The Red Book of KhMAO. Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area

The Red Book of KhMAO is an annotated list of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. It indicates their distribution area, morphological description, number and reasons for its reduction. Also listed are the measures taken to save this rare species, and a possible forecast for its future. The Red Book of Ugra was established in 2003. During the years of its existence, a new database on the flora and fauna of the region has accumulated. Many facts had to be reviewed, and 10 years later, in 2013, a new edition appeared, in which corresponding changes were made. But first things first.

Prehistory of the appearance of the Red Book of Yugra

The Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area is rich in rare representatives of plants and animals. But this wealth is only a small part of the lost unique nature. Due to violations of habitat conditions over the course of several centuries, approximately 15% of all species that existed on this territory have irretrievably disappeared. According to experts, in the 20th century this number approached 72%. Unfortunately, this loss is irretrievable, the nature of the district has suffered immense harm. Scientists say that the region will never be the same, but it is still necessary to preserve the species that have remained. Only by showing sincere care for nature, it is possible to leave to our descendants even a small part, but a rich heritage.

Causes of reduction of species diversity

The nature of KhMAO impresses with its diversity. But, unfortunately, the annual animal populations are declining. Disappear and plants. The main cause of these processes is the barbaric destruction, destruction and contamination of territories. In addition, not the least role is played by excessive seizure and uncontrolled extermination of populations of both plants and animals. The situation is aggravated by the introduction of species alien to the region. The scientists of the autonomous okrug sharply raised the question of the preservation of such populations. It is necessary to save not only animals and plants, but also their habitats. It is these problems that became the harbingers of the creation of the Red Book of Ugra.

The Red Book of KhMAO

The Red Book is first and foremost an official document. It collects all the data and information on the distribution and status of rare species of animal and plant life. Also in this document all measures taken to protect populations and their habitats are shown. The Red Data Book of KhMAO provides information on mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, higher plants, mosses, ferns and fungi that are threatened with complete extinction. At the time of publication, scientists did not have accurate data on the state of the nature of the region. The study of the biodiversity of the Autonomous Okrug was very weak. The information that was, carefully collected in bitterness. So, in the first edition of the book, published in 2003, included 140 plants, 71 animals, 16 species of fungi. But this was far from exact and not a complete list. In addition, in addition to the main section, there was an annex in this document. It provided essays on another 8 species of animals, 45 plants, as well as 9 fungi, which needed special attention from biologists and ecologists.

New edition

In 2013 the Red Book of KhMAO appeared in the new edition. It included a greater number of endangered species. Mammals, fern-like plants, mosses, lichens and fungi were added. The status of some birds has also been revised. Several species were excluded from the Red Book. The number of insects has also decreased. A wild reindeer was introduced from mammals , the number of which is steadily declining. Particular attention should be paid to bats. Under protection are taken water and pond night-dress, northern and two-colored leather jacket. Also, previously unknown species of flowering plants were added.

Protected animals of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug

Rare species of mammals, birds, plants and even mushrooms are included in the Red Book of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. Under the protection of the West Siberian beaver, inhabiting the shores of the reservoirs of this region. But there is indeed a great variety of Red Book birds in the KhMAO. They belong to different groups and occupy different biological niches. These are large birds of prey, such as the osprey, the eagle - the whitetail, the gyrfalcon, the peregrine falcon, the owl, the ordinary bee-eater, the golden eagle. Also under protection are such fine creatures as the white and gray crane, thule, the magpie-magpie, Dunlin, the short-tailed skuas, the Ural swamp. All these species are now threatened with complete extinction. A large number of scientists constantly monitor the number of their population and do everything to increase their number.

Also in the Red Book were included rare species of amphibians and reptiles - a quick lizard, ordinary newt, Siberian and grassy frog. Did not pass the scientists and representatives of fish. Even the amateur fishing of taimen and Siberian sturgeon fell under the strictest ban. The plant world of KhMAO is distinguished by an abundance of rare species of flowering plants, ferns, mosses. In total, there are 156 representatives of the Red Book of this region, of which 16 are fungi. But it should be noted that the work on studying the flora and fauna of the region is ongoing to this day. Until the end, all the biodiversity of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug has not been studied. Many species remain poorly studied, and perhaps, for the time being they are not found at all.

The future of the Red Book species

Over the past decades, there has been a clear trend towards an increase in the population of individuals of rare and endangered species. For example, such animals of KhMAO as moose, sable, otter, wolf, red fox no longer cause anxious fears. Their number is slow, but still growing. Even more radiant are the brown bear and trot. Their population has grown more than five times. Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that these species do not have rare status, but the results of measures taken to protect them give confidence in their future. Many species are already excluded from the Red Book of the region. A vivid example is a badger, a black grouse, a white 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 say that in the near future this species can disappear altogether.