Khanty-Mansiysk Red Book is an annotated list of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. It indicates their distribution area, morphological description, abundance and reasons for its reduction. It also lists the measures taken to save this rare species, and a possible forecast for its future. The Red Book of Ugra was established in 2003. Over the years of its existence, a new database has been accumulated regarding the flora and fauna of the region. Many facts had to be reviewed, and 10 years later, in 2013, a new publication appeared, which was amended accordingly. But first things first.
The history of the appearance of the Red Book of Ugra
The Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug is rich in rare representatives of plants and animals. But this wealth is only a small part of the lost unique nature. Due to disturbances in the habitat in the areas over several centuries, approximately 15% of all species that existed in this territory irretrievably disappeared. According to experts, already in the 20th century this amount approached 72%. Unfortunately, this loss is irretrievable, the nature of the district suffered tremendous damage. Scientists say that the region will never be the same, but it is still necessary to preserve the species that still remain. Only with genuine concern for nature, is it possible for our descendants to leave a small part, but a rich heritage.
Reasons for Reduced Species Diversity
The nature of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug is striking in its diversity. But, unfortunately, animal populations are declining every year. Plants also disappear. The main reason for these processes is the barbaric destruction, destruction and pollution of territories. In addition, excessive withdrawal and uncontrolled extermination of populations of both plants and animals plays a significant role. The situation is aggravated by the introduction of alien species for this region. The scientists of the Autonomous Okrug sharply raised the question of the preservation of such populations. In this case, it is necessary to preserve not only animals and plants, but also their habitat. It was these problems that became the precursors of the creation of the Red Book of Ugra.
Khanty-Mansiysk Red Book
The Red Book is primarily an official document. It contains all the data and information on the distribution and condition of rare species of the animal and plant world. This document also reflects all measures taken to protect populations and their habitats. The Khanty-Mansiysk Red Book provides information on mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, higher plants, mosses, ferns and fungi, which are under the threat of complete extinction. At the time of publication, scientists did not have accurate data on the state of nature of the region. The knowledge of the biodiversity of the Autonomous Okrug was very weak. Information that was carefully collected bit by bit. So, the first edition of the book, published in 2003, included 140 plants, 71 animals, 16 species of mushrooms. But this was far from an accurate and incomplete list. In addition, in addition to the main section, there was an appendix in this document. It provided essays on another 8 species of animals, 45 plants, as well as 9 mushrooms, which needed special attention from biologists and ecologists.
New edition
In 2013, the Khanty-Mansiysk Red Book was published in a new edition. It included a larger number of endangered species. Mammals, fern plants, mosses, lichens and mushrooms were added. The status of some birds has also been revised. Several species have been excluded from the Red Book. The number of insects has also decreased. Wild reindeer was introduced from mammals, the number of which is steadily decreasing. Bats deserve special attention. A water and pond nightlight, a northern and two-tone leather jacket were taken under protection. Also previously unknown species of flowering plants have been added.
Protected animals of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug
The Red Book of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug includes rare species of mammals, birds, plants, and even mushrooms. The West Siberian beaver that lives along the shores of the reservoirs of this region has come under protection. But really great diversity in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug the Red Book birds. They belong to different orders and occupy various biological niches. These are large birds of prey, such as osprey, white-tailed eagle, gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, eagle owl, common beetle, golden eagle. Also under protection were such beautiful creatures as the white and gray crane, toles, sandpiper, magpie, silver mullet, short-tailed skuas, Ural dipper. All of these species are currently facing complete extinction. A large number of scientists are constantly monitoring the size of their population and are doing everything to increase their number.
Also, the Red Book included rare species of amphibians and reptiles - the nimble lizard, the common newt, the Siberian and grass frog. Scientists and fish representatives did not go around. Even amateur fishing of taimen and Siberian sturgeon fell under the strictest ban. The flora of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug is distinguished by an abundance of rare species of flowering, ferns, and mosses. In total, there are 156 representatives in the Red Book of this region, of which 16 species are mushrooms. But it should be noted that work on the study of the flora and fauna of the region is ongoing to this day. The entire biodiversity of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug has not been fully explored. Many species remain poorly understood, and perhaps still completely undetected.
The future of the Red Book species
Over the past decades, there has been a clear tendency towards an increase in the population of rare and endangered species. For example, such animals of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, such as moose, sable, otter, wolf, red fox, no longer cause alarming fears. Their number, albeit slowly, but still growing. Things are even more rosy with the brown bear and trot. Their population has grown more than five times. Of course, much work remains to be done so that these species do not have rare status, but the results of measures taken to protect them inspire confidence in their future. Many species today are already excluded from the Red Book of the region. A vivid example of this is a badger, black grouse, and partridge. But, unfortunately, not all animals have such bright prospects. From year to year, the population of wild reindeer is steadily declining. Many scientists already today note that in the near future this species may completely disappear.