Higher plants Pennsylvania lily Perennial bulbous plant 40 - 80 cm high. The flowers are very large, red, spotted. Habitat - forest meadows and glades. Perennial bulbous plant with a height of 40 - 80 cm. The flowers are very large, red, spotted. Habitat - forest meadows and glades.

Curly lily Perennial herbaceous plant up to 1 meter high. The flowers are purple-red with dark purple dots. Found at st. Vydrino. Perennial herbaceous plant up to 1 meter high. The flowers are purple-red with dark purple dots. Found at st. Vydrino.

Slipper real Is under the threat of extinction. Perennial herbaceous plant 25 - 40 cm high. The flower resembles a slipper. It grows on the plains and rises to the mountains up to a height of 1900 m. It is under the threat of extinction. Perennial herbaceous plant 25 - 40 cm high. The flower resembles a slipper. It grows on the plains and rises to the mountains up to a height of 1900 m.

Water lily pure - white Perennial aquatic plant. The flowers are large, up to 12 centimeters in diameter. Grows in the vicinity of St. Vydrino and st. Embassy. Perennial aquatic plant. The flowers are large, up to 12 centimeters in diameter. Grows in the vicinity of St. Vydrino and st. Embassy.

Almond stalked Perennial shrub up to 2 meters tall. The flowers are white-pink. Habitat: southern steppe stony slopes of hills. Perennial shrub up to 2 meters tall. The flowers are white-pink. Habitat: southern steppe stony slopes of hills.

ANIMALS Fish Baikal sturgeon The body is covered with bone bugs. Coloration ranges from dark brown on the back and light brown on the sides to yellow and light gray on the belly. Habitat: Lake Baikal. The body is covered with bone bugs. Coloration ranges from dark brown on the back and light brown on the sides to yellow and light gray on the belly. Habitat: Lake Baikal.

Insects Baikal bumblebee Forepart of back and scutellum with light hairs, on back between wing bases continuous band of dark hairs. Nests are arranged on the surface of the soil from moss and dry grass. Anterior part of dorsum and scutellum with light hairs; on dorsum between wing bases there is a continuous band of dark hairs. Nests are arranged on the surface of the soil from moss and dry grass.

Mongolian toad The body is heavy, clumsy. The upper part of the body has a light olive, greenish gray or dark brown color with large dark spots. A narrow light stripe runs along the middle of the back. The body is heavy and clumsy. The upper part of the body has a light olive, greenish gray or dark brown color with large dark spots. A narrow light stripe runs along the middle of the back.

Reptiles and Amphibians Far Eastern tree frog The smallest representative of amphibians in Buryatia. Body length 35 - 50 mm. The color of the back is bright green. It lives among coastal shrub vegetation. The smallest representative of amphibians in Buryatia. Body length 35 - 50 mm. The color of the back is bright green. It lives among coastal shrub vegetation.

Patterned snake The size of the body is from 45 to 60 - 70 cm. The color of the body is dominated by gray tones with brownish, reddish hues. Occurs in shrubs and forest edges near water bodies. The size of the body is from 45 to 60 - 70 cm. The color of the body is dominated by gray tones with brownish, reddish hues. Occurs in shrubs and forest edges near water bodies.

ordinary snake non-venomous snake small sizes: the body length of adults is on average 40 - 60 cm. The coloration from above is almost black or dark olive. Habitats - edges of mixed and deciduous forests, thickets of shrubs. A non-venomous snake of small size: the body length of adults is on average 40 - 60 cm. The coloration from above is almost black or dark olive. Habitats - edges of mixed and deciduous forests, thickets of shrubs.

Derbnik Small short-winged falcon. The top and head are bluish, the bottom is whitish-grayish, with dark longitudinal streaks. Prefers open places, moss swamps. Nests on the ground, rocks, rarely on trees, in the nests of other birds. Small short-winged falcon. The top and head are bluish, the bottom is whitish-grayish, with dark longitudinal streaks. Prefers open places, moss swamps. Nests on the ground, rocks, rarely on trees, in the nests of other birds.

Birds Rough-legged owl An owl the size of a dove. The upperparts of the Rough-legged Owl are brown with white spots. The bottom is light gray with light brown streaks. In Buryatia recorded in all forest areas. Prefers tall dark coniferous taiga. An owl is the size of a pigeon. The upperparts of the Rough-legged Owl are brown with white spots. The bottom is light gray with light brown streaks. In Buryatia recorded in all forest areas. Prefers tall dark coniferous taiga.

Short-eared Owl An owl of medium size. The dorsal side is brown with whitish or buffy edges. The bottom is light, with dark core streaks. Around the eyes - a dark ring, the iris of the eyes is yellow. Chicks are covered with buffy-whitish down. Inhabits the swamps of the Baikal coastal terraces, grassy swamps in floodplains, in the Selenga delta. Inhabits meadows along rivers and lakes. It nests on the ground, in last year's tall grass. Owl of medium size. The dorsal side is brown with whitish or buffy edges. The bottom is light, with dark core streaks. Around the eyes - a dark ring, the iris of the eyes is yellow. Chicks are covered with buffy-whitish down. Inhabits the swamps of the Baikal coastal terraces, grassy swamps in floodplains, in the Selenga delta. Inhabits meadows along rivers and lakes. It nests on the ground, in last year's tall grass.

Mammals Hare - tolai Sizes are small: body length 46 - 48 cm, weight up to 5 - 6 kg. It has a sandy-gray color. It uses stony placers and heaps of rocks for habitation, as well as burrows of the Mongolian marmot. Sizes are small: body length 46 - 48 cm, weight up to 5 - 6 kg. It has a sandy-gray color. It uses stony placers and heaps of rocks for habitation, as well as burrows of the Mongolian marmot.

Reindeer Large animal, body length up to 210 cm, weight 80 - 100 kg. Coloration: in winter - gray, sometimes almost white, in summer with brown tints. Lives in high mountain ranges. Large animal, body length up to 210 cm, weight 80 - 100 kg. Coloration: in winter - gray, sometimes almost white, in summer with brown tints. Lives in high mountain ranges.

• When buying pine nuts, follow a few tips: raw nuts are best dried in the sun, and the cones can be boiled, after which they peel off easily. In addition, lightly toasted nuts are tastier than raw.
• If during the campaign you used a hunting cabin for the night, do not forget to leave a small supply of dry firewood, matches and salt in the winter cabin. This is a vital hunting tradition in Siberia.
• In winter, it is very cold in Buryatia, and there is a risk of getting frostbite. Folk remedy with frostbite: cut the potatoes in half, take out in the cold. If a brown coating appears, remove it with a knife, spread it on a rag and apply it to the sore spot
• Remember that buying dried, smoked or salted fish from the local population is fraught with botulism infection. It is better to buy fish cooked at fish factories

The natural resources of the Republic of Buryatia are unique both in terms of their reserves and their diversity. The dense coniferous forests of Siberia, high mountain ranges, wide steppes, mountain valleys with colorful herbs, an abundance of nuts and berries provide favorable conditions for numerous representatives of the fauna of Buryatia. There are many unique and rare species listed in the Red Book of Siberia and the Republic of Buryatia.

CLIMATE

The climate of Buryatia is sharply continental. Winter is long, frosty, almost windless and with little snow. The exception is the coast of Baikal. Here you can feel the softening effect of the huge water mass of the lake. The average temperature in January is -24-25 C. The summer is short, but warm, sometimes even hot. The average temperature in July is +17-18 C, but on some days the temperature reaches +35-40 C. Summers are cooler on the coast of Lake Baikal. Maximum amount precipitation 250-300 mm per year, in the mountains 300-500 mm.

ANIMAL WORLD

World famous Barguzin sable, Brown bear, Mountain goat, wild reindeer. Manchurian deer, elk, squirrel, lynx, wolverine, roe deer, musk deer, wild boar, Baikal seal, omul, as well as numerous species of birds - this is an incomplete but representative list of the diversity of the animal world of the Republic of Buryatia.

Currently, 446 species of terrestrial vertebrates are registered in the territory of the Republic of Buryatia. Amphibians of the Republic of Buryatia are represented by 6 species from 2 orders. There are 7 species of reptiles, and they are all from the same order, i.e. 0.1% of the world's reptile fauna lives in the Republic of Buryatia. This is due to many factors: in particular, severe sharply continental climate, as well as the limited suitable habitats, which in turn determines the extremely uneven distribution of amphibians and reptiles in the region. Often they live in small, and sometimes isolated territories far from each other, therefore they are very vulnerable to many external factors, some of them have become rare or even endangered species.

Birds are the richest class of terrestrial vertebrates in the Republic of Buryatia, including 348 species, united in 18 orders, which is about 4% of the world's avifauna. Of the 348 species, 260 are regularly or irregularly nesting, 34 are migratory, 7 are wintering, and 46 are vagrant. These figures are very unstable, because for various reasons, some species change the nature of their stay and area of ​​distribution.

In the Republic of Buryatia, qualitative and quantitative changes are constantly taking place, new species appear, for example, in the last two decades, common and gray starlings have begun to nest, and they are significantly expanding their range. Mongolian gerbil, dove, rook. At the same time, some other species are disappearing or have already disappeared - the gazelle, the great cormorant are practically not found in the Republic of Buryatia, the bustard, the whooper swan and many others are disappearing. predator birds. The latter require increased attention and special protection measures. Unfortunately, there are many such rare and endangered species in the Republic of Buryatia: 2 species of amphibians, 4 reptiles, 63 species of birds and 25 species of mammals, 7 species of terrestrial vertebrates are listed in the international Red Book and 40 species in the Red Book Siberia.

WATER RESOURCES

Buryatia is rich in water resources. There are about 9,000 rivers and streams here, which belong to the catchment area of ​​Baikal and the basins of large Siberian rivers - the Yenisei and Lena. The largest river of Buryatia - Selenga, as well as very interesting and original rivers - Barguzin, Upper Angara, Snezhnaya, Turka, Chikoi, Khilok and others can be attributed to the Baikal basin. The Yenisei basin includes four large rivers - these are the Oka, Kitoy, Belaya, Irkut. Stormy rivers flow into the Lena basin mountain rivers. This is Vitim, Tsypa, Muya.

There are a number of lake groups in the republic: Gusino-Ubukunskaya, Eravninskaya, Bauntovskaya, Severo-Baikalskaya, Barguzinskaya and others. The main resource is Lake Baikal.

Buryatia is exceptionally rich in deposits of mineral waters, various in chemical composition And physical properties. In total, over 360 sources are known. Some of them have been studied and mastered. There are deposits of therapeutic silt and mud (mineral lakes Kiran, Bormashevoe, there are therapeutic muds in Lake Kotokel).

DEPOSITS OF BURYATIA

The Republic of Buryatia is rich in mineral resources. In the territory of Buryatia for 50 years of active work, geologists have explored more than 700 deposits of various minerals, of which more than 600 are included in the state balance of Russia and the territorial balance of the Republic of Buryatia.

The balance reserves of 10 deposits of brown and 4 deposits of hard coal will last for hundreds of years to meet the needs of the fuel and energy complex of Buryatia. On the territory of the Republic of Buryatia, 2 deposits of asbestos, a number of jade and building materials, as well as apatite, phosphorite, graphite and zeolites were also identified.

Most of the large and unique mineral deposits are located within a radius of up to 200 kilometers from the nearest railway lines. The degree of geological knowledge of the bowels of the Republic of Buryatia makes it possible to predict the discovery here of new promising deposits of various minerals, including new genetic types.

FORESTS

Location Buryatia is located on the border of two different natural regions: the East Siberian mountain taiga (4/5 of the territory) and the Central Asian steppe. This explains the great diversity and peculiar nature of the distribution of vegetation cover on its territory. The northern slopes of the mountain ranges are mainly covered with larch forests with dense undergrowth and thick moss litter, less often with cedar and fir - cedar forests.

On the southern slopes of the mountains grow pine and thickets of dry-loving shrubs. The steppes are mainly feather grass and vostretsovye, often rising to 900-1000 m. Above is a forest belt, the upper limit of which runs at an altitude of 1500-1600 to 2000 meters. Pine forests are widespread in the Cis-Baikal region, on the slopes of the Primorsky and Baikal ranges. Larch forests, in contrast to pine forests, are common in the northern part of Transbaikalia. cedar forests concentrated in the highlands and midlands. The distribution of fir forests is quite narrow. The distribution of spruce forests is also insignificant. Birch forests are widespread; they grow in 60% of the ecosystems of the Baikal basin, but in limited areas.

LAKE BAIKAL AND THE REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA

Lake Baikal in numbers: contains 23 thousand cubic meters. km of fresh water - 20% of the world's reserves, age - 25-30 million years, length - 636 kilometers, width - from 25 to 80 kilometers, maximum depth - 1640 meters, average depth - 731 meters, coastline length - more than 2000 kilometers, catchment area - about 570 thousand square meters. km, there are 22 islands on Lake Baikal, of which the largest is Olkhon Island, more than 340 rivers flow in, one flows out - the Angara, more than 2500 species of animals, of which 82% are endemic, more than 1000 species of plants, more than 50 species of fish.

The area of ​​the water surface of the lake is 31,500 km2, which is approximately equal to the area of ​​such a state as Belgium. With a maximum depth of 1640 meters, Lake Baikal is the most deep lake peace.

Lake Baikal contains 23 thousand km3 or 20% of the world's reserves of surface fresh water that meet the best quality standards for clean drinking water in terms of microbiological, organoleptic and hydrochemical parameters.

The basin of Lake Baikal can contain all the water of the Baltic Sea or the water of all five Great Lakes of America. The Angara River flowing out of the lake carries out 2000 m3 of water per second. If the flow of all the rivers flowing into Lake Baikal were to stop, then in this case the Angara could flow out of Baikal for 360 years. It would take the entire annual flow of the world's rivers to fill the basin.

A unique feature of Lake Baikal is the high diversity and endemism of plants and animals living in it. Currently, 2565 species and subspecies of animals and 1000 species, subspecies and forms of aquatic plants are registered in Baikal, of which 2/3 are endemic, that is, they are not found anywhere else. To this number must be added many hundreds of species of aquatic and bottom microorganisms, as well as still little studied viruses and phages. The species diversity of Lake Baikal has no equal among the ancient and Great Lakes of the World. In terms of the number of species, the fauna of hydrobionts of Baikal is more than 2 times richer compared to that of Lake Tanganyika - 1248 species and almost 13 times more than in Lake Titicaca - South America. Given the fact that more than 20 species of invertebrates are described annually for Lake Baikal, experts predict the presence of more than 1,500 species of hydrobionts in Lake Baikal, which are not yet known to science.

The top of the trophic pyramid in the ecosystem of Lake Baikal is the endemic Baikal seal or seal, whose ancestors, apparently, were Arctic seals, which in ancient times penetrated Lake Baikal along the Lena or Yenisei.

The position of Buryatia on the border of two different natural zones: the East Siberian mountain taiga and the Central Asian steppe - has created a great diversity and a special nature of the distribution of soil and vegetation. South part Buryatia is similar to the steppes of Mongolia, and the forest-steppe landscape prevails in the middle lane. The southern steppe elements confined to intermountain depressions and depressions penetrate far into the northern regions. Thus, the steppes are, as it were, "interspersed" in separate sections in the main background of the forests. The upper boundary of the steppe landscape on the southern slopes often reaches 1000 m of absolute height. The steppes formed in the river valleys are distinguished by a richer and more diverse herbaceous cover. Mountain steppes, poor precipitation and groundwater, in some places they even take on a semi-desert character. Buryatia is characterized by a gradual rise from the northwest to the southwest, within the Eastern Sayan mountain system, and to the east - to the Yablonovy Ridge, after which a slow decrease in the terrain begins.

Forests are known to be of great importance for water regulation. Clearcutting of forests, especially in the watersheds of small rivers, contributes to a decrease in the natural regulation of runoff and the drying up of rivers, as well as the intensive development of soil erosion processes. At present, when the forest acts as a cheap raw material and the barbaric destruction of the centuries-old taiga is taking place not only by state timber enterprises, but also by numerous entrepreneurs and commercial firms, the problem of preserving forest resources is especially acute. Soils of the podzolic type are widespread in Transbaikalia. They are located mainly on the plateaus, the lower and middle parts of the slopes of the ridges under the larch, pine and cedar-fir forests. The most powerful and humus-rich varieties are plowed up, while the weaker ones serve as pastures. The most fertile soils, chernozems, occupy much smaller areas than chestnut soils. The transitional link from chernozem and chestnut soils to podzolic soils are gray forest soils located below the podzolic ones. Meadow and bog soils are developed in areas of river valleys with a close occurrence of groundwater and on gentle waterlogged slopes. In areas with permafrost, meadow-frozen soils form along river valleys. In the south of the republic, in the driest basins, there are solonetzes and solonetsous soils covered with solonchak vegetation. In general, altitudinal zonality is well manifested in the distribution of soils.

The fauna of the republic is very diverse. The stable commercial status of all species of game animals opens up great prospects for the development of hunting farms and hunting trophy tourism, which are of great importance for the economy of the region as a whole and for the population in particular. The main objects of hunting, taken on the territory of the republic, include 28 species of mammals ( fur animals, wild ungulates), 6 species of upland game (chicken) and about 30 species of waterfowl. The basis of the trade is sable, squirrel, fox, hare, muskrat, Siberian weasel, ermine; among ungulates - elk, red deer, musk deer, wild boar, roe deer, reindeer; in the group of feathered game - capercaillie and stone grouse, black grouse, hazel grouse, Dahurian partridge. On the deaf taiga swamps, it is possible to meet with a black stork.

The administrative regions of the republic have significant stocks of fish and marine animals, which are of great interest as objects of hunting and fishing tourism. Lake Baikal and its surrounding area are inhabited by 2500 various kinds animals and fish, 250 of which are endemic. The most famous omul - commercial fish salmon family, as well as the viviparous golomyanka - a transparent fish without scales and a swim bladder. The Baikal sturgeon, davatchan, white Baikal grayling, taimen and tench are listed in the Red Book of Russia and Buryatia. Organization of sport fishing on the lake is possible throughout the year. The hunt for seals, which takes place in March-April on the ice of Lake Baikal, is especially specific.

Most of the territory of Buryatia is occupied by mountain taiga. Forests cover its entire northern, western and East End. The border of the forest reaches a height of 2000 m. The main landscape-forming species is pine. In pine forests, there is an admixture of cedar, fir, aspen, and poplar. The vegetation in the mountains is quite dense, often on the peaks continuous thickets of elfin cedar up to 3 m high are formed. In the spring rosemary blooms, and the forest turns bright purple. In summer, there is an abundance of flowers in the forests and mountains, especially on the mountain plateaus. Glades of bright orange frying, yellow and red lilies are very beautiful. Many plants have not only decorative, but also commercial value, and some of the plants are used in folk and Tibetan medicine. There are a lot of berries in autumn: lingonberries, blueberries, blueberries, cranberries, currants, raspberries, sea buckthorn, bird cherry. In some places wild apple and Siberian apricot grow. In autumn, the forests are rich in mushrooms: milk mushrooms, mushrooms, boletus, porcini mushrooms.

Buryatia is the land of the most picturesque reserved places, one of the few corners of our country where places of unique untouched nature have been preserved (Appendix 3). Here are some of the largest in Russia (by area) specially protected natural areas. Three nature reserves - "Baikalsky", "Barguzinsky", "Dzherginsky", two national parks- "Zabaikalsky", "Tunkinsky", natural Park"Shumak", three state reserves of federal significance, 13 reserves of regional significance, 5 recreational areas of local significance and 266 identified natural monuments.

tourism buryatia climate resource

Buryatia is a republic of the Russian Federation, which is part of the East Siberian District. The nature of Buryatia has inexhaustible resources and, at the same time, pleases the eye with colorful landscapes that are not yet as well traveled by tourists as, for example, or.

autumn nature Buryatia (photo: Alexander Vedernikov)

Features of climatic and geographical area contributed to the development of the diversity of nature in Buryatia, which many other regions of our country can envy.

Geographically, this country is located north of the Mongolian border. In the north and west, the republic is washed by the waters of Lake Baikal. The area of ​​the Republic of Buryatia is 350,000 km 2, which makes it the 14th largest of all 85 subjects of the Russian Federation.

If you look at the map, the shape of the Republic of Buryatia resembles a crescent moon. The relief of Buryatia is characterized by mountain ranges alternating with intermountain depressions and gorges. The area of ​​the mountains is 4 times the area of ​​the plains. Buryatia is the highest mountainous place in the Russian Federation in relation to sea level.

The nature of Buryatia is largely determined by the sharply continental climate. Buryat winters are very cold and dry, with little snowfall. The average temperature in winter is from -20°С to -30°С. Summer is short and warm, with temperatures not exceeding +25°C.

A significant difference and advantage of the climate of Buryatia is a rather long duration of a sunny day. Between 1900 and 2200 hours of sunshine (about 300 hers per year) is considered big amount especially for the north. This amount of light surpasses even some southern regions Russia. Naturally, this characteristic It has positive value For flora Buryatia, which vitally needs sunlight for the process of photosynthesis.

Wildlife of Buryatia

The location of Buryatia on the border of two different natural areas: the East Siberian mountain taiga (4/5 of the territory) and Central Asia, explains the large species diversity of vegetation on its territory.

Almost 85% of the territory is occupied by coniferous and deciduous forests. Despite this, almost all landscape zones are found in Buryatia: mountain ranges and mountain swamps, steppe plains, taiga, tundra, and even deserts. One natural area here smoothly passes into another, which gives the landscape a unique look.

Variety of landscapes (photo: Alexander Vedernikov)

The northern regions of Buryatia are more deciduous, while the south is characterized by spruce, pine, cedar and fir trees. The south attracts the flowering of dry-loving plants. Almost 60% of the southern part of the territory of Buryatia grow birch trees. In autumn, a lot of berries ripen: blueberries, lingonberries, blueberries, cranberries, wild currants and raspberries, sea buckthorn and bird cherry.

The high-mountain taiga of Buryatia is covered with pine, fir, and spruce. But there are also birch, bird cherry, aspen, poplar and hawthorn bushes. In the spring and summer, flowers begin to bloom violently. Evergreen rosemary shrub blooms almost all spring purple. Glades of fiery red and bright yellow lilies can be seen here only in summer.

Many plants are used in traditional medicine and for the manufacture of pharmacological preparations, which serves as a limiting factor for their distribution. About 250 higher plants, lichens, mosses and fungi are listed in the Red Book of the Buryat Republic.

Among the most famous endangered plant species of Buryatia are: Siberian apricot, brilliant cotoneaster, rough decorative armeria, dagan hazel grouse, Apennine adonis, pharmacy fern and Ural licorice. Also, all wild orchids are listed in the Red Book.

It is assumed that when meeting any of the protected plants in nature, people should do everything possible to propagate it, or at least keep the plant intact.

Fauna of Buryatia

The fauna of Buryatia is represented by 450 species of terrestrial vertebrates, 6 amphibians, 7 reptiles, 85 species of mammals and about 350 species of birds. More than 2500 species of fish and underwater animals live in the waters of Buryatia, among which 10% are endemic. Due to the specific climate and the lack of suitable habitats, there are very few reptiles in the republic.

Baikal omul and viviparous golomyanka are one of the most famous inhabitants of the water depths. Baikal seal- this is a recognized symbol of Buryatia, a freshwater seal, the mystery of whose appearance in a freshwater lake has not yet been solved.

The nature of Buryatia is characterized by uneven distribution of wild fauna. Because of this different groups animals live far apart, sometimes in isolated areas, which makes them vulnerable to degeneration and can lead to complete extinction.

Representative wildlife Buryatia (photo: Alexander Vedernikov)

The taiga zone is abundantly populated by foxes, sables, squirrels, ermines, roe deer, elks, wild boars, and bears. You will be extremely lucky if you can see the snow leopard, argali and red wolves. Many species of rodents live in the Buryat steppes: jerboas, ground squirrels, and tabargans. Here you can also often observe larks and bustards, black grouse and capercaillie, partridges and hazel grouses, and also woodpeckers.

Although animal world Buryatia is periodically replenished with new species, it should be remembered that most of them are included in the Red Book, and all the nature of Buryatia needs careful treatment and care. For this, not the territories of the republic were created nature reserves, the purpose of which is to recreate conditions as close as possible to the natural zone for reproduction and conservation of the flora and fauna of the Buryat Republic.

Resources and minerals of Buryatia

The real gift of mother nature is the water sources of Buryatia. More than 300 mineral springs, 50 mineral lakes, therapeutic silts and mud are located in different regions of this East Siberian republic. Mineral reservoirs are usually called "arshans" (trans. healing water), and locals revere them as sacred.

An interesting fact: the first healing springs were discovered by ancient hunters who noticed that wild animals prefer to drink from these reservoirs.

Each arshan is famous for its unique properties, but all of them will be useful for strengthening the musculoskeletal system, treating cardiovascular diseases, as well as general strengthening of the immune system. Since hot and cold springs contain a rich complex minerals, arshans help people improve the condition of their skin, nails and hair.

Of the mineral resources of Buryatia, a significant part is made up of brown and hard coal deposits, the reserves of which are sufficient to meet the needs of enterprises throughout the country. In Buryatia, deposits of asbestos, graphite, phosphorite, construction and jade raw materials were also discovered. Geological research is constantly being conducted, new deposits are being discovered.

A special place in the nature of Buryatia is occupied by water resources: rivers, swamps and lakes. Almost all the rivers of the Buryat Republic are small rivers (up to 200 km long), but 25 of them can be classified as large and medium.

List of rivers of Buryatia:

• Abramikha
• Anosovka
• Bolshaya Zelenovskaya
• Bolshaya Kultushnaya
• Bolshaya Osinovka (river, Buryatia)
• Big Doolan
• Zagza
• Source (river, flows into Baikal)
• Kabanya (tributary of the Selenga)
• Nameless (river, flows into the Chivyrkuisky Bay)
• Big Cheremshana
• Big Chivyrkui
• Burtuy
• Ina (tributary of the Barguzin)
• Kedrovaya (river, flows into Baikal)
• Maksimikha (river)
• Malaya Dry (river, flows into the Chivyrkuisky Bay)
• Bichura (river)
• Uda (tributary of the Selenga)

List of lakes in Buryatia:

• Big Eravnoye Lake
• Eravna lakes
• Isinga (lake)
• Small Equal
• Pine Lake (Buryatia)
• Amut (lake, Buryatia)
• Balan-Tamur
• Malan-Zurchen
• Beloe (lake, Buryatia)
• Abramovskoe lake
• goose lake
• Salt lake (Selenginsky district)
• Ubukun lakes
• pike lake

Pike Lake (photo by Tatyana Dubrovina)

The natural beauties of Buryatia and all kinds of sights of this quiet land allow you to get away from the world of concrete jungles and asphalt. Clean taiga air makes you forget about stuffiness, smog and car exhaust. It is enough to drive a little away from the capital of the republic - Ulan-Ude, and we will immediately plunge into the nature of Buryatia - the world of streams and picturesque cliffs, mountain ranges, taiga and steppe plains.

Description of different types of animals living near the village of Zarubino

MONGOLIAN FELL-MOUTH

The species is included in Red Book of Buryatia as few. Identification marks. Total body length 129.2-137 mm, body length 60-63 mm, tail 72-74 mm. The ventral scutes are located at an angle to the midline of the abdomen, on this basis it differs well from the viviparous lizard, in which the ventral scutes are more or less straight. The color of the back is brownish, less often olive-gray. On the back there are up to 10 longitudinal rows of light round spots or dashes trimmed with black. The belly is light or yellowish. Round white spots on top of legs.

Distribution in Buryatia. Widespread in southern and central regions.

population. In the last 10-12 years, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number throughout the habitat area.

Lifestyle Settles in areas of stony steppes, hillsides overgrown with shrubs; found on the outskirts of the pine forest. Void under stones, holes of rodents serve as shelters. Active during the day, hiding in extreme heat. Reproduces by oviposition in June - early July. Young appear at the end of July - in August. Eggs in clutch 5-9 pieces. It feeds on ground beetles, weevils, click beetles; from hymenoptera - ants. Limiting factors have not been studied. It is necessary to preserve the foot-and-mouth disease as a zoological species.

ORDINARY

It is included in the Red Book of Buryatia as rare.
Identification marks. The body length is up to 70-80 cm. The coloration of the back is dark, sometimes almost black. On the sides of the head behind the temples there are two yellow or orange spots. The snake is non-venomous.
Distribution in Buryatia. Southern and central regions (Bichursky, Selenginsky, Dzhidinsky). Local populations are noted in the Barguzin Valley near hot springs - Allinsky, Kuchigersky, Garginsky, Umkheisky. Found on the eastern and northeastern shores of Lake Baikal near the exit thermal waters.

population. The population of the species has not been studied.

Lifestyle Adheres to the banks of reservoirs, swamps. more often held by the keys with hot water. For wintering, it leaves the water, hides under stones, in rodent burrows, in voids under tree roots. From hibernation awakens in April-May. Egg-laying snakes. Their reproduction and nutrition in the republic has not been studied.

Limiting factors and protection measures. Not fully studied, but the species requires widespread protection.

PATTERN POLOZ

It is included in the Red Book of Buryatia as rare, with a limited range.

Identification features. Body length 588.2-655.2 mm. There is a dark arcuate stripe on the head (along the prefrontal and frontal shields). On the sides of the head there is a dark stripe from the eye to the corner of the mouth. The color of the back is gray or gray with a brownish tint. Along the ridge - narrow irregular shape transverse black spots. Belly with small dark spots. The snake is non-venomous.
Distribution in Buryatia. It lives in the southern and central regions of the republic, also in the Barguzin basin.

population. The number of habitats is low everywhere.

Lifestyle. Lives in brook mixed and coniferous forests, steppes, in wet and dry meadows, on the outskirts of swamps. In the river valley Barguzin and on the east coast of Lake. Baikal snake is found near the outlet of thermal waters, for example, at the Allinsky, Kuchigersky, Garginsky hot springs. The snake reproduces by laying eggs in the second half of July - August, in a clutch of 2 to 17 eggs, covered with a white parchment-like shell, through which the yolk often shines through. The incubation period is 3-4 weeks. The snake feeds on rodents (voles), chicks and eggs of ground-nesting passerine birds, and insects. In June-July, adults molt.

Limiting factors and protection measures. The patterned snake on the territory of the republic has never had a high number. At the moment, it is often destroyed by little-informed people who mistake the snake for a poisonous snake. The view, of course, should be taken under protection.

COMMON ASPER

The species is listed in the Red Book of Buryatia as rare, with a limited range.
Identification marks. The snake is 420-780 mm long. The coloration of the dorsal side is grayish-brown, a dark zigzag stripe runs along the ridge. On the head is an x-shaped pattern. Scales. covering the body, with ribs. Undertail shields are arranged in 2 longitudinal rows. A dark field stretches from the eyes to the corner of the mouth. The snake is poisonous.

Distribution in Buryatia. In Buryatia, throughout the republic, but the distribution is patchy. More common in mountainous areas- Tunkinsky, Zakamensky, Barguzinsky, Kurumkansky, not numerous in other areas.

population. Credentials were not held.

Lifestyle: The common viper lives in the mountains, in the foothills among stony placers, on the plain - along damp ravines, meadows, stream forests, along the edge of swamps, sometimes found in steppe areas with low shrubs. Active from late April - early May to late September. In spring and summer in warm days often comes out of hiding to bask in the sun. It reproduces by giving birth to live young, this process in Buryatia is extended from July to the end of August. One female gives birth to 7-9 cubs. For wintering, the viper hides in abandoned burrows of long-tailed ground squirrels, sometimes in tarbagan burrows, in deep rock crevices, in depressions under tree roots, under large stones. It hunts at dusk or at night. The viper feeds on voles, forest mice, eats eggs and chicks.

passerines nesting on the ground. In the stomachs of young vipers, beetles were found, juveniles of the Mongolian toad.

Limiting factors and protection measures. Throughout its life, the viper adheres to the same places, moving within 60-100 m. We must assume that this feature of the biology of the snake is one of the reasons for the reduction in its numbers. The habitats of vipers are often called snake habitats, and here they are easily destroyed by humans. It is necessary to establish the main centers of the distribution of vipers, take them under protection and conduct widespread propaganda among the general population about the protection of snakes.

STEPPE KESTEL

It is included in the Red Book of the Buryat ASSR as an indeterminate species, its condition is little known.

Identification marks. Somewhat smaller than a dove. It is very similar to the common kestrel, the most common and relatively numerous falcon in the republic, but smaller and slimmer. In males, the back is bright red without streaks (in the common kestrel - with streaks), the head is dark gray, the throat is buffy white, the chest is red with a bluish bloom, the belly and sides are buffy red with sharp small streaks, the tail is gray, with a wide black preapical stripe and a white border at the end. Females are buffy-red above, with brown wide transverse spots, chest, sides and belly are pale buffy with longitudinal brownish stripes on the chest and drop-shaped spots on the belly. In general, females of the steppe and common kestrel differ very poorly in nature. the best hallmark of these two species is the color of the claws; in the steppe kestrel they are white (sometimes on this basis it is called the white-clawed kestrel), and in the common kestrel they are black. The flight is very diverse, sometimes it stops in the air and trembles (the common kestrel also), the cry is a sonorous ki-ki-ki or chi-chi-chi '.

Distribution in Buryatia. It occurs in the southern regions of the republic, in the north it reaches the Gusinoozerskaya hollow. Most often observed in the Kyakhta region.

population. There are no exact data. In the 30s, according to the observations of A.I. Skalon, in the vicinity of the city of Kyakhta, the steppe kestrel belonged to ordinary birds. Nowadays, these falcons are not often seen. Apparently, the number is subject to large fluctuations over the years. This is evidenced by the data on their frequent occurrences in certain years and their absence in other years.

Lifestyle. In Buryatia, information about ecology is very scarce. Migratory bird, arrives in early May.

rocks and coastal cliffs. Tends to form small colonies of 2-4 or more pairs. Clutch contains 4-b yellowish-red eggs with dark spots. The female incubates and is rarely replaced by the male.
Feeds mainly on insects, catches small animals and birds.
Limiting factors and protection measures. Their numbers probably depend on the number of animals they feed on. From the side of man, they do not experience negative effects. These falcons, of course, are subject to strict protection. In nesting areas, especially in group settlements, it is necessary to create a rest zone.

KORSAK

A rare species in Buryatia.

Identification features. Korsak is similar in general appearance to a fox, but differs significantly from it in a number of ways. Approximately the size of a domestic cat: body length 50-60 cm, tail length 25-35 cm, height at the shoulders about 30 cm. The ears are large and wide at the base. The back side is black, like a fox, and reddish-gray. The tip of the tail is dark, not white like that of a fox. The general color of the fur on the left is gray with a buffy tint, the underside of the body is white or with a slight yellowish bloom. The size and coloration of females and males are almost the same.

Distribution in Buryatia. On the territory of Buryatia, the northern border of the Mongolian part of the corsac's range passes. It is distributed in the southern part of the republic, from the borders with the Mongolian People's Republic to Mukhorshibirsky and Selenginsky districts. In some years, there are migrations to the north, to the Tarbagatai and Ivolginskaya depressions.

Number. Few species. More often corsacs are found in the Tugnui basin, less often in the Kyakhta region, in other regions it is very rare. Approximately 200-250 heads live in the republic in the summer, by winter the number decreases. With the onset of cold weather, some animals migrate to Mongolia.

Lifestyle In the republic, the corsac inhabits steppe landscapes, the bottoms of intermountain basins and mountain slopes.

It usually settles in old burrows of tarbagans, foxes and badgers. Leads a twilight lifestyle, is active during the day.

The female and male form a permanent pair and live together until one of them dies. The rut takes place at the end of February - March. Pregnancy lasts 50-55 days. At the end of April - May, the female brings from 2 to 10, more often 4-6 cubs. The young are growing fast. At 5 months of age, they almost do not differ from adults. At the end of summer, the young are settled.

The animal feeds on steppe rodents (narrow-skulled vole, Dahurian hamster, young tarbagans, etc.) and Dahurian pika. On occasion, it catches birds, eats plants. In winter, it does not neglect carrion, various garbage. He usually catches his prey by stalking. Not far from the victim, he jumps up and overtakes her in several jumps. It tries to press small animals with its front paws.

Limiting factors and protection measures. The number of Korsak in Buryatia over the past 50-60 years has changed significantly several times. It fell especially strongly in the late 40s - early 50s, when the mass extermination of wolves with pesticides was carried out, from which many other predators, including the corsac, died. In the 60s - early 70s, there was an increase in the number of corsacs, then it again decreased. The decline in numbers is associated with the deterioration of living conditions caused by the plowing of the steppes, intensive grazing and immoderate hunting.

In connection with the reduction in the number of corsac in the republic, it is necessary to limit its production; in some places, for example, in the Selenginsky district, to completely prohibit hunting for it.

MANUL

Rare view. It is included in the Red Books of the USSR, the RSFSR and the Buryat ASSR.

Identification marks. quite often this animal is incorrectly called a steppe cat. Manul and steppe cat are completely different species. The latter does not live in Buryatia.
Manul belongs to the genus of small cats. Weight is 2500-4500 g, body length 50-62 cm, tail length 23-31 cm, ear height 4-5 cm.

The general appearance of the manul is peculiar. In winter, its long and lush fur gives it a rather heavy and massive appearance. The head is small, spherical in shape. The legs are relatively short and wide, the tail is thick and bushy.

The color of the fur is a complex combination of light gray with a more or less pale-ocher or pale-reddish admixture. Across the back, passing to varying degrees on the sides, there are 6-7 narrow black transverse stripes. .

Distribution in Buryatia. On the territory of the republic passes the northern border of the range of the manul. It is found in the southern and central regions up to about the latitude of Ulan-Ude. Very rarely enters Kizhinginsky and Khorinsky districts. Only a single case of meeting a manul in the upper reaches of the river is known. Barguzin.

population Within the entire range in Buryatia, the manul is very rare. Relatively often observed in the Borgoi steppe and in the steppes of the interfluve of the Selenga - Chikoy - Khilok rivers. Over the past decade, there are no exact data on population dynamics. Judging by the survey data, the number does not tend to increase; most likely, it is declining.

Lifestyle. The most typical habitats of manul are steppe areas with outcrops of bedrock and the presence of shrubs. Such places in the republic are usually confined to massifs of small hills, individual mountains, spurs and foothills. The depth of the snow cover has a significant influence on the distribution of manul. It is not adapted to fast movement on loose and deep snow; in such places it is difficult for him to get food. Manul lives in tarbagan burrows, in rock crevices and under large stones. The nest is lined with dry stems and leaves, sometimes with the skins of rodents and pikas. Manul leads a predominantly twilight lifestyle. In winter, it also hunts during the day. It catches its prey by hiding or stalking at burrows and stones. The main food of manul are Dahurian pikas, mouse-like rodents, insectivores and birds. He eats small animals whole. He breaks pikas into 3 parts: the head and two halves of the body with limbs. In years when there are a lot of pikas, the manul throws away its prey. At one time, he is able to eat up to 410 g of food (4-5 pikas or 16 voles). Manul's rut ​​seems to take place in March-April. During this period, there are many traces of manul. Pregnancy lasts about 60 days. Kittens appear in late May and early June. There are up to 9 cubs in a litter, but more often 3-4. In the Borgoi steppe, hybridization of a manul with a domestic cat is known (on remote herds during the rutting period of the manul, female domestic cats sometimes go into the rocks in the absence of males). Limiting factors and protection measures. The main reason for the decline in the number of manul is the development of land by humans (plowing, grazing livestock, etc.).

habitable for these cats. Many animals fall prey to stray dogs. There are also cases of poaching.

Manul hunting is prohibited everywhere. It is necessary to single out the most typical areas for manul habitat for the organization of wildlife sanctuaries.

COLUMNS

Kolonok is a small animal, body length 28-30 cm. Body color is dark red. Winter fur is lighter than summer fur, but longer and thicker. Distributed everywhere in Buryatia, lives in forests and forest-steppes, preferring cluttered areas or forests with dense undergrowth, makes seasonal movements.

Often, the column is found in settlements, where it catches rats and mice, and at the same time attacks domestic birds. The area of ​​his hunting is limited. The daily mileage of the column does not exceed ten or a little more kilometers. Nests are arranged in rodent burrows, under tree roots, in wells, among stones. Feeds mainly on rodents. Willingly eats frogs, fish, various invertebrates, fruits and berries. Active in the evening and at night, but sometimes hunts during the day. Moves by jumping, able to climb trees. The rut takes place in March - April. The duration of pregnancy is 40 days. There are from 3 to 10 blind cubs in a litter. Their eyes open after a month, but they feed on milk for about two months. The weasels reach sexual maturity at the age of one year. The molting of the animal occurs in spring and autumn.

Speakers are useful in that they destroy harmful rodents. On the other hand, they are harmful hunting economy, exterminating upland game. Commercial animal. Brushes made from kolinsky tail hair are highly valued by painters.

SOLONGOY

The solongoy is smaller in size than the column, the body length is 22-28 centimeters, the weight is 30 grams. In winter, the coat is pale pale buffy-buff above, brightening towards the bottom. The top of the head is slightly darker than the back, the muzzle is white below. The summer color of the solongoy is darker, more intense than the winter.
Occurs around Lake Baikal, but very few in number. inhabits By on the slopes of mountains overgrown with shrubs, in river valleys, along ravines and ravines. Active both at night and during daylight hours, moves by jumps, swims and climbs well through the bushes and trees.

Nests are arranged among stones, in rodent burrows. It feeds on rodents and birds, sometimes insects. Solongoy has a rut in early spring. Pregnancy lasts about 40 days. In a brood, there are usually 5-8 cubs that stay with their parents until late autumn. Shedding occurs in spring and autumn. Solongoy is a useful animal, it destroys harmful rodents and benefits agriculture. Valuable fur animal, although its commercial value is small.

ORDINARY WARMER

Kamenka is slightly larger than a sparrow. The male is very bright. The top of the head and back are ash-gray, the wings are dark brown, almost black. From the beak through the eye there is a black stripe, a "bridle". The ventral side is white with a fawn or buffy coating, especially on the throat and crop. The tail is bicolor, the base of the tail is white, the tip is dark. The female is buffy brown. The common wheatear is widely distributed throughout Buryatia. In many areas it is a common breeding bird. Wheatears live in dry steppes and steppe meadows with outcrops of stone outcrops, in pine and elm forest-steppes with outcrops of stones. IN last years the approach of heaters to human settlements is observed, they willingly nest on the territory of construction dumps, where there are many heaps of broken silicate brick, slate, used formwork and other construction debris. Common wheatears arrive in the second half of April. During May, males actively sing, making current flights. In the song of the heater there is a loud whistle, and chiming, and neighing. Nest building and egg laying occur in the first half of May. Nests are built in heaps of stones, in stone wells

pillars, in stacks of firewood, in stacks of boards, in heaps of construction debris. it is difficult to get to the nest.

The nest is a loose structure made of dry grass, animal fur and bird feathers. In a full clutch there are 5-6 eggs of pure pale blue color.

In the first decade of June, chicks appear at the wheatears. From mid-June, chicks leave the nests. The first days they usually stay at the nest and hide among the stones in case of danger.

Wheatears feed on various insects, which are found among the grass. The diet of wheatears is dominated by beetles, in particular ground beetles, flies and spiders.

Living in our Trans-Baikal steppes, the Wheatears really enliven this monotonous landscape with their beautiful appearance and a loud whistle.