as well as in mixed forests with dense undergrowth, avoids coniferous taiga. Settles in the burrows of badgers and foxes. Omnivorous. It feeds on small rodents, frogs, birds, berries, oats, herbs and garbage. Gets very fat in autumn. In winter, it falls into a shallow sleep. They hunt mainly at night; they walk poorly on loose snow. The fur is not very beautiful, but wearable, warm. Fox In all regions of the Trans-Baikal Territory. The number is approximately 1800 - 2200 individuals. Valuable fur animal, fiery red color. Body length 60-85 cm, fluffy tail 30-50 cm long, tip of the tail and chest white, tips of the ears and front sides of the legs are black. Lives in sparse forest plantations, on forest edges, in river valleys. It is omnivorous, but the basis of food is mouse-like rodents. Eats small birds, hares, insects, frogs, young roe deer. Settles in burrows. Activity throughout the day. The sight of the fox is weaker than the sense of smell and hearing. There are two molts during the summer. Beneficial, destroying a significant number of mouse-like rodents. Korsak is a steppe fox. The number is unknown. May be a source of rabies infection. A useful species for biocenoses. feeds on rodents, locusts and carrion. Study is needed. Lynx The number of approximately 2000 - 2500 individuals. In all areas. The density is approximately 0.3 individuals per 1000 ha. A sharp decline in numbers due to fur. The number of young animals has sharply decreased. This is a large, strong and dangerous predator, resembling a large forest cat. The body length is about a meter, the height at the shoulders is 0.5-0.6 m, the weight of an adult lynx is up to 30 kg. The head is small, round, on the sides are wide sideburns, large tassels at the ends of the ears, the tail is fluffy, short, as if chopped off. The paws are very wide, hairy, round, the front paws are five-toed, the hind ones are four-toed. The lynx moves well in deep snow. Lives in dense cluttered forests, near rocky areas. The lynx roams rarely, only with a lack of food. It feeds mainly on hares and small animals. But she also attacks young boars, kabaroks, roe deer, feeds on hazel grouse, black grouse. Hunts from ambush and waiting for the victim, sometimes stealthily. Can pursue the victim for 2-3 days. It lies in wait for large victims in the trees, from where it jumps onto the animal and gnaws its neck. It rarely attacks a person, but often fights with a dog. Wolverine The number of approximately 700 individuals. Twenty-seven districts of the region. A relatively large animal with a stocky body, weighing up to 16, sometimes up to 32 kg, an elongated muzzle, short round ears, and a shaggy short tail. Paws are short with strong, semi-retractable claws. The fur is thick, shiny, dark brown. A yellowish stripe runs along the sides of the body from the shoulders to the tail. Widely distributed in the taiga, forest-tundra. Most of the year it roams. Passes for a day up to 80 km. Feeds on carrion. In spring and autumn it attacks young ungulates, hares, upland game, and also eats berries. It can devastate food warehouses of hunters, eats animals caught in traps, traps. Good for climbing trees. The lair suits in the crevices of rocks, in stony placers, under the roots of trees. Wolverine fur is coarse, but quite beautiful. The commercial value is small. It lives in the mountain-forest and mountain-taiga zones, rarely enters the forest zone. Badger There are single individuals. Strict accounting and protection is required. This is a cautious, predatory animal of the weasel family. The body is thick on short legs, the muzzle is narrow. Body length up to 1 m, tail - up to 2.5 cm, body weight in autumn due to fat reaches 30 - 35 kg. The color of the coat on the back and sides is silver-gray, the belly is black. Dark stripes are visible on the sides of the head, stretching through the eyes from the nose to the ears. The limbs are plantigrade, the fingers are elongated, the claws are long, blunt. The badger lives in underground burrows, on the slopes of sandy hills, ravines and gullies. Nora is a complex multi-storey building. The badger is a clean animal. Omnivorous, feeds on rhizomes, berries, nuts, small mammals, birds and eggs, beetle and wasp larvae. By autumn, the badger becomes very fat and hibernates due to the accumulation of fat. He sleeps in a burrow on a soft bed made of plant rags. The badger has many enemies - a wolf, a lynx, a bear. The badger is of great benefit by destroying beetles, mouse-like rodents. Now a few groups of badgers are found in forest-steppe regions, and rarely in taiga and steppe regions. Hunting is possible only with special permits. In folk medicine, healing badger fat is used. Sable The number is approximately 20,000 individuals. At the beginning of the twentieth century, it was practically exterminated. Thanks to security measures, the population has recovered. Pretty predatory inhabitant of the taiga. According to the color of the fur and body size, 14 subspecies are distinguished, with a beautiful dark brown color. The body length of a sable is up to 50 cm, the tail is fluffy, 20 cm, and the weight is up to 2 kg. It lives in various types of forest plantations, prefers cedars, thickets of elfin cedar, stony placers. Leads a terrestrial lifestyle. The movements are agile and graceful. It moves well in the snow, thanks to wide densely pubescent paws. Nests are arranged in stumps, hollows, stony placers. Feeds on small animals, birds, squirrels, berries, nuts. Sometimes attacks Large animals like roe deer, red deer. Very active at dusk. During snowfall and severe frosts, it sits in shelters. The hunting area for sable is 25-300 ha. Sable fur is the most valuable. American mink Released in the Krasnochikoysky district along the Chikoy River in 1939. Infiltrated into other areas. The number is approximately 563 individuals (in Red Chikoy). A high number is not advisable - it destroys valuable fish species. Steppe light ferret A useful species in biocenoses. Absent in the Kalarsky district. The number is unknown. However, it is dangerous from the epidemiological point of view. Animals can get sick with plague, etc. Columns In all regions of the Trans-Baikal Territory. The number depends on the number of murines. Security measures are not required. Predatory small animal. The coloration is light red, lighter on the belly, the lips and chin are white, the end of the muzzle from above is brown. Kolonok is an inhabitant of the taiga, but also lives in the forest-steppe zone around lakes, along the banks of rivers. Especially numerous in the eastern regions of the region. Body length up to 40 cm, tail - 15 - 20 cm, weight - up to 900 g. It feeds on small rodents, birds, fish, and attacks the muskrat. In summer it also feeds on berries, in autumn - nuts. Leads a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle. In the winter cold, it sits in a hole. Kolonka pelts are used in the fur industry. The fur of the tail of the speakers is used to make high-quality artistic brushes. It is the most widespread species in preparations among fur-bearing animals. Ermine A small animal from the family of predators, body length up to 38 cm, tail - 16 cm. The body is thin, very elongated, flexible, the hairline is thick, but short. In summer, the upper half and sides are brownish-brown, the lower half is white or yellowish. It is very similar to the weasel in color and body shape, but larger. In winter, like the weasel, the color is snow-white, but the final half of the tail is black all year round. The length of the tail with terminal hairs is equal to or greater than half the length of the body. It lives in forest-steppe, taiga and forest-tundra zones. It lives in floodplains, on cluttered forest-steppes and burnt areas, along the edges, along the banks of lakes, among placers of stones, sometimes in settlements. The basis of nutrition is small rodents, birds, eggs, insects, carrion, berries. Organizes food supplies. Leads mainly a nocturnal lifestyle, but in autumn it comes across during the day in kurumniks. It climbs and swims well, chirps loudly and sharply when excited. Fur trade object. A useful species as an exterminator of harmful rodents. Most often found in the mountain tundra of the Kalarsky region, but also found in all other regions of the Trans-Baikal Territory. Weasel A rare species. The number is unknown. Depends on the number of mice. Needs protection. The smallest predator. Very flexible, like a snake, an elegant animal. The body length is 10-30 cm. The head is small, the neck is very mobile, the ears are rounded, small, the tail is short, one-colored, turns white by autumn. The paws of the weasel are short, the claws are sharp. They live on forest edges, in bushes, in light forests. It spends the night in haystacks, straw, sometimes lives in forest settlements, on cordons. She climbs trees poorly, but swims well. Usually in winter it moves under the snow. Nests are arranged in other people's burrows, lining them with grass or the hair of dead animals. Bloodthirsty predator - hunts day and night for small rodents. Catches up to 8-12 mice per day. He hides the prey in reserve, in his pantry. Hungry can attack capercaillie, partridges, hares. When attacking birds, it takes off with them and gnaws its throat on the fly. It can eat frogs, fish, ground squirrels, hamsters. Manul - wild cat Listed in the Red Book. It occurs in the steppe southern regions of the Trans-Baikal Territory. A wild cat of graceful build with a body length of up to 60 cm, a tail of 30 cm, and a weight of 4-5 kg. The tip of the tail is black and has 6-7 dark rings to the base. Well furred. The eyes are large, the ears are small, do not stick out, but spread out, have “tanks” of a light color. Feeds on small rodents and birds. Hunts in the morning and in the evening by stalking, throwing and short pursuit. Runs slowly. Teacher of geography and ecology, secondary school No. 42, Novokruchininsky town

Transbaikalia is rich in commercial fur-bearing animals, there are about 25 species. The smallest furry animal on earth - a predatory weasel, is subject to absolute protection, its number has not yet been established. The wolverine lives in the most remote places of the taiga. Other fur-bearing animals are also widespread: red and black-brown fox, corsac, badger, muskrat, tarbagan, local and acclimatized species of hares. Among ungulates, roe deer occupy the first place in terms of numbers, followed by wild boars, elk and red deer. Musk deer - a miniature Transbaikal deer is the subject of great demand in medicine for the musky gland of the male, the so-called stream. Dzeren and bighorn sheep are listed in the Red Book of Russia, as well as a representative of the northern taiga, a wild deer - sogzhoy. In all districts of the region there is a wolf. There are up to 4 thousand brown bears in the region. Manul is listed in the Red Book of Russia - a rare steppe cat leading a secretive lifestyle. The black-capped marmot is considered to be an endangered species, strongly pursued by man because of its beautiful fur. The tiger, the pride of Russian nature, is listed in the International Red Book. The world of birds is rich and diverse - more than 350 species of birds. Black grouse, capercaillie and hazel grouse are found in the forests. On the lakes - mallards, divers, mergansers, geese, gray swans. Trans-Baikal reservoirs are inhabited by more than 60 species of fish. The northern lakes of Chara are inhabited by delicacy whitefish, as well as davatchans. Davatchan is listed in the Red Book of Russia. The Ivano-Arakhlei lakes are rich in fish. In the upper reaches of the Ingoda, Shilka, Onon and Argun, royal species of taimen, lenok, and grayling live.

Transbaikal region. The fauna of the Baikal natural territory of the Trans-Baikal Territory is represented by species of the Dauro-Mongolian zoogeographic province: light polecat, Dahurian pika, Mongolian marmot; taiga and mountain taiga species: sable, Siberian weasel, brown bear, lynx, squirrel, chipmunk; forest-steppe species: badger, baby mouse and many other species of vertebrates and invertebrates. River basin Khilok is a huge migratory corridor providing the movement of representatives of the avifauna. In general, the composition of the bird population tends to be typical of the taiga.

The Arakhleysky nature reserve is located 70 km from the city of Chita. The creation of the reserve was due to the need to preserve natural ecosystems in the largest recreation area in the Chita region. More than 150 thousand people visit the territory of the reserve every year, who come to relax at numerous recreation centers or in the "wild" way. The reserve seeks to regulate the use of land and water resources, prevents uncontrolled development and pollution of lake shores.
From Chita to the reserve there is a good asphalt road crossing the Yablonovy Ridge.
Ivano-Arakhleysky reserve in facts and figures:
Formed in 1993.
Total area - 210 thousand ha
It is located on the territory of the Chita region.
Main natural objects: 6 large lakes, several dozen small ones, larch taiga, birch and aspen forests.
State Biosphere Reserve "Daursky" is located in the south of the Chita region. The territory of the reserve is represented mainly by steppe landscapes with characteristic species of plants and animals, including such rare ones as gazelle antelope, Dahurian hedgehog, wild cat manul and Mongolian marmot (tarbagan). The open spaces of the steppes attract rare birds: the steppe eagle, golden eagle, saker falcon.
The most important sights of the reserve are the Torey lakes (Barun-Torey and Zun-Torey) - the largest lakes of Transbaikalia. A feature of the lakes is their periodic filling and drying, which occurs on average once every 30 years. So, in the 20th century, the lakes dried up four times. Torey lakes form an endorheic basin, taking water from small steppe rivers. For this reason, lake waters contain a large amount of dissolved salts.
The Torey lakes attract many species of birds that nest along their banks. In addition, the lakes are crossed by the flight paths of many species of birds that nest in more northern regions. For this reason, the bird fauna of the reserve is extremely rich (150 nesting, 120 migratory species).
A special place is occupied by one of the largest and most beautiful birds of our fauna - cranes. Three species of cranes nest on the territory of the reserve - white-naped, gray and belladonna. Two more species - the white crane (Siberian Siberian Crane) and the black crane - nest in the north, however, in the reserve they are represented by young birds that have not started nesting, as well as on migration. And in 2002, Japanese cranes were also encountered in the reserve. Thus, six species of cranes can be found in the reserve at once - more than anywhere else in the world.

The Aginskaya Steppe reserve was established in 2004 and is located between the rivers Onon and Aga. The purpose of creating the reserve was to preserve and restore the natural steppe and water ecosystems of the Aginskaya steppe. The main part of the reserve is made up of slightly hilly plains occupied by various steppe communities. The most common here are forb-feather grass, forb-grass and thread-leaved steppes.

Availability a large number lakes attracts a variety of near-water birds, especially during autumn-spring migrations. Aquatic vegetation, as well as the larvae of mosquitoes, shore flies and other aquatic invertebrates living in the shallow lakes, are excellent food for many birds. Here, on the steppe lakes, you can meet teals (whistlers and crackers), mallards, gray ducks, red-headed pochards, whooper swans, and even such rare view like a dry goose. During periods of migration, gray geese, bean goose, as well as numerous waders (sandpipers, godwit, brown-winged plovers, fifi, stilt) feed on the lakes. Cranes gather near the lakes - belladonna, Daurian, black, gray and even white (cranes). Up to 3,000 belladonnas and several dozens of black cranes live here every year. Many species of birds find excellent places for rest and feeding during seasonal flights on the territory of the reserve.
The abundance of birds on the lakes of the Aginskaya steppe is due to the fact that the territory of the reserve is located on one of the most massive - the East Asian-Australian bird migration flyway (Goroshko, 2006). At least 250 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve.
Of the birds nesting in the steppe in the reserve, the most common are larks (Mongolian, horned, field, small, gray), wheatears (common and dancer), Japanese quail, bearded (Dahurian) partridge, demoiselle crane, bustard, as well as ducks - shelduck and shelduck. The most typical predator is the Upland Long-legged Long-legged Buzzard, the Steppe Eagle is less common. About 30 species of birds have been noted on the territory of the reserve, which are included in the international list of CITES, taken under protection at the federal or regional levels.
The reserve plays a particularly important role in the conservation of such a rare, endangered species as the bustard. It is believed that up to 30-50 bustards nest in the reserve every year, which is about 10% of all birds of this species living in our region.
There are numerous rodents in the reserve - long-tailed ground squirrel, jumping jerboa, large and narrow-skulled voles, Trans-Baikal hamster, Dahurian zokor. In the past, Mongolian marmots (tarbagans) were also widespread, but in recent decades their numbers are small and this species has been taken under protection. Of the lagomorphs, there are the tolai hare and the Dahurian pika. Among other species of mammals in the Aginskaya steppe are the wolf, fox, corsac, manul, steppe polecat, solongoy, badger, Dahurian hedgehog. In some places, especially closer to the Tsyrik-Narasun pine forest, Siberian roe deer are found. In total, about 35 species of mammals have been noted in the reserve.
The Trans-Baikal steppes are inhabited by the tolai hare, which is distinguished as independent view. Finally, in the Amur region and the Ussuri Territory, a small, rabbit-like, short-eared and short-legged Manchurian hare is common.

List of animals and birds listed in the Red Book of the Trans-Baikal Territory

Dzeren, Amur tiger, snow leopard leopard, bighorn sheep, mountain sheep, red wolf, otter, manul, Dahurian hedgehog, marmots (Mongolian tarbagan, black-capped), bustard, geese (mountain, sukhonos, lesser white-fronted goose, tundra and taiga bean goose),
red-breasted goose, ducks (mandarin duck, kloktun, Baer's duck, kamenushka), avocet, stilt, curlews (large, Far Eastern and middle), mountain snipe, godwit (large, Asian snipe), white-winged crake, great cormorant, Amur bittern, red heron , spoonbill, swans (whooper, lesser), storks (black, Far Eastern), common flamingo, cranes (crane, grey, daurian, black, belladonna), osprey, peregrine falcon, saker falcon, white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, imperial eagle, steppe eagle, crested honey buzzard, greater spotted eagle, gyrfalcon, black vulture, steppe kestrel, relic gull, greave, eagle owl, etc.