The uniqueness of Primorsky Krai is due to a historical feature: during the ice age, this area turned out to be untouched by ice. The specific location and peculiar climate have formed a very diverse flora and fauna on its territory. Trees and plants characteristic of the southern and northern latitudes grow here. Fauna and birds also represent different climatic zones. In addition, the Far Eastern Territory is characterized by the presence of relic representatives of flora and fauna.
Features
Forests occupy most of the territory of Primorye, forming the main landscape. The boundless expanses of the taiga are combined with many mountain rivers and lakes. The Ussuri taiga, which got its name from the Ussuri River, which flows into the Amur, is especially picturesque. It extends along the Sikhote-Alin mountain ranges. The taiga climate is particularly contrasting. Winter, dry and cold, gives way to a long and cool spring, characterized by temperature fluctuations. Summers in the region are hot and humid, while autumns are warm and dry.
The harsh nature of winter is due to northern winds, bringing frost and clear weather. In summer, on the contrary, southerly winds bring warmth and sun from the Pacific Ocean. Tropical during the summercyclones often shake the Ussuri region with typhoons, causing great harm to agriculture and the entire region as a whole.
Plants and trees
Due to the mountain features of the Ussuri taiga, it is possible to distinguish the altitudinal zoning of plants on the ground. Broad-leaved forests with Mongolian oak and hazel grow on the lower slopes of the mountains. Above are coniferous-broad-leaved forests of fir and cedar. Ash, maple, hornbeam, oak, Amur velvet also grow there. Spruces, firs, larch, stone birch and yellow maple settled on the uppermost slopes of the mountains. Mountain peaks have little vegetation. They were not touched by ancient glaciation, and the plants of the Ussuri taiga, preserved from ancient times, acquired neighborhood with later brothers. So, tropical lilies, lotus, Manchurian apricot coexist peacefully with firs and spruces, as well as with northern berries: lingonberries, blueberries, cranberries.
This region is rich in edible plants, an abundance of various mushrooms, berries, nuts and acorns. About half of the plants, many herbs of the Ussuri taiga have medicinal properties and are widely used in traditional oriental medicine.
A large amount of moisture in the summer contributes to the rapid growth of vegetation. Due to the large number of warm days in the region, not only traditional grain crops ripen, but also heat-loving plants: soybeans, rice, grapes. High humidity and an abundance of sunny days ensure the rapid growth and ripening of vegetables and fruits.
Animals
Mixedrich fauna is distinguished by its character. Taiga animals and birds get along well with representatives of the tropical zone. Red deer, brown bears, chipmunks, badgers, flying squirrels, hedgehogs, capercaillie and hazel grouse are representatives of the Siberian taiga. Ussuri and Amur tigers, leopards, Himalayan bears, martens are tropical animals of Southeast Asia.
Ussuri taiga is represented by individuals typical only for this region: black bear, spotted deer, rat-like hamster, Manchurian hare, raccoon dog, Far Eastern forest cat. In the southern mountainous part of the forest there is a unique animal - the goral, which is listed in the Red Book due to its small number.
Animals of the Ussuri taiga are fully provided with a variety of nutritious food: nuts, acorns, berries, mushrooms, shoots, tree bark.
In the taiga freshwater lakes you can find such a tropical curiosity as the Chinese tortoise. Its shell does not contain bone plates, but is covered with skin, which is why the turtle is classified as a soft-skinned animal. She dives well and can stay under water for a long time, catching fish. They hunt the Chinese tortoise because of the especially tasty and tender meat.
Birds
Among the huge variety of seaside birds, there is a significant part of the rare representatives of the feathered world listed in the Red Book. Most rare birds live in forests, on the banks of rivers and lakes. For the protection of rare waterfowl and monitoringthey formed the Khanka nature reserve.
Primorsky representatives of birds are also distinguished by a large variety of species. Tropical birds breed their offspring in the summer, and fly to warmer climes in the fall. To replace them, northern birds fly to the taiga for wintering. Typical for the Ussuri forests are the Manchurian pheasant, mandarin duck, widemouth, whistling nightingale, tree wagtail and many others.
Taiga insects are distinguished by a variety of species that contain bright and unique individuals in their ranks.
Important note
Due to the vastness of the territories, the fauna of the Far Eastern taiga is slightly disturbed by active human activity. Therefore, the animal world is not only diverse, but also numerous, which allows you to actively hunt animals and birds. The skins of red deer, roe deer, deer are sent for processing, young antlers (antlers) are used in pharmaceuticals. The hunting of forest and waterfowl is well established, and sport hunting is popular.
Untouched Ussuri taiga with its majestic mountain peaks, crystal clear waters can rightfully be called a paradise for lovers of water tourism and fishing. The Ussuri River and smaller rivers flowing into it: Bolshaya Ussurka, Bikin, Armu - in the summer they collect tourists on their waters for rafting. These rivers have countless fish resources: grayling, lenok, taimen, Amur pike. Ice fishing is very popular in winter. Rich fishing is of great economic importance for the region.
Conclusion
Ussuri taiga in most remote areas continues to preserve the virginity of flora and fauna. Reserves have been created in the Far East to preserve and increase the flora and fauna. Eleven natural complexes are located in Primorye: Sikhote-Alinsky, Ussuriysky, Morskoy, Kedrovaya Pad and others are distinguished by their uniqueness and special richness and diversity of the animal and plant world of the Ussuri taiga.
