Book spells of protected animals and plants of the Leningrad region. Flora and fauna

Red Book of the Leningrad Region

Presentation prepared for the game “Our clean planet» national team of grades 5c and 5b from school “Rainbow” 561

under the direction of

Nikolaenko T.B. and Parfenova E.L.

The Red Book of the Leningrad Region is -

... - list of rare and endangered species of fungi, plants and animals

on the territory of the Leningrad region,

as well as status information

existing and planned

specially protected

natural areas.

Regional option

Red Book of Russia.

The Red Book consists of three volumes - “Specially Protected Natural Areas”, “Plants and Fungi”, “Animals”.

There are 1086 species in total, including 558 animals (120 vertebrates and 438 invertebrates) and 528 plants (201 vascular plants, 56 bryophytes, 71 algae, 49 lichens and 151 fungi).

Leningrad region

part of Russia located in the north-west of the European part of the country.

Sphagnum bog

This moss grows in swampy forests.

It is used in construction as an insulating material. Some peoples use moss for warm diapers with which they cover their children in winter.

Due to its bactericidal properties and ability to absorb large amounts of liquid (20 times its own weight and 4 times more than cotton wool), it was used by orderlies as a dressing material on the battlefields during the war.

Common holocarias

Perennial fern, species of the genus Golokuchnik.

Plant up to 25 cm tall, fern with a creeping, strongly growing long branched rhizome. One individual can occupy a significant area.

Centaury

Herbaceous plant; species of the genus Centaury of the Gentianaceae family

Grows in fields, wet meadows, light forest edges and between bushes.

Violet pubescent, or Violet short-haired

Perennial herbaceous plant of the Violet genus

Violet family.

It grows on dry, mostly calcareous soils: in grassy glades, meadows, among shrubs, along the edges of light forests.

Birch is low, - deciduous plant of the Birch family

Grows in swamps and marshy meadows. It blooms simultaneously with the appearance of leaves in April-May. Wind pollinated. Men's earrings are cylindrical, up to 2 cm long, with brownish scales. Females are almost ovoid in shape, up to 1.5 cm long, standing upward on short pubescent legs.

The fruit is a small broadly elliptical nut

Common rhinoceros beetle- belongs to the lamellar family.

Prefers moist areas of broad-leaved forest, valleys, and river floodplains.

The ability of the beetle to develop in places where non-freezing organic matter accumulates - heaps of rotted manure, compost, caked leaves, in greenhouses - allowed the species to penetrate north of the main part of its natural range.

Broad-toed crayfish- a species of decapod crustacean.

Distributed in fresh water bodies throughout Europe. The natural population declined sharply in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and in Europe was almost completely destroyed by crayfish plague. Since the second half of the 20th century, broad-toed crayfish have been displaced from their natural habitats by another species of freshwater crayfish - the disease-resistant spotted crayfish, brought from the New World.

Landrail, or jerk- a small bird of the rail family.

It feeds mainly on grasshoppers, grasshoppers and other insects that it finds on the ground or in the grass. If possible, it prefers large insects (5-12 mm long. Most of the diet consists of earthworms and shellfish. Sometimes also eaten small fish and amphibians. In autumn and winter it feeds mainly on roots, shoots and grass seeds.

White stork- a large wading bird from the stork family.

It is a white bird with black wing tips, a long neck, a long thin red beak and long reddish legs. Females are indistinguishable from males in color, but somewhat smaller. Height white stork is 100-125 cm, wingspan 155-200 cm. The weight of an adult bird reaches 4 kg. The average lifespan of a white stork is 20 years.

Gray duck- a bird of the duck family.

Breeds in steppe, forest-steppe, and partly forest areas of Eurasia.

For feeding, it prefers shallow water areas with rich above-water and near-water herbaceous vegetation.

The basis of nutrition consists of leaves and shoots of aquatic herbaceous plants and algae

Common eagle owl- a species of birds of prey from the order Owls.

Eagle owl is a night hunter. During the day it hunts only if it is hungry. When hunting terrestrial mammals, he tracks them by gliding above the ground in his territory. In pursuit of birds, he flies over the treetops. When hunting birds, it can reach very high speeds, and at the same time it is maneuverable enough for hunting in dense treetops. It is capable of catching up with flying crows and pigeons, but prefers prey sitting still.

Peregrine Falcon- a bird of prey from the falcon family.

The size of a hooded crow, it is distinguished by its dark gray back plumage, motley light belly and black upper part of the head, as well as black “whiskers”. This is the fastest bird, and generally living creature, in the world. According to experts, in a rapid diving flight it is capable of reaching speeds of over 322 km/h, or 90 m/s.

Otter- a species of predatory mammals from the mustelid family leading a semi-aquatic lifestyle

It lives mainly in forest rivers rich in fish, less often in lakes and ponds. Found on the sea coast. It prefers rivers with whirlpools, with rapids that do not freeze in winter, with washed-out banks littered with windbreaks, where there are many reliable shelters and places for making burrows. Sometimes it makes its lairs in caves or, like a nest, in thickets near the water. The entrance holes of its burrows open under water.

European roe deer, artiodactyl animal of the deer family.

The most important of the senses is smell - it has been calculated that out of 42 elements social behavior 26 are caused by olfactory perception, 13 by auditory perception and only 3 by visual perception.

As the best feeding areas, it prefers areas of light sparse forest, with rich shrubby undergrowth and surrounded by meadows and fields, or (in summer) tall grass meadows overgrown with bushes.

Wolverine- a predatory mammal of the mustelid family.

The only representative of the genus Gulo(translated from Latin as “glutton”) because it is omnivorous.

The wolverine makes its lair under uprooted roots, in rock crevices and other secluded places; comes out to feed at dusk. Wolverine constantly wanders in search of prey throughout its individual territory, which occupies up to 1500-2000 km². Thanks to its powerful paws and long claws, the wolverine easily climbs trees. Has keen vision, hearing and sense of smell. Makes sounds similar to the yelping of a fox.

List of sources

Aparin B.F., Kasatkina G.A., Matinyan N.N., Sukhacheva E.Y.(2007) Red Book of Soils of the Leningrad Region. St. Petersburg

Noskov G.A., Gaginskaya A.R. et al (2002) Red Book of Nature of the Leningrad Region. T. 3. Animals. St. Petersburg

Noskov G.A., Gaginskaya A.R. et al (2000) Red Book of Nature of the Leningrad Region. Volume 2. Plants and mushrooms. St. Petersburg

Fokin Yu.V., Boch M.S. et al (1999) Red Book of Nature of the Leningrad Region. T. 1. Specially protected natural areas. St. Petersburg

http://www.botatlas.binran.ru/

http://www.plantarium.ru/

http://ru.wikipedia.org/

http://ozonit.ru/

The Red Book is an annotated list of rare or endangered species, representatives of the animal and plant world. This document is also available in the Russian Federation (as in many countries of the world) in order to protect and protect rare plants and animals at the state level.

Moreover, each subject of the Russian Federation has established its own document, on the basis of which environmental protection measures are carried out at the regional level. In this matter, the Red Book of the Leningrad Region is no exception. Animals and plants listed in this annotated directory are under the protection of the Government of this region.

Document creation history

The development of the Red Book of the Leningrad Region (whose animals and plants are now under strict protection) was carried out from 1999 to 2002. Local botanists, as well as the Finnish Ministry of the Environment, participated in its creation.

Although the book was initially published as a popular science reference book intended for a wide range of readers, in 2004 it received the status of an official regional document.

According to the law, the Committee for Environmental Protection coordinates the work on natural resources Leningrad region. Accordingly, the regional Committee for the Protection of Wildlife of the Leningrad Region is responsible for fauna representatives. Scientific research work is carried out by the Biological Institute, formed on the basis of St. Petersburg State University.

A little about the contents of the document

The fauna and nature of the Leningrad region are truly numerous and diverse. By various reasons Many representatives of the local flora and fauna are listed in the Red Book as requiring serious and strict protection.

This white paper consists of three sections (or volumes):

1. The first part is devoted to a description of natural areas that should be protected. Here attention is drawn to natural complexes that already function as environmental protection. The section also contains official acts, resolutions and decrees regulating environmental issues.
2. The second volume includes mention and short description those plants and fungi that need state protection. In total there are more than fifty species.
3. The third part is dedicated to rare and endangered animals of the Leningrad region. There are about six hundred species in the Red Book of this region.

Let's talk about them in more detail.

General idea of ​​the protected zoological world

Animals from the Red Book of the Leningrad Region that require state protection are divided into two subtypes:

1. Vertebrates (cyclostomes, reptiles, bony fishes, mammals, amphibians, birds).
2. Invertebrates (molluscs, arthropods, annelids).

Who are they - the Red Book animals of the Leningrad region? Let's find out.

Cyclostomes

This group of jawless vertebrates includes the sea lamprey. What are the characteristics of this species? The cylindrical body of the lamprey does not have paired fins, but it has a dorsal fin with a small gap. The jaw of this species is divided into two plates. There are two teeth on the top and seven to eight on the bottom. The oral funnel consists of several circular rows of strong and very sharp teeth.

The lamprey's body usually does not exceed one meter, and its weight can reach two kilograms.

The coloration of the species can change in accordance with the age of the individual and its habitat. It usually comes in light gray or light green tones that feature a black marble pattern.

Lampreys breed in fresh water in early summer. After fertilization, the producers die, and the eggs remain in flat depressions for about five to six years, after which they transform into young individuals and settle in the marine environment. Their lifespan does not exceed two years.

Bony fish

These rare vertebrate animals include white-eye, lake salmon, common asp, Volkhov whitefish, Fanta and others. Let's talk about them in a little more detail.

For example, the white-eye is a fish from the carp family. Its body is silver-gray, compressed on both sides, and can reach a length of 45 centimeters. The weight of the fish is about one and a half kilograms.

Lake salmon is another rare fish in the Leningrad region. The average length of its body is almost one and a half meters, while its weight can exceed forty kilograms.

Reptiles

This class of legally protected vertebrates includes the common snake, distinguished by yellow markings on the head in the ear area. The average body length of this species is slightly more than a meter. They feed mainly on rodents, frogs and even fish. It swims well in water and can stay at the bottom of a reservoir for half an hour. Not aggressive towards people. When in danger, it can release a terribly smelly liquid. Its bite is harmless to humans.

Mammals

This is the largest class of vertebrates in need of government protection. The animal species of the Leningrad region that are under the protection of the authorities are, first of all, the gray seal, ringed seal, tiny shrew, European roe deer and others. Let's talk about the representatives of this class in more detail.

The European mink is considered a predatory mammal from the mustelidae family. It is considered a small animal (average body length - 35 cm, average weight - 700 g). It is characterized by a membrane between the toes, with the help of which it can carry out swimming movements. The long, elongated body of the European mink is covered with a very thick, waterproof down and short, valuable fur, colored brown with iridescence. There is a white spot on the animal’s chin, and less often on its chest.

The animal lives in cluttered areas of flowing streams and rivers, on banks overgrown with tall grass and reeds. It feeds on small animals (water rats, frogs), as well as perches, minnows, etc. It hunts more often at night, less often during the day. Swims well and can walk along the bottom of a pond.

It digs shallow burrows, arranged in two passages, near water. The European mink mates in early spring and bears the offspring for one to two months. After six months, the cubs leave the parental home.

A relative of the mink is also listed in the Red Book of the Leningrad Region. It is a rather large animal, whose body length can reach ninety centimeters and weigh eight kilograms.

The color of the animal's fur is heterogeneous: dark brown on top of the body and light silver below.

The river otter leads an almost aquatic mode of existence. Can swim, dive, stay under water for up to two minutes. Most often it feeds on small fish (roaches, gobies), but sometimes it can hunt pike, trout, waders or ducks. In search of food, it can walk on snow-covered ground and even ice.

Garden dormouse is another representative of the animal world protected by the local authorities of the Leningrad region. Belongs to the order of rodents.

The garden dormouse is a very small animal whose tail is almost equal to the length of its body. The weight of the animal rarely reaches 140 grams.

The animal's fur is short, unevenly colored (dark on top, light underneath). On the elongated muzzle there are two black stripes (from eye to ear) and large ears.

The rodent is found in deciduous forests and abandoned gardens. It feeds on chicks or eggs of small birds and small rodents. They reproduce during the warm period for six months. In winter it hibernates.

The European roe deer is another representative of the environmental document. It is considered a medium-sized graceful deer. Refers to wild animals of the Leningrad region, which are protected by law regarding environmental protection.

Body length European roe deer can reach 120 centimeters, while the average weight does not exceed thirty kilograms. The roe deer's head is short, its eyes are large, its neck is long, but without a mane.

Males have horns. About twenty centimeters in length, they have three branches. The antlers are shed every year, before the onset of frost.

The color of the coat depends on the time of year (dark brown in winter, red in summer).

Animals live in forests and forest-steppe zones. They feed mainly on plants. The preferred trees are aspen, linden, and rowan. Herbs include non-solid cereals, hogweed, sorrel. Berries: blueberries, lingonberries, rose hips, plums. Treats himself to nuts and chestnuts. Sometimes it eats wormwood, belladonna, and aconite.

Birds

This class contains about thirty representatives of winged species that are on the verge of destruction. First of all, it is a bittern, a bird of the heron family, with a yellow-brown color with a black pattern. This color helps the bird hide among reeds and reeds. Sensing danger, the bittern stretches out, freezes and becomes similar to the dry branches surrounding it.

The black stork is a graceful bird listed in the Red Book of many countries. It has a black color and a bright red beak and paws. Her lifestyle has been little studied, as she is very secretive and rarely accessible.

Amphibians

This class of protected vertebrates is represented in the Red Book by two species: the crested newt and common spadefoot. The first amphibian is an animal fifteen centimeters long. Its color is heterogeneous - the back is dark, and the abdomen is bright yellow.

The common spadefoot has a small oval body (about seven centimeters in length, average weight - fifteen grams). The skin is smooth, light gray, with dark spots on the back.

Shellfish

Annelids

This type of invertebrates is represented by such species as:

• Nais Beninga.
• Propappus Wolf.
• Aulodrilus japonica.
• Amphichete Leydig, etc.

Arthropods

The largest and most diverse group of protected animals.

First of all, this includes the broad-toed crayfish (whose body length can reach twenty centimeters), as well as numerous butterflies, moths and other insects.

For example, the oakleaf cocoon moth, which has a bright brown wings, living in open forests, gardens and bushes. This is also a lady bear - a beautiful butterfly in an unusual outfit. Its front wings are painted black, with light spots on them. The hind wings can be red or yellow, with a black chaotic pattern.

The rhinoceros beetle is another arthropod that is on the verge of extinction. This is a large brown beetle, whose body length can reach 45 cm. On the head of males there is a large horn, curved back. In females, the horny process is small, more like a tubercle.

The Watcher-Overlord is the largest dragonfly in the Russian Federation, the number of which has been sharply declining in recent decades. Green body dragonflies are mottled with black stripes. The wings are transparent, five centimeters in length. Paws - with long spikes, representing a basket for catching small insects.

Other arthropods that are on the verge of extinction in the Leningrad region are the border huntsman, the silver spider, the brilliant beauty, the broadcast slugger and many, many others.

We briefly tried to familiarize ourselves with the animals in the Red Book of the Leningrad Region.

• Badger

• Flying squirrel

• Common hedgehog

• Brown hare

• Roe

• Weasel

• Ladoga seal

• Red deer

• Wolverine

• Dormouse garden

• Seal gray

• Red Vegetarian

• Northern Kozhanok

• Nathusius' Bat

• Brandt's bat

• Water bat

• Pond bat

• Moustached bat

• Natterer's bat

• Two-tone leather

Badger

• Squad Predatory

• Family Musteluns

• Badgers inhabit different territories: forests, thickets, swamps, fields and coastal slopes. They have black and white stripes on their heads, their bodies are wide and squat on strong short legs. Typically, several generations of badgers live in one underground town.

• Size: length - 75-98 cm from muzzle to tail. Height at withers: 30 cm.

• Weight: males average 10-18 kg, females - 7-14 kg.

• Reproduction: The mating season is February-October. The cubs are born in February of the following year. Number of cubs 1-4.

Flying squirrel

• Squad Rodents

Some representatives of the rodent order, close to squirrels, have mastered passive flight - gliding. These are flying squirrels. In them, like in woolly winged birds, the main load-bearing surface is the lateral leathery membrane. The flying squirrel has folds of skin covered with fur on the sides of its body, between the front and hind legs. And when she jumps from tree to tree, they straighten out, allowing her to glide over a distance of more than 400 meters. The tail acts as a steering wheel and brake.

• A small animal, its body length is about 30 cm, weight is 700-800 grams.

• The body is heavy, with short legs, covered with needles and hair on the top and sides. The muzzle is elongated and pointed.

• The color is dominated by brown and grayish-brown tones. The carapace of needles is brownish in color and mottled with whitish streaks.

Hare - hare

• Body length 40-75 cm, weight from 2.5 to 5.5 kg. The head is relatively large, wide with a blunt rounded muzzle, the ears are long; the eyes are located on the sides of the head and widely spaced, the hind legs are longer than the front.

• Color: gray in summer and winter; In winter it only gets a little lighter.

• It leads a twilight lifestyle, and during the day it lies under a bush, in thick grass or in holes.

• Food: herbaceous plants, mushrooms in summer, small branches and tree bark in winter.

Roe deer or wild goat

• A slender animal, somewhat larger than a domestic goat. Body length 100-136 cm, tail – 2-4 cm, height at withers – 75-100 cm.

• The body is short on long thin legs, the muzzle is short; the ears are large and wide. Males have horns.

• The color is gray in winter, and red or yellowish in summer. The mirror is large, white or yellowish.

Weasel

• Small forest animal: body length 13-26 cm, tail 1.3-6 cm, weight from 60 to 250 grams.

• The body is elongated and flexible, the head is small on a thin but relatively long neck. Ears and paws are short.

• Winter fur is thick, its color is white, summer fur is two-color: the head, back, sides and legs are brownish-brown, the throat, chest and belly are white.

Spotted deer

• Large beast. Body length – 150-180 cm, weight over 100 kg. The head is small on a graceful neck; height at the withers – 87 – 112 cm. The tail is quite long; the ears are large and mobile. The horns of adult males have up to four branches.

• In summer the color is red with white spots, and in winter it is brownish-gray, almost without spots. A dark stripe runs along the back, extending to the tail. The hair is rough and brittle.

• Inhabits deciduous forests with dense undergrowth, as well as deciduous and mixed forests, and in pine forests in winter.

• In summer it usually feeds on herbaceous plants, leaves of trees and shrubs, acorns and oak bark. In winter, its best food is acorns, which it extracts from under the snow; also eats dry buds, shoots of oak, linden and other trees.

• In the summer, the female gives birth to one cub, which she does not part with until the following spring.

• At the age of 10 months, male fawns grow their first non-branching horns. Horns reach their greatest development at the age of 10-12 years.

• Wolves are the most dangerous for sika deer, and to a lesser extent lynx and other predators.

• The antlers of sika deer are highly valued; they are used to prepare a tonic - pantocrine. For this purpose, deer are bred in antler farms.

• This deer is very rare in nature. Hunting them is completely prohibited!

Wolverine

• Quite a large animal. Body length 70-105 cm, tail – 18-23 cm, weight 10-19 kg.

• The body is massive, squat, on short and strong legs armed with claws. The muzzle is somewhat elongated. The tail is shaggy, the fur is thick and coarse, and has a special property - non-wetting.

• The color is dark, brownish-brown. The back, belly, chest, legs, neck are dark. A reddish or yellowish stripe stretches along the sides. Between the ears and eyes there is a light gray spot.

Red Vegetarian

• One of the large bats. Body length 61-64 mm, tail - 46-54 mm. The wing is narrow and long. The color of the top is fawn-red or brown.

• Lives in deciduous forests with old trees, in parks and gardens.

• They settle in the hollows of old lindens and poplars, forming small groups of 30-35 individuals.

• During the day they sleep with their heads hanging down, and at night they are active.

Pond bat

• The bat is of medium size, body length 51-73 mm, tail 40-53 mm, body weight from 13 to 25 grams. The ears are relatively short.

• The color of the upperparts ranges from grayish-brown to dark brown with a golden tint; bottom – from whitish-gray to dark brown.

Ushan

• The animal is small in size. Body length 50-60 cm. Huge ears equal to body length. The wings are wide and short.

• The fur is thick. The color of the top ranges from pale yellowish to dark brownish brown. The underparts are light.

List of birds subject to protection in the Leningrad region

• Black stork

• Golden eagle

• Great Curlew

• Greater Spotted Eagle

• Short-eared owl

• Great Gray Owl

• Capercaillie

• Gray crane

• Snake eater

• Whooper swan

• Lesser Spotted Eagle

• Dipper

• White-tailed eagle

• Grouse

• Peregrine Falcon

• Grey goose

• Osprey

• Grouse

• Owl

• Black-throated Loon

Black stork

• Breeds throughout the forest zone of Russia.

• Arrival in March April.

• Clutch of 4-5 eggs.

• Incubation 33-34 days.

• Departure in August – September. Wintering in Africa.

• Food: frogs, aquatic insects.

Golden eagle

• Squad Predator birds.

• Family Accipitridae

• The golden eagle, called the king of birds, lives in inaccessible places in the northern hemisphere. In winter, many birds fly south, and then they can be found in other regions.

• Magnitude

• Length: 80-95 cm, wingspan: 200-220 cm, weight: 3-6.5 kg.

• Reproduction

• Nesting period: March-April.

• Clutches: one per year.

• Number of eggs: 2 off-white with brown speckles.

• Hatching: 40-45 days.

• Feeding chicks: 65-70 days

• Lifespan: 15-20 years.

Did you know that...

• A golden eagle's nest can reach a height of 3.5 meters.

• Poisons such as DDT reduce the golden eagle's ability to reproduce.

• In the wild, golden eagles live from 15 to 20 years. Birds kept in captivity usually live from 40 to 45 years.

• The golden eagle is capable of reaching speeds of up to 150 km per hour.

• Although the female golden eagle lays 2 eggs. Usually only one chick has a chance to survive,

• which hatched first.

Bittern

• Squad Storks

• Family Herons

• In terms of color, the bittern's plumage perfectly imitates marsh reeds - thanks to this coloring, the bird seems to dissolve against the background of coastal vegetation.

• Magnitude

• Length: 70-80 cm, wingspan: 125-130 cm.

• Nesting period: May-July.

• Number of eggs: 4-6 brownish or olive colored eggs.

• Incubation: 25 days.

• Lifestyle

• Sounds: loud calls of the male "u-trumb".

• Habits: Loner.

• Food: insects, worms, leeches, frogs, fish, chicks and small mammals.

Did you know that...

• Since the beginning of the 18th century, people have hunted bitterns for their meat.

• Newborn bittern chicks make gurgling sounds similar to the bubbling of water produced by blowing air through a straw.

• The female bittern fiercely defends the nest. Defending her chicks from a predator, she does not give in even to the attack of a reed harrier.

• Bitterns, as a rule, lead a solitary lifestyle, but during the mating season you can observe group dances of males.

Common capercaillie

• The largest forest bird, weighing up to 5 kg. The capercaillie is much lighter and weighs up to 2 kg.

• The plumage of the capercaillie is dark with a metallic tint, the eyebrows are bright red, and the feathers under the beak form a characteristic “beard.”

• Capercaillie are motley, with brown and brown tones predominating in their plumage.

• The bird is sedentary, but sometimes makes seasonal migrations.

Gray crane

• Squad Crane-like

• Family Cranes

• The gray crane builds nests in remote areas of Europe. Some crane nesting sites in Central Europe are at risk of extinction because they are located in populated areas.

• Magnitude

• Length: 115-125 cm, wingspan: 190-220 cm, weight: 4.5-5.5 kg.

• Reproduction

• Nesting period: April-May.

• Masonry: one per year.

• Number of eggs: 2

• Hatching: 28-30 days.

• Feeding chicks: 10 weeks.

• Security

• For the prosperous existence of gray cranes, certain conditions are necessary. Central Europe is home to small populations of these birds that require serious conservation measures.

Did you know that...

• Incubating cranes cover themselves with vegetation for camouflage.

• Gray cranes are quite “talkative” birds. Their loud screams can be heard several kilometers away. The trumpet sound is produced due to the special structure of the elongated trachea.

• In Japanese mythology, the gray crane is a symbol of longevity.

• During their flights, cranes were observed at an altitude of 3 thousand meters. To maintain strength, birds use warm air currents.

Grouse

• About the size of a crow. It got its name due to its pockmarked coloration. It is gray with transverse lines. The male has a black spot on the throat and a well-defined crest.

• The wings are short and blunt. It takes off with noise and flies short distances.

• Hazel grouse always live in pairs in spruce and mixed forests.

• The bird is sedentary, but in some places it makes short feeding migrations.

Peregrine Falcon

• Squad Predator birds

• Family Falcons

• This strong bird has no equal among predators.

• Magnitude

• Length: 40-50 cm, wingspan: 92-110 cm, weight of male: 600-750 g, female: 900-1300 g.

• Reproduction

• Nesting period: March-May, depends on the region.

• Masonry: once a year.

• Clutch size: 2-4 eggs.

• Hatching: 30-35 days.

• Feeding chicks: 35-42 days.

• Lifespan: up to 20 years

• Security

• Pairs nesting in areas unsafe for their existence are protected. There are currently about 5,000 brood pairs living in Europe.

Did you know that...

• During the First World War, peregrine falcons were killed because they hunted carrier pigeons that carried war reports.

• The male peregrine falcon is a third smaller than the female; in addition, it is distinguished by a dark top of the head, on the sides of which dark “whiskers” are clearly visible.

• He has large eyes and sharp vision. He recognizes his prey even from a height of 300 meters.

• Peregrine falcons have long been used for hunting. Currently, falconry is only a sport.

• The peregrine falcon is in danger of extinction. Its population is constantly decreasing.

Owl

• One of the large owls, the wingspan of this bird is 1.5 m, and its weight is 2-3 kg.

• The bird's large head is equipped with ears with tufts of feathers protruding from the sides. The eyes are orange-red and can see in the dark.

• The color of the back plumage is dark brown with dark stripes; The chest and abdomen are red with longitudinal streaks.

• The flight is silent due to the loose plumage.

List of plants subject to protection in the Leningrad region

• Valerian pharmaceutical

• Lady's slipper

• Summer oak

• Siberian spruce

• Viburnum common

• Buckthorn brittle

• Linden heart-shaped

• Common sword grass

• Common moss

• Spring lumbago

• Common lumbago

• Broadleaf lumbago

• Corydalis medium

• Common ash

Valerian officinalis

• One of the most famous medicinal plants. Its name translated from Latin means “Be healthy!”

• Valerian is usually found in forests, forest edges, meadows, and clearings.

• Valerian officinalis is a large perennial plant up to 2 meters high.

• Long (up to 30 cm) roots extend from a short rhizome. The roots have a bitter taste and a strong characteristic odor.

• The stems are straight, hollow, almost purple at the bottom. The leaves are large, odd-pinnate. The flowers are small with five petals fused into a tube; the corolla is usually asymmetrical. The smell of the flower is reminiscent of honey, but with a twist. The fruit is an oblong achene with a tuft at the top.

• Flowering time May-August. Therefore, on one plant you can simultaneously see fruits of different degrees of maturity, as well as flowers and buds.

Viburnum ordinary, or red.

• Family Honeysuckle.

• Viburnum grows along the edges of the forest, in ravines; This is a multi-stemmed shrub, up to 3 meters high.

• The branches bear beautiful, maple-like leaves with petioles, three-lobed, with large teeth, and pubescent below.

• The flowers are collected in a flat corymbose inflorescence of two types: noticeable, larger flowers are located at the edges, and smaller, sterile flowers are located in the middle.

• The fruits are bright red drupes. Viburnum blooms in May–June and lives up to 50 years.

Spring lumbago

• The popular name - dream-grass - was born from a belief: this flower supposedly evokes dreams. Medicine has confirmed that sleep herb actually contains substances that have a calming and hypnotic effect. In some places the flower is called a dream-dream, a napkin.

• There is another explanation for these names: a flower, especially a young one, almost always stands drooping, as if sleeping. As it ages, it rises, opens its petals and becomes like a large purple star.

• The lumbago has another popular name - beaver. It’s not hard to guess why: because of those thick hairs that cover the plant.

• Sleep grass blooms in April - early May. It is pollinated by bumblebees, bees and other insects. And after pollination, fruits are formed.

These fruits “know how” to crawl and burrow into the ground, not to mention the fact that they fly perfectly. The secret here is this: each fruit has a growth equipped with long hairs. Thanks to the hairs, the fruit flies and is easily carried by the wind. And the awn reacts very sensitively to changes in humidity. At the same time, it can twist, move the fruit and, as it were, screw it into the ground. These are the miracles.

Nature's Friends Rules

• How to keep the air clean.

• Take care of plants, because they are the green lungs of the planet! Plant leaves release oxygen in the light, which is necessary for respiration. In addition, they clean polluted air from dust and soot.

• Help adults plant flowers, shrubs and trees.

• Do not break branches, do not pick flowers, do not trample the grass.

• Do not throw pieces of rubber or plastic into the fire. When they burn, very toxic substances are released that pollute the air.

• Filters must be installed on cars to purify exhaust gases.

• Factories and factories must have special air purification units.

How to keep water clean.

• Do not pollute the water and banks of streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. Do not throw garbage, stones, or tree branches into the water.

• Take care of springs, do not litter the ground near them, take care of trees on the banks of rivers and lakes.

• Protect open wells. Don't throw trash at them. Remember the proverb: “Don’t spit in the well - you’ll need to drink the water.”

• Do not leave water taps open, and if the tap is broken, ask an adult to fix it.

• Don't waste water. Remember that water supplies on Earth are limited!

How to save soil.

• Plants need to be planted. With their roots they hold the soil together, prevent winds from blowing it away and water from eroding it, and increase the layer of humus.

• It is necessary to protect animals living in the soil - they increase its fertility.

• You cannot burn fallen leaves in parks, squares and gardens. By rotting under the influence of microbes, they return mineral salts needed by plants to the soil.

• It is impossible to plow the soil over very large areas, as then dust storms form, the soil is washed away and deep ravines appear.

• You cannot cut down forests - because of this, rivers become shallow and the soil dries out.

• Different plants need to be sown in the fields so that the soil is not depleted.

How to help our Green friends.

• If you find yourself in a forest or meadow, try not to trample the grass. After all, the fragile stems of grass under human feet break, and the soil becomes compacted. It becomes low in water and air that plants need.

• Remember the rule: you should try to walk only on paths!

• Do not pick wildflowers or collect them in bouquets. Bouquets can be made from garden flowers.

• Do not break branches of trees and bushes. A tree or bush may become sick and die.

• Avoid catching pollinating insects and predatory insects (such as ladybugs). After all, they pollinate plants and destroy aphids and other pests.

• Don't destroy anthills.

• Protect the birds, do not look into their nests, do not touch their testicles. In spring and early summer, do not take your dog into the forest, do not make noise in the forest - after all, the chicks grow up there. Birds are friends of plants; they save plants from insect pests.

• Before collecting medicinal plants in the forest, find out if there are any plants among them that are listed in the Red Book.

• Take care of rare species of medicinal plants, for example, May lily of the valley, which blooms in the 28-30th year of life, valerian, primrose and many others.

• Plant one or more trees, learn how to care for indoor plants.

• Remember! Plants are living beings! They give everything selflessly to people, but they are defenseless and need our help.

How to behave in the forest so as not to harm its inhabitants.

• Try not to make noise so as not to disturb the animals and their cubs.

• If you find a hole of a mole, badger or other animal, do not come close to it, do not scare the forest inhabitants.

• You cannot make fires in the forest in places unsuitable for this, break tree branches, bushes, trample grass, or collect bouquets of flowers.

• After a rest, you need to remove all garbage after yourself, without leaving it in the forest. The forest is the home of many animals. Treat other people's homes with respect.

How to feed birds.

• When strengthening the feeder, do not break off branches.

• Do not nail the feeder to a tree trunk.

• Sweep snow from the feeder.

• Do not put pieces of bread, tangerine peels, or pasta in the feeder. Birds don't eat this! They need sunflower, watermelon, and pumpkin seeds. You can add white bread crumbs and pieces of unsalted lard to the seeds.

• Bird feeders should be very modest, preferably unpainted.

• There should be little food in the feeder and only what the birds need: seeds of wild herbs, sunflowers, bread crumbs, pieces of unsalted lard.

• When feeding birds, you should not litter in the forest, park, or garden. Do not leave newspapers, plastic bags, or cans.

• Birds need to be fed regularly, especially in severe frosts.

How to protect birds.

• Do not run, do not make noise in the forest, do not disturb birds and animals.

• Don't go close to bird nests. Following your tracks, predators can find and destroy nests.

• Do not touch the nest, otherwise the parent birds may leave it.

• In spring and early summer, do not take your dog into the forest. She can catch poorly flying chicks.

• Do not catch and take home healthy chicks.

• Feed your birds in winter.

• At the beginning of spring, build houses for birds and hang them in gardens and parks.

• Take care of the birds! If it were not for birds, countless hordes of insects would have destroyed our planet long ago.

How to preserve the most ancient inhabitants of our planet.

• There is no need to pick wildflowers - there will be fewer bumblebees and butterflies, which need nectar and pollen for nutrition.

• Take care of the Earth's green outfit: grasses, shrubs, trees, and you will help the insects that live among the plants.

• Do not destroy anthills, as ants destroy harmful insects. Ants are the orderlies of forests and gardens, protect them.

• Would you like someone to catch you? This means that you should not catch moths, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects.

How to preserve living chains in nature.

• Do not pick wildflowers or collect them in bouquets, otherwise butterflies, bees, bumblebees and other insects will be left without food.

• Take care of the trees. Do not trample the grass near them, do not break branches. They feed and water the forest inhabitants.

• When collecting berries and mushrooms in the forest, always remember about the forest inhabitants who feed on them. Leave some of your gifts for animals.

• Birch sap can only be taken from mature and strong trees. The hole should be small, and after taking the sap, it must be carefully covered, otherwise the birch may dry out.

• Do not offend animals, they help preserve the green appearance of the planet.

• Do not knock over fly agarics with your feet, as they are used to treat wild animals, such as moose.

• Pick berries carefully and take care of the berry fields. A trampled berry garden will be able to recover and begin to bear fruit only after 2-3 years.

How to preserve the connections between inanimate and living nature.

• Protect rivers, streams, and springs from pollution; clean water is necessary for all living beings on the planet.

• Don't catch insects, they pollinate plants and help them spread.

• Plants retain moisture, prevent rivers and lakes from drying out, bind the soil with their roots, and increase its fertility.

• Each type of living Organism is a kind of brick of the building that is called the “Biosphere”. The animal population of our planet occupies the “upper floors” of this building, that is, it uses those waste products that are created on its lower floors - in the plant world.

  Every biological species is unique. Its originality lies not only in the peculiarities of body structure, behavior or physiology, but also in its numbers, total biomass, and in those connections with other species and the inorganic world that form the so-called “ecological niche of the species.” An ecological niche, or system of biocenotic connections, is as unique as the species itself. It appears with the species and disappears with its death. Species systems of biocenotic connections determine energy flows that pass through one or another species and in their totality form an environment on earth in which a person with his culture and civilization can exist.

  The disappearance of any species also means the disappearance of the flow of energy that passed through it. The extinction of a small number of species, as a rule, forms compensatory energy flows through other species, but the death of a large number of them can lead to significant disruptions in the functioning of the biosphere and cause global environmental disasters. Unfortunately, we are approaching the point where the rate of extinction of the species poses a real threat to the biosphere’s ability to self-regulate.

  Therefore, species conservation becomes a priority in environmental protection. The main reason for the extinction of many biological species in modern conditions that gain different forms destructive anthropogenic impact. Among them, pollution of soil, water bodies and air by industrial, agricultural and household waste has particularly sensitive consequences: destruction of natural habitats of animals during deforestation, drainage of swamps, land development, construction, reclamation of new territories for residential and industrial use, alienation of lands for horticultural n dacha complexes.

  A significant influence is exerted by the disturbance factor and recreational loads, as well as hunting and fishing, which are often carried out in violation of environmental legislation. The inclusion of a species in the Red Book, that is, assigning it the status of a species requiring special protection, reflects justified concern for its fate and at the same time serves as an appeal to the general public to show maximum concern for its conservation.

  The most drastic measures in this regard are the formation of regional systems of specially protected natural areas (SPNA) with specialized protection regimes that ensure normal conditions for the existence of gogra or other species.

  The fauna of the Leningrad region is very unique, which is due to the geographical location and landscape heterogeneity of the territory. The region is widely represented Various types middle and southern taiga forests, heterogeneous swamp areas: numerous bodies of water. among which the largest freshwater lake Europe - Ladoga, and the brackish eastern part of the Gulf of Finland.

  Different biotopes are characterized by their own specific species complexes that require different methods of protection. The fauna of the Leningrad region has not been fully studied. The number of zoological species documented here can be estimated at approximately 15,000. which is probably 50-75% of their actual number. The incompleteness of information is palpable. primarily for the fauna of invertebrate animals.

  Over the last decade alone, several hundred species new to the region have been found among them, and about 20 have been described as new to science. The fauna of vertebrate animals has been studied much better, so the list of vertebrate species in the Leningrad region that need protection is most complete.

  The proposed publication contains a list of animal species in need of special protection measures in the region, compiled on the basis of literary and copyright data.

  This list includes: - species of animals living in the region, (a) included in the 2000 editions, (b) included in the Red Books of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the USSR, and Eastern Fennoscandia. Baltic region, (c) included in the CITES list (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, March 3, 1973):

  Kinds
  - endemics of the Leningrad region and the Baltic region;
  - species whose numbers have now sharply decreased as a result of human economic activity and for which there is a real threat of their complete disappearance on the territory of the region: at the same time, the state of the populations of these saws in adjacent regions was taken into account: - pitchforks, which economic activity may cause irreparable damage if the necessary security measures are not taken;

  Commercial forks, which have significantly reduced their numbers, are of increased interest from hunters and fishermen due to their valuable economic, gastronomic and other qualities:

  Species of low abundance that are subject to hobby captivity or collecting and are of commercial interest.

  Some taxonomic groups are not reflected in the proposed volume of the Krasnaya kshp and the nature of the Leningrad region. This is due not so much to the absence of vulnerable species among animals and groups, but to a number of subjective circumstances: lack of information about their current state in the region, the difficulties of their definition, the lack of development of real protection measures, etc. As scientific information accumulates, the lists of animals subject to protection in the Leningrad region will be clarified and supplemented in subsequent editions of the Red Book.

  In the latest edition of the Red Book of the Russian Federation ( Red Book of Russia: legal acts. 2000) the classification of animals having the status of species requiring protection has undergone some changes compared to the previous edition of 1983, but the previous classification was taken as a basis.

  In accordance with it, the following categories of species are distinguished:

  Probably disappeared (category 0). Taxa and populations previously known on the territory (or water area) of the Russian Federation, but whose presence has not been confirmed in the future (for invertebrates - in the last 100 years; for vertebrates - in the last 50 years).

  Endangered (Category 1). Taxa and populations, the number of individuals of which has decreased to such a critical level that they may disappear in the near future.

  Declining in numbers (category 2). Taxa and populations with steadily declining numbers, which, with further influence of factors reducing numbers, can quickly fall into the category of “Endangered”.

  Uncertain status (category 4). Taxa and populations that probably belong to one of the previous categories, but there is currently no sufficient information about their state in nature. or they do not fully meet the criteria of all other categories.

  Refurbished and recovering (category 5). Taxa and populations, the number and distribution of which, under the influence of natural causes or as a result of conservation measures taken, have begun to recover, are approaching the state. when they are no longer in need of urgent conservation and restoration measures. Thus, the same five categories were used in the Red Book of Russia rare species and subspecies, as in the MCOP Red Book.

  However, to date, the international practice of preparing Red Books uses a more detailed system of categories developed by the IUCN Working Group (IUCN Red 1 ist Categories.

  IUCN. 1994; IUCN SSC Criteria Review Working Group 1999), including up to 10 categories different levels(see Table I.

  Extinct (EX) extinct Fxtinct in the Wild (EW) Extinct in the wild Critically Endangered (CR) on the verge of extinction Endangered (EN) Endangered Vulnerable (VU) Vulnerable Conservation Dependent (CD) Dependent or conservation regime Near Threatened (NT) potentially vulnerable Least Concern (LC) Requiring attention Data Deficient (DD) Insufficiently studied Not Evaluated (NE) Not evaluable

  In this publication, in parallel, numerical designations of categories of species from the Red Book of Russia and (in brackets) letter designations of categories adopted by the IUCN are used. taking into account the additions of the IUCN Working Group (IUCN SSC Criteria Rev iew Working Group 1999). recommendations on the use of categories and their criteria at the national and regional levels (Gardenfors U.. Rodriguez J.P. et al.. 1999). They relate to each other as follows:

  0 (RE) Probably extinct in the region. 0 (RE) Regionally extinct. 1 (CR) Critically endangered. 1 (CR) Critically endangered. 2 (EN) Endangered. 2 (EN) Endangered. 3 (VU) Vulnerable. 3 (VU) Vulnerable. 3 (NT) 1 potentially vulnerable. 3 (NT) Near threatened. 3 (LC) requiring attention. 3 (LC) Least concern. 4-(HDD) Insufficiently studied. 4 (DD) Data deficient. 4 (NE) Uncertain status. 4 (NE) Not evaluated.

  In this publication, all species belonging to the first five categories - (KIR) - 3 (N I) have special essays that describe the features of their distribution, ecology, factors limiting numbers, and protection measures.

  A large team of leading specialist zoologists from the Biological Research Institute and the Faculty of Biology and Soils of St. Petersburg State University took part in the preparation of the third point of the “Red Book of Nature of the Leningrad Region”. Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Lake Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg Agrarian University.

  A number of additions were made by Finnish specialists but to different groups of animals: J. Terivuo (oligochaetes, amphibians, reptiles): I. Valovirta (molluscs): S. Koponen (spiders): I Mainerkoski (crayfish, insects): E. Savolainen, A. Albrecht, K. Kuusela, J. Kullberg, G. Söderman, G. Stals-Mäkela (insects): M. Kaukoranta (fish): R. Väisänen, P. Koskimies (birds): A. Foretei (mammals).

  A. E. Airapetyants, A. R. Gaginskaya, I. V. Ilyinsky, V. A. Krivokhatsky, G. A. Noskov, G. A. Rymkevich took an active part in editing the text. Ya. I. Starobogagov.

  The final version of the text used comments and suggestions from V. D. Ivanov, D. I. Kovalev, D. A. Kudersky, D. V. Osipov, P. N. Pavlova.

  Yu. G. Boyarinova, T. V. Kovaleva, T. Ober worked on the English version of the text.

  To prepare illustrations of invertebrate animals, we used photographs taken by A. Yu. Matov (essays 132-157) and scanned images of collection materials made by V. D. Ivanov (essays 23-30, 40-131. 158-200) and various authors jointly V. D. Ivanov: V. A. Krivokhatsky (essays 1-7), Ya. S. Shapiro (essays 8-22), V. R. Alekseev (essays 31-36), I. Yu. Kluge (essays 37- 39).

  Drawings of vertebrate animals were made by T. V. Kuznetsova (essays 201 227. 229-232. 244. 247-253. 255 264. 266. 268. 269. 279. 282). G. V. Petrova (essays 243. 245.246. 254.265.267. 270 278. 280. 281) and E. V. Chaadaeva (essays 228. 233-242. 283-295).

  Photographs by A. R. Gaginskaya are used on the headbands for sections of the book (Chapter VII. Appendix). I. V. Drobysheva (Chapter 1). I. V. Ilyinsky (Chapter V). K. D. Milto (Chapter VIII). I. I. Neymorovets (Chapters IV. VI), M. G. Noskova (Introduction), V. I. Simachsva (Chapter II), V. G. Pchelintsvia (Chapter IX), I. M. Fokina (Chapter X), I . S. Shapiro (Chapter III).

  Indexes of animal species mentioned in the text and a list of references were compiled by A. R. Gaginskaya. In preparing cartographic materials, a large amount of work was carried out by T. A. Rymkevich.

  The authors express their sincere gratitude to everyone who took part in the preparation of the book, as well as to the Ministry of the Environment of Finland and the Government of the Leningrad Region, without whose financial support the publication this volume it would be impossible.

  0 (RE) Probably extinct in the region. 0 (RE) Regionally extinct. 1 (CR) Critically endangered. 1 (CR) Critically endangered. 2 (EN) Endangered. 2 (EN) Endangered. 3 (VU) Vulnerable. 3 (VU) Vulnerable. 3 (NT) 1 potentially vulnerable. 3 (NT) Near threatened. 3 (LC) requiring attention. 3 (LC) Least concern. 4 (HDD) Insufficiently studied. 4 (DD) Data deficient. 4 (NE) Uncertain status. 4 (NE) Not evaluated.

  Every species of living organism is, in essence. a brick in the building that we call the Biosphere. The fauna of our planet occupy the upper floors of this building and use the products of living activity generated on the lower floors, in the flora. Every biological species is unique. Its uniqueness is not only to be found in the peculiarities of its morphology, behavior or physiology, but also in its number, biomass and in its connections with oilier species and the inorganic world which form the "ecological niche" of the species. The ecological niche, or the biocenose interrelations system is as unique as the species itself. It appears with the species and disappears with its extinction.

  Systems of biocenose links of species determine the energy flows that pass through different species Together, they form the environment suitable for man with his culture and civilization. The extinction of any species means the destruction of one of the bricks of the biosphere, together with the strictly programmed energy How that passed through it. The extinction of a few species, as a rule, causes compensatory energy llovvs through the other species.

  The extinction of a significant number of species can result in a disturbance in the functioning of some ecosystems. Finally, the extinction of a great number of species can disturb the functioning of the biosphere as a vv hole and result in global ecological cataclysms. Unfortunately, vve are getting nearer to the boundary vv here the rate of species extinction becomes dangerous in relation to the biosphere"s potential for self-regulation. That is w hy conservation of species is becoming a major priority of great significance in environmental protection At present, the main reason for the extinction of many biological species is the increase in various forms of destructive anthropogenic stress. The most sensitive consequences are caused by pollution of soil, water reservoirs and the air with industrial, agricultural and household wastes, and the destruction of natural habitats of animal species. The latter is caused by the felling of trees, draining of bogs, construction works, hydraulic engineering, soil deposition to expand territories for economic use and the allocation of land plots for private gardens and houses.

  A significant impact is also made by the disturbance factor and recreational stress, as we ell us by hunting and fishing, which often v i-olate nature protection laws. Including a species in the Red Data Book ol"Nature. so that they are given the status of a species needed for protection, reflects a reasonable concern about its fate and. at the same lime, is an appeal to the general public to do them best for its conservation. The esiabl ishment of a regional system of Special conservation regimes ensuring normal conditions for different species, is considered to he the most effective measure The fauna of the region is extremely diverse due to the variety of landscapes. . Different kinds of middle and southern taiga forests and various kinds of bogs are widely represented in ihe region, as are water reservoirs, including l ake Ladoga - ihe largest fresh-water lake in Europe - and the brackish eastern part of the Gulf of Finland Different biotopes are characterized by their specific species complexes, requiring different conservation measures.

  The fauna of the Leningrad Region is still in- sufficiently studied. The number of zoological species documented in the region is estimated as approximately 15,000, which is probably 3/4 of the real number. The incompleteness of information has most significance for invertebrates. In the last decade alone, several hundreds of species of invertebrates have been registered as new finds for the Leningrad Region, and approximately 20 have been described as entirely new for science, flic fauna of vertebrates is studied to a greater degree, and that is why the list of vertebrates requiring protection in the Leningrad Region is more complete. I he curreni edition includes species of animals requiring special conservation measures in The territory of the region. The list is formed on the basis of literature and authors" data.

  The lisi comprises: - species of animals living on ihe territory of the region (a) included in the Red Data Book of Nature of Russia (2000), (b) listed in the Red Data Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN), the Red Data Book of the USSR, the Red Data Book of East Ennoscandia and the Red Data Book of the Baltic Region (c) included in the Checklist of CITES species (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora , 3 March. 1973): - endemic species of the Leningrad Region and of (he Baltic Area: - species which have now reduced their number under the influence of human economic activity and for which a real danger of their total extinction in the region exists : the state of the population in adjoining regions has been taken into account; - species which can be irreparably damaged by human economic activity, if necessary conservation measures are not taken: - game species and species subject to commercial harvesting which have been significantly reduced in number and which arc still captured by hunters and fishermen for their commercial value or other specific attractive features (e.g. gastronomic): - species of animals which arc the objects of collecting and keeping in captivity and which have commercial value and are small in number.

  Some taxonomic groups are not represented in the present volume of the Red Data Book of Nature of the Leningrad Region I it doesn't reflect the absence of the endangered species among animals of these groups hut is a result of a number of subjective reasons (a lack of necessary information on the present condition of the species in the region: difficulties in their determination, the absence of dev eloped real conservation measures etc.).

  In further editions of the Red Data Book of Nature of the Leningrad Region, Ihe new data will be included in the lists of animals requiring conservation, as soon as that new information is available. In the last edition of the Red Data Book of Nature of the Russian Federation (The Red Data Book of Russia. 2000). the classification of animals having a status of species needed for protection was changed slightly in comparison with the 1983 edition: however, the old classification scheme was used as the basis for this book. According to this scheme, the species are grouped into the following ing categories: Probably extinct (catcgorv 0). Gakha and populations known previously on the territory of Russia, but whose existence has not been confirmed (for invertebrates - for the last 100 years, lor vertebrates - for the last 50 years). Critically endangered (category 1). laxa and populations whose number has been reduced to a critical level, to such an extent that they may become extinct in the nearest future. Reducing in number (category 2).

  Laxa and populations whose numbers are rapidly falling and which are likely to move into the "critically endangered" category in the near future, if factors reducing their numbers remain in force Rare (category 3). Taxa and populations, small in number, which arc distributed over a restricted territory (or aquatic area) or thinly scattered over more extensive territories (or aquatic areas). Not evaluated (category 4). Gakha and populations which probably belong to one of the above-mentioned categories, but information on their state in nature is still lacking: or species which do not completely meet the criteria of the other categories. Restored or restoring (category 5), laxa and populations whose number and distribution area have begun to restore as the result of certain natural causes or through conservation measures, and which are approaching such a state that they no longer need urgent conservation and restoration measures .

  “Book of Nature of the Native Land” Plants and animals of the forests of the Leningrad region.

  • Flora and fauna of the Leningrad region.
  • The Leningrad region occupies a significant part of the country. The waters of the Gulf of Finland provide a wide variety of flora and fauna. Here you can find Europe's largest lakes and rivers, huge forests and endless fields. In this area, unique places have been preserved to this day, untouched by man and civilization.
  Most of the Leningrad region (northern and southern parts) are located in the taiga zone and only part is in the mixed forest area. Forest occupies more than half of the entire region (55%), but this resource is severely depleted due to deforestation. Valuable spruce and pine forests were especially badly damaged; they remained only in the east and north-west of the region. A large number of medicinal plants and berries grow in the Leningrad region; here you can find lilies of the valley, bearberry, blueberries, lingonberries, raspberries, and cranberries. There are also many trees and shrubs in our forests, and I will tell you about some of them.

  Forest trees.

  There are many different types of trees in our area, and we will go into the forest to look at these forest beauties.

  Pine, spruce and larches are common in our forests.

  How to distinguish spruce from pine? Very simple! Spruce needles are short and sit one at a time. But pine trees are long and always sit in twos. In addition, an adult pine tree has orange bark at the top, while a spruce tree has dark brown bark. It is easy to distinguish them by their cones: those of pine are short and woody, while those of spruce are long and have softer scales.

  Larch is similar to spruce and pine, but its needles are soft, non-thorny and fall off in the winter. Larch cones are small, oval.

  • Shrubs.
  • Do you know the difference between a bush and a tree? Shrubs are similar to small trees, but shrubs have many stems, while trees usually have one. The largest shrub in our forests is hazel, or hazel. Delicious nuts ripen on it. Nuts are always arranged in bunches of several pieces. Hazel fruits are widely used as food by people and wild animals.
  Wild forest raspberries are widespread in forest and forest-steppe zones. There are more than 100 types of raspberries. Common raspberries are common in Russia. Wild raspberries belong to the Rosaceae family. It is a semi-shrub up to 2 m high; the fruits are a complex sweet berry, spherical in shape and bright red in color.
  • Most of the animals living in the Leningrad region belong to forest species. Here you can find 68 species of mammals, both small: squirrel, ferret, marten, mole, white hare, brown hare, hedgehogs, various rodents (mice, rats, etc.), and large ones: wolf, wild boar, roe deer, fox , elk, bear, lynx, weasel, otter, sika deer, ringed seal, beaver, seal, mink and raccoon dog.
  • The ferret is a predatory mammal of the mustelid family, known to us most likely as an object of fur farming. But to many, especially rural residents, the ferret is known as an annoying and uninvited guest in their household, especially in the chicken coop.
  • The fox is one of the most common predatory animals in our region. It is distributed almost everywhere. Foxes are mainly found in mixed and other forests, as well as in fields, swamps and meadows. In open areas, they especially often hunt for the numerous mouse-like rodents and birds.
  Birds of our region.
  • The Leningrad region is also rich in birds; about 300 species of birds live here. Most often you can see wood grouse, white partridge, gray partridge, hazel grouse, black grouse, local duck, migratory duck, goose and sandpiper. Some bird species destroy insects, thereby benefiting forest areas. These species include woodpecker, thrush, tit, cuckoo and starling.
  • Most of the birds fly to wintering in colder regions from the end of summer and throughout the cold months. warm places, only crows, sparrows, tits, bullfinches and woodpeckers remain for the winter.
  • The tree sparrow is a bird that is often confused with the city sparrow. The field sparrow is smaller in size than the city sparrow (another name is the house sparrow); males and females of the field sparrow are equally colored and have light spots on their cheeks. There are plenty of these birds in the Leningrad region, but they always live where people are nearby.
  • Chaffinch - from early spring until mid-summer, the finch delights the ears of local residents and others with its beautiful song. In this region it appears as early as March. But sometimes he may arrive later than usual. If this happens, then most often the reason for this is the late arrival of spring. Usually, finches lay eggs already in mid-May in preparation for breeding. To build their nesting sites, finches choose trees common in this region, such as spruce, pine, and birch.