KhMAO 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 decline. It also lists the measures taken to save this rare species, and a possible forecast regarding 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 revised, and 10 years later, in 2013, a new edition appeared, in which the corresponding changes were made. But first things first.
Prehistory of the appearance of the Red Data Book of Yugra
Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug is rich in the rarest representatives of plants and animals. But this we alth is only a small part of the lost unique nature. Due to violations of habitat conditions in areas over the course of several centuries, approximately 15% of all species that existed on the planet have irretrievably disappeared.this territory. According to experts, already in the 20th century this number approached 72%. Unfortunately, this loss is irretrievable, the nature of the district has suffered enormous damage. Scientists say that the region will never be the same, but still it is necessary to preserve those species that still remain. Only by showing sincere concern for nature, it is possible to leave our descendants, albeit a small part, but a rich heritage.
Reasons for reducing species diversity
The nature of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug is striking in its diversity. But, unfortunately, every year animal populations are declining. Plants are also gone. The main reason for these processes is the barbaric destruction, destruction and pollution of territories. In addition, not the last role is played by excessive removal 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 faced the issue of preserving such populations. At the same time, it is necessary to save not only animals and plants, but also their habitats. It was these problems that became the harbingers of the creation of the Red Book of Yugra.
KhMAO Red Book
The Red Book is primarily an official document. It contains all the data and information about the distribution and condition of rare species of flora and fauna. This document also reflects all the measures taken to protect populations and their habitats. The Red Book of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug provides information on mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, higherplants, mosses, ferns and fungi, which are in danger of extinction. At the time of publication, scientists did not have accurate data on the state of nature in the region. The study of the biodiversity of the Autonomous Okrug was very weak. The information that was was carefully collected bit by bit. Thus, 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, this document also had an appendix. It provided essays on 8 more animal species, 45 plants, and 9 fungi that needed special attention from biologists and ecologists.
New Edition
In 2013, the Red Book of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug was published in a new edition. It includes a large number of endangered species. Mammals, ferns, mosses, lichens and fungi have been added. The statuses of some birds have also been revised. Several species have been excluded from the Red Book. The number of insects has also decreased. Of the mammals, wild reindeer was introduced, the number of which is steadily declining. Bats deserve special attention. The water and pond bat, the northern and two-colored leather are taken under protection. Previously unknown species of flowering plants have also been added.
Protected animals of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug
The Red Book of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug includes rare species of mammals, birds, plants and evenmushrooms. The West Siberian river beaver, which lives along the banks of the reservoirs of this region, has come under protection. But there is really a great variety of Red Book birds in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. They belong to different orders and occupy different biological niches. These are large birds of prey, such as osprey, white-tailed eagle, gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, eagle owl, common honey buzzard, golden eagle. Also, such beautiful creatures as white and gray cranes, tules, oystercatcher, dunlin, Arctic skua, Ural dipper are taken under protection. All of these species are now threatened with extinction. A large number of scientists are constantly monitoring their population and doing everything to increase their numbers.
Also, rare species of amphibians and reptiles were included in the Red Book - the agile lizard, common newt, Siberian and common frog. Scientists and representatives of fish did not bypass. Under the strictest ban, even amateur fishing for taimen and Siberian sturgeon fell. The flora of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug is distinguished by an abundance of rare species of flowering plants, 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 little studied, and perhaps not yet found at all.
The future of Red Book species
Over the past decades, there has been a clear trend towards an increase in the population of rare and endangered individualstypes. For example, such animals of KhMAO as elk, sable, otter, wolf, red fox no longer cause alarming concerns. Their number, albeit slowly, is growing. Things are even rosier with the brown bear and the lynx. Their population has more than quintupled. Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done so that these species do not have the status of rare, but the results of the measures taken to protect them inspire confidence in their future. Many species are already excluded from the Red Book of the region today. A vivid example of this is the badger, black grouse, ptarmigan. But, unfortunately, not all animals have such bright prospects. From year to year, the population of wild reindeer is steadily declining. Many scientists are already pointing out that this species may disappear altogether in the near future.
