From Tatar to Russian came the words pencil, attic, sundress, hard labor, money, closet. They enriched the culture of the Slavs. The Tatars, on the other hand, took over the Russian language with difficulty. According to the 1887 census, most Tatars were fluent in their native language, Arabic and Turkish.

The Russian was broken. There was more unity in nature than in language. Most of the animals of Tatarstan are also found in other territories of Russia. A century and a half ago, the situation was the same. There are 400 species of vertebrates and 270 species of birds in the republic. The moment of acquaintance has come.

Common animals of Tatarstan

Fox

The prevalence of foxes in the republic periodically threatens people. In 2015, for example, a mass shooting of red cheats was announced. Tatarstan became the leader in the anti-rating of Russian regions in terms of the incidence of rabies in foxes.

Over the year, more than 130 infected animals were detected in the republic. More than eighty of them were foxes. Shooting reduced the population size, however, did not endanger it.

Foxes - animals of the republic of Tatarstan, the number of which they try to keep within the limits of one individual per thousand hectares. Accordingly, there are about 8 thousand red cheats in the republic.

Motley pestle

Belongs to the hamster family. The length of the rodent does not exceed 12 centimeters, and the weight is 35 grams. There is a black stripe on the back of the pestle. The rest of the fur is gray. Pestle can also be recognized by its miniature rounded ears and black button eyes.

Pestlings settle in burrows, dig them themselves. Therefore, rodents are "drawn" to soft, black earth soils. It is easy to dig in them and the tunnels do not collapse, as in the sand.

Wolf

Wolves in Tatarstan, like foxes, were shot. However, scientists found out in time that the grays are orderlies of the forest, killing sick and weakened animals. Viruses and bacteria from their meat are harmless to wolves.

This is how epidemics are prevented. The discovery of the biologists prevented the extermination of the grays. The population has recovered.

If dogs are tamed wolves, then degraded ones. Grays have a third larger brain. This means that the mental potential of wolves is superior to that of a dog.

Elk

Its number was restored for almost 10 years. The goal has been achieved. The population size was brought to 5 thousand individuals. Some of them are gaining weight of 500 kilograms. As a rule, this is the weight of the males.

Feeling their superiority, they fertilize several females. Elks of medium size are monogamous, they remain faithful to one partner.

Elks are the largest animals in Tatarstan. Other reindeer are smaller and live in herds. Elks are loners, they unite only during the breeding season.

Roe

This also applies to restored species. From 2400 individuals, the population was increased to 3500. This is the result of a series of measures for biotechnology and species protection. Roe deer had to be protected, in particular, from feral dogs. They huddled in flocks and began to attack wild animals. The roe deer were also hit.

Because of the dogs, the roe deer have also lost some of their food. He was placed in hunting grounds in special feeders. The feral dogs devastated them. I had to catch and shoot the "brutalized" dogs. The media reported this in January 2018.

Red vole

Among the voles, it is distinguished not only by the reddish-red tone of the coat, but also by the length of the tail. It does not exceed 4 centimeters. Other voles have longer tails. The total length of the body of representatives of the red species is 12 centimeters.

Animals of Tatarstan in the photo often hold pine nuts in their paws. It is the main food of red voles. If it is not possible to get nuts, the rodents are content with cereal grains.

Copperhead

It is a snake. Many confuse her with a viper. However, the copperhead belongs to the already existing ones. The snake is gray on top, with a copper-shining belly. Hence the name of the species. Its representatives differ from the viper by the absence of a zigzag dark stripe on the back.

Last time The marsh turtle was seen in Tatarstan 20 years ago in the interfluve of the Nurlat region. The animal was filmed by Garanin Valerian - associate professor of the Department of Biological Faculty of Kazan State University. However, the extinct turtle is not recognized. Scientists hope for new meetings.

Snow Leopard

It flaunts on the coat of arms of the republic, but is rare in nature. It is easier to see a predator in the Kazan zoo-botanical garden. Outside of it, the beast climbed high into the mountains, leading a secretive lifestyle. There are reasons for hiding. Leopards were once slaughtered for their fur. Now they are destroying the territories in which they live wild cats.

On the coat of arms of Tatarstan, he raises his paw. This is a sign of the supreme power and the beginning of the movement. Residents of the republic perceive it as a movement for renewal.

Brown bear

In the republic, too, was included in the list of the Red Book. The inclusion of a clubfoot there is conditional. In the 2000s, the number of the species began to decline. Zoologists have listed the bear as a vulnerable animal. It didn’t come to the label “on the verge of extinction”. The species taken under protection restored its numbers by 2016. Now the question of excluding the brown bear from the Red Data Book of the republic is being resolved.

There are especially many clubfoot in the Rybno-Slobodsky region. We counted 120 individuals. However, most of them enter the republic only in summer. Bears go to winter in the Kirov region and Udmurtia. There the forests are denser, there is less risk that animals will be disturbed during hibernation.

Golden pike

Information about the fish does not come out immediately, since there is also a golden bee-eater. Sites about her "pop up" in the first place. However, residents of the republic know that an unusual pike is found in the Blue Lakes nature reserve.

The golden pike is similar to the common pike, but the fins of the fish are cast yellow. The scales of the fish are olive. Like the common pike, the golden one loves cool reservoirs with running water.

Tarantula South Russian

Belongs to the family of wolf spiders, is poisonous. The bite of the South Russian tarantula is like a hornet puncture. The pain is the same. However, the site of the tarantula bite is swollen. The pain lasts for several hours, and in children and the elderly - for days. Poison is not deadly.

The South Russian tarantula reaches a length of 3.5 centimeters. The body of the spider is covered with hairs. You can see the animal on moist steppe soils. Spiders choose areas in which ground sources come close to the surface.

Common flying squirrel

Flying squirrels - animals living in Tatarstan, and often referred to as proteins. However, the orders of animals are different, although the animals are similar in appearance. The flying squirrel is smaller. The length of the animal's body, including the tail, does not exceed 22 centimeters. In addition, the flying squirrel has leathery folds between its legs. When the animal glides between the trees, the skin stretches, increasing the area of ​​contact with the air currents.

Most often, flying squirrels are found in the Agryz region of the republic. One of these meetings was described by Alexander Belyaev, an employee of Kazan University.

Forest horse

It is a beetle with a bright green, oblong body and the likeness of serrated tusks sticking out of the mouth. In the Red Book animals of Tatarstan turned out to be because they are not prone to scatter. Born in a certain area, beetles remain in it until death. Therefore, the populations are isolated. Man transforms the habitats of these populations by economic activities. Therefore, the species is dying out.

The length of the horse is 1.5-1.8 centimeters. Long, springy legs allow the beetle not only to crawl, but to bounce. Hence the name of the species.

Speckled gopher

Rinur Bekmansurov, the head of the Lower Kama Museum of Nature, was the first to speak about the reduction in the number of speckled ground squirrels. This is the national park of the republic. Rinur noted that the disappearance of the species leads to a decrease in the number of burial eagles. These birds of prey feed on gophers.

Tatarstan is preparing a program to protect the speckled ground squirrel. Its name is associated with coloration. The behavior of the animal is fussy and, judging by the threat of extinction, there is something to fuss about.

Water scorpion

Its front legs are curved like pincers. The body shape is also similar to that of a scorpion. This is where the similarities end. The length of the Red Data Book animal does not exceed 2 centimeters. The creature, as the name implies, lives in the water. The scorpion does not bite and, in fact, is an insect from the order of bedbugs.

Fauna of Tatarstan water scorpion enriches imperceptibly. The insect disguises itself as a leaf fallen on the water. Therefore, the color of the bug is green-brown, as if withered.

Hare

In the 70s of the last century, there were 70 thousand whites in the republic. By 2015, there are 10 times less left. Hares' habitats are now scattered. The reasons for the decline in the species were hunting, the use of pesticides in agriculture.

An adult white hare is 45-65 centimeters long. The record is a 75-centimeter individual weighing 5.5 kilograms.

In order to maintain populations of hunting species, their representatives are artificially bred with subsequent release into the natural environment. So in 2017, 10 thousand ducks, 100 deer, 50 marals were sent to the vastness of Tatarstan. The latter were not bred, but brought from Altai.

Kamil Samigullin on how the denial of multiculturalism and religious tolerance leads to a dead-end development path for Islam

Kamil Samigullin, chairman of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Tatarstan, in a column specially written for Realnoe Vremya, on the eve of the upcoming All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Figures, recalls the document adopted back in 2013. It is about the conceptual foundations of the development of "Islam and the Tatar World". We invite our readers to get acquainted with the thoughts of the mufti.

Islam and the Tatar world ... This year marks 5 years since the adoption of a key, I would even call a core document for the entire Tatar world, a document of the same name - "Islam and the Tatar World": Conceptual Foundations of Development "in 2013. By that time, Kazan already had the status of the sports capital of Russia, Tatarstan achieved significant success in the industrial and IT sectors, as well as in attracting investments - all this determined the priority areas of the republic's socio-economic development. And the spiritual life of the Tatar world received its features and vectors of further movement precisely thanks to the concept of "Islam and the Tatar world".

Can we talk today about the intermediate results of the implementation of this concept? Rather not - it's too early. But it would not be superfluous to remind the Tatar public on the eve of the upcoming Forum of Tatar religious figures about our spiritual landmarks - sometimes it seems that they, unfortunately, have been forgotten.

So, in May 2013, the IV All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Leaders took place in Kazan. Based on its results, the concept of "Islam and the Tatar World" was adopted, developed by the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan together with the Russian Islamic Institute and the Executive Committee of the World Congress of Tatars. This important document reflects fundamental theological and social issues. Much attention in the concept is paid to the preservation and promotion of traditional Muslim religious values, the preservation of the spiritual, moral and cultural traditions of the Tatar people, the heritage of great scientists and religious figures of the past. In other words, the program, in fact, determined the spiritual guidelines of the entire Tatar people.

From year to year, the Muslim community raises the same question: is it right to celebrate Mawlid or Sabantui and observe national traditions, some of which are not directly related to Islam

I can say with confidence that the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the Republic of Tajikistan has been carrying out its activities in recent years, especially in the field of relations with the state and secular society, remaining true to the strategy outlined in this document. A strategy developed by theologians, scientists, public and political figures, national and spiritual leaders. And I am deeply surprised when today here and there disputes arise or the expediency of certain actions of our muftiate is questioned - I just want to ask: have you discovered the concept of "Islam and the Tatar world" for a long time? In my article, for the convenience of readers, I will present short excerpts from this voluminous document - they are not what are relevant today, but, perhaps, will remain classic for all time!

“Modern Tatars-Muslims, despite the years of persecution of religion and then the spread of the so-called. Of "pure" Islam, continue to remain Maturidites and understand that their ancestors were on the right path from the point of view of Sunni Islam, they deliberately chose Hanafism and Maturidism, "the document says. As you can see, we are not talking about any other interpretations in matters of faith among the Tatar public. Hanafism, like no other madhhab, most fully corresponds to Russian realities, since it arose in conditions of multi-confessionalism. V recent times We hear a lot about threats of persecution of people for their beliefs. So in the concept, as if anticipating, it is clearly spelled out: "You cannot condemn people for their beliefs, as long as these beliefs do not harm society and threaten its existence." Although at the same time the document concludes: “In order to avoid misunderstandings, misunderstandings and unrest among the Muslim Tatars, it is necessary to adhere to the Hanafi madhhab. At the same time, proceed from the fact that following one madhhab in matters of rituals will contribute to the rallying of the Muslim Tatars and symbolize their unity. "

From year to year, the Muslim community raises the same question: is it right to celebrate Mawlid or Sabantuy and observe national traditions, some of which are not directly related to Islam. This is what the concept says:

“Pre-Islamic traditions that do not contradict Sharia, performed among the Tatars after the adoption of Islam, according to the Hanafi madhhab (law school, - ed.) Are admitted as belonging to the category of customary law (goref-gadat). Traditions and customs that do not contradict religion and reason are correct in the Shariah and are approved. The Koran itself confirms this source of law: "And their maintenance and clothing on the father, according to the custom (ma" ruf) "(2: 233)," And whoever is poor, let him spend according to the custom (ma "ruf)" (4: 6) ... Muslim rituals and certain religious acts based on the Shariah cannot be an innovation in religion (bidgat). Therefore, from the point of view of wisdom in dagwata (call), it is impermissible to call innovations and prohibit Muslims to celebrate Mawlid - the birth of the Prophet (s.a.v.), reading certain verses and dua (doga) for the peace of the soul and forgiveness of the deceased, the use of rosary, conducting Quranic majlises (ashlar), commemoration on certain days, visits (ziyarat) to the graves of the righteous, and so on. rituals. It is believed that during such holidays, Allah shows special favor to his slaves. Muslims at this time remember the mercy that God showed people by sending the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.v.) ”.

The great Mardjani could not be mistaken: "Islam will be preserved thanks to national dress, national traditions and national language." Photo by Oleg Tikhonov

The document also touches on the development of Sufism, which today is often compared to a sect and it is believed that it has no place in Tatarstan. Meanwhile, the traditional Sufi school has great potential in countering extremism and radicalism, strengthening the ideas of humanism and strengthening intercultural dialogue. Sufism is one of the integral parts of traditional Russian Islam. The rich traditions of Sufism are characteristic of the Muslim peoples of the Volga region and North Caucasus... Zainulla Ishan Rasulev, Imam Shamil, Shigabuddin Mardzhani, Tadzhuddin Yalchigol, Mahmud Afandi, Gabdrakhim Utyz-Imiani, Sayfulla Kady, Galimjan Barudi, Said Afandi, Kursavi, Kunta Haji - these are just some of the brightest creations of Russian scientists from the whole Pleia of Suyadism! Representatives of Russian Sufism have always been the most progressive and patriotic part of the Muslim community. All traditional Tatar theology is somehow connected with the Sufi peace-loving traditions. I believe that Sufism is a real alternative for young people, because the traditions of Sufism call for tolerance, humility and respect for each other, and this is one of the most important elements of human morality and a necessary source of spiritual discipline and virtue. "Sufism and its traditions came to the Tatar lands simultaneously with the spread of Islam," the document emphasizes.

The concept fully reflects the Islamic approach and to national issue... The main principle here is the “concept of divine predestination”: everything created by Allah cannot be changed by human efforts, which means that the unification of people into “tribes and peoples” will remain eternal and unchanged. "In Tatar society national ideas rather quickly connect with Islam and contribute to the strengthening of the position of religion and at the same time strengthen the immunity of the national culture. " That is why the SAM RT took on the mission of preserving the Tatar national identity. The great Mardjani could not be mistaken: "Islam will be preserved thanks to national dress, national traditions and national language." As you can see, the arguments of those who believe that there are no nations in Islam seem untenable.

Before that, there was no such document that somehow regulated and defined the issues of state-confessional and religious-secular relations so deeply and versatile. But the concept “Islam and the Tatar World” clearly states: “A secular state must be distinguished from an atheistic one, which denies religion in principle. A secular state can cooperate with various religious communities and provide assistance to believers. " Is there an even more suitable type of state for a multinational and poly-confessional country and republic ?! The secularity of the public space makes life together fair and as comfortable as possible for all citizens of our Motherland.

The noble Quran gives us the following principle: “O believers, obey God, the Messenger and the people of command” (4:59), that is, the holders of power.

The noble Quran gives us the following principle: “O believers, obey God, the Messenger and the people of command” (4:59), that is, the holders of power. Photo by Roman Khasaev

Denial of multiculturalism and religious tolerance, rejection of cultural diversity as a natural state modern society- a dead-end path of development for Islam in Russia. “Muslims should make every effort to get involved in public life,” sums up the concept. "The modern multicultural world is a situation of competing ideologies, in which one can win not with the help of brute force of aggression or, conversely, complete isolationism, but with the help of an adequate humane ideology."

It is such a competitive, demanded and successful ideology that the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan is developing. Considering that Tatar religious figures are representatives of the Muslim clergy on the territory of the entire Volgoural region of Russia, the use of the concept of "Islam and the Tatar world" in their work would be appropriate for them as well. Moreover, in order to ensure the "sovereignty of the Russian spiritual space", Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin identified the restoration of theological traditions and heritage of Russian Muslims, the return of the authority of Islam, traditional for us, the revival of the domestic Islamic theological school based on traditional Islam, expressed by the Hanafi a madhhab and a Maturidite belief. That is exactly what in question in this document, which is important for the entire Tatar people.

Kamil hazrat Samigullin

The Republic of Tatarstan is located on the territory of the East European Plain and is part of Russia. The entire relief of the republic is predominantly flat. It houses a forest and forest-steppe zone, and also the rivers Volga and Kama. The climate of Tatarstan is moderately continental. Winter is mild here average temperature is –14 degrees Celsius, but the minimum drops to –48 degrees. Summer in the republic is hot, the average temperature is +20, but the highest temperature is +42 degrees. The annual rainfall is 460-520 mm. When the Atlantic air masses dominate the territory, the climate becomes mild, and when the north, the weather becomes much colder.

Flora of Tatarstan

About 20% of the territory of Tatarstan is covered with forests. Forest-forming conifers are pines, firs, spruces, and deciduous ones are oaks, aspens, birches, maples, and lindens.

Populations of hazel, bereklest, wild rose, various shrubs, ferns and mosses grow here.

The forest-steppe is rich in fescue, fine-legged, feather grass. Dandelion and nettle, sweet clover and horse sorrel, thistle and yarrow, chamomile and clover also grow here.

Examples of plants from the Red Book

  • common blueberries;

Fauna of Tatarstan

The territory of Tatarstan is inhabited by brown hares and dormouse, squirrels and elks, bears and otters, martens and steppe choris, marmots and chipmunks, Siberian weasels and lynxes, ermines and minks, jerboas and muskrats, foxes and hedgehogs.


Kites, golden eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, gulls, larks, eagle owls, wood grouses, long-eared owls, black grouse, Upland buzzards, black vultures, peregrine falcons and many other species fly over the forests and forest-steppe of the republic. There is a huge amount of fish in the reservoirs. These are perch and pike, pike perch and bream, catfish and carp, carp and crucian carp.

Gull

To preserve the flora and fauna of Tatarstan, natural parks and reserves. These are the Nizhnyaya Kama park and the Volzhsko-Kamsky reserve. In addition to them, there are other facilities where nature conservation measures are carried out in order to increase animal populations and protect plants from destruction.

The Republic of Tatarstan is an amazing place Russian Federation where the past and the future are fused together. The special flavor of the area, the variety of animals and flora, spiritual values ​​cultivated for centuries in the Tatar people make this republic unique and inimitable in its kind. The nature of Tatarstan annually attracts millions of guests and tourists from neighboring regions and republics of our country.

Geography of Tatarstan

The nature of Tatarstan is due to its geographical location in the east of the European part of the Russian Federation, at the junction of the two largest rivers of the republic - the Volga and Kama. Tatarstan does not border with other states. The total area of ​​Tatarstan is rather small - 68,000 km 2, which is 0.4% of the area of ​​the Russian Federation. Despite this, Tatarstan has been and remains one of the leaders among the most popular tourist destinations.

Although the territory of Tartary is predominantly flat with little hilly terrain, 90% of its area is located above 200 meters above sea level. The highest point is the Chatyr-Tau ridge - 322 m above sea level. The lowest point of the Republic of Tatarstan is the level of the Kuibyshev reservoir - 53 m.

Tatarstan is located in the forest zone and is covered by deciduous forests by more than 20%. The features of the relief of the republic are such that they allow agricultural activities in almost all of its corners. However, as a result of human activities, the nature of Tatarstan has suffered significant damage. Due to deforestation, it is increasingly possible to face the manifestation of harmful soil erosion and numerous landslides.

An interesting feature of the republic is its dense river network. Tatarstan is even called "the country of four rivers", because it has about three thousand reservoirs, of which four full-flowing rivers - the aforementioned Kama and Volga, as well as Vyatka and Belaya.

Climate of the Republic of Tatarstan

The climate in Tatarstan is characterized by stably warm summers and cold winter with minimal rainfall. This type of climate is called temperate continental.

The hottest summer month is July with temperatures up to + 25 ° С, and the coldest month is January, down to -15 ° С. The lowest and highest temperatures recorded by meteorologists are minus 48 ° С and plus 42 ° С, respectively. The average annual rainfall is rather insignificant - from 450 to 550 mm. The largest number precipitation falls, as a rule, in summer time... V different parts republics climatic zones are quite different from each other, which is why the nature of Tatarstan is so rich.

Predkamye and Eastern Zakamye are cool regions of the republic. Here, in mid-November, snow is characteristic, which melts by the month of April. Western Trans-Kama region is a warmer and drier region, and the most optimal warm and humid climate in the Volga region of the Republic (right bank of the Volga River).

In general, the climate of Tatarstan is quite predictable, monotonous and rarely surprises with its variability.

Plants of Tatarstan

Typical for Tatarstan is the southern taiga zone of forests, where spruce, pine and fir predominate among trees, especially in part of the northern Volga region. In the south, they are replaced by broadleaf forests, which consist mainly of oaks, lindens, elms and maples. Shrubs of hazel and warty euonymus also grow. In areas with fewer shrubs, grasses, ferns and green moss thrive in a lush carpet.

In the forest-steppe part of the republic, wild edible and medicinal plants Tatarstan: common barberry, saxifrage, immortelle sandy, St.

Due to the warm southern climate, there are arid and desert steppes, where it becomes minimal, and mainly drought-resistant species predominate.

Plants of the Red Book of Tatarstan:

  • common blueberries;
  • marshmallow medicinal;
  • Siberian diplasium;
  • foxglove ordinary;
  • big plantain;
  • pulmonary gentian;
  • marsh wild rosemary;
  • wolf's bast;
  • bearberry ordinary;
  • marsh cranberry;
  • small caulinia;
  • wolfberry ordinary;
  • sandy immortelle;
  • the delphinium is high.

Animals of Tatarstan

The Republic of Tatarstan borders on two zoogeographic zones - forest and steppe, which provides this area with a rich diversity of animal species.

The fauna of Tatarstan numbers over 450 species of vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as about 300 species of birds.

In the wooded area of ​​the republic, it is quite natural to meet wolves, squirrels, foxes, bears, elks, martens, hares and many other mammals typical of the European zone of Russia. Hedgehogs, chipmunks, waterfowl minks and otters, ermines, lynxes, marmots and jerboas are widespread in the forest-steppe part of the republic.

Migratory birds are temporary, but always welcome guests of the Tatar region. Sedentary species include black grouse, woodpecker, wood grouse, eagle owl, long-eared owl, swift, gray and ptarmigan, lark and tawny owl happily coexist here. Also in Tatarstan, you can observe about 30 species birds of prey: tyvik, hawk, peregrine falcon, buzzard, black vulture, griffon vulture, kite, steppe eagle, golden eagle and many other representatives of birds.

The feathered inhabitants of the reservoirs of Tatarstan are also striking in their diversity: black-headed gull, river tern, swans, ducks, geese, mergansers and dives are a real decoration of the nature of Tatarstan.

It is impossible to ignore the inhabitants of the river depths. Russian writer XVIII century Sergei Aksakov, the author of "Notes on fishing and hunting" wrote: "Nice fishing in Tatarstan!" This confirms the fact that a huge number of freshwater fish, and fishing in Tatarstan is fascinating like nowhere else.

It is obvious that the widespread deterioration of the ecological state of the natural environment could not have a positive effect on the inhabitants of rivers and lakes. As a result of anthropogenic activity, the quantity and quality of fish has decreased. In 2016 alone, the nature of Tatarstan was damaged by 325 million rubles, mainly through illegal mining.

V deep rivers Trout, catfish, pike perch, pike, carp, asp, chub and ide are found in Tatarstan. Perch, ruff, roach and bream inhabit the shallows and closer to the coastal zone.

The nature of Tatarstan needs protection. For this purpose, natural parks and protected reserves have been specially created, which should increase the population of animals and protect them from destruction.

Animals of the Red Book of Tatarstan:

  • Snow Leopard;
  • giant nocturnal;
  • gray crane;
  • dormouse;
  • golden pike;
  • marble beetle;
  • forest horse;
  • beluga;
  • Russian sturgeon;
  • South Russian tarantula;
  • northern leather;
  • Kehler's barbel;
  • Eversman's hamster;
  • silver spider;
  • swamp turtle.

Mineral resources of Tatarstan

The nature of Tatarstan hides from the eyes of tourists its large deposits of fuel and mineral raw materials deep below the surface of the earth.

The main and most valuable resource today is oil and associated gases. According to geologists' calculations, Tatarstan now knows about 130 oil fields and more than 3000 places of its possible deposits.

There are only three large oil fields: Romashkinskoye, Bavlinskoye and Novoelkhovskoye. The rest of the deposits are usually classified as small.

The oil produced is already estimated at 800 million tons, and the future projected production volumes should exceed 1 billion tons.

Tataria possesses an endless supply of raw materials that are used to make building materials such as gypsum, dolomite, limestone, gravel and clay.

Also, about 110 coal deposits were found on the territory of the republic. The depth of these deposits can be up to 1500 meters. There are also reserves of oil shale, bitumen, phosphorites, peat and copper.

Thus, all of the above deposits and beautiful places of Tatarstan make the republic successful in its economic development. Provided it is treated with care and protection, the nature of Tatarstan will delight many generations of Russians and foreign tourists.

- one of the largest and most well-developed subjects of the Russian Federation. Over the long history of its existence, the republic has emerged as an important geopolitical center of Russia between the areas of European and Asian cultures.

This was facilitated by the favorable economic and geographical position on the eastern borders of the European subcontinent, the proximity of the industrial Central region and the Urals. Located at the intersection of the largest transport systems in Russia, the region is connected with the raw material bases of Siberia, agricultural regions of the Volga Federal District.

Modern Tatarstan is a large region with a complex diversified industry and developed agriculture. The republic has a high educational and scientific potential.

Geographical position

Tatarstan is located in the center of the Russian Federation on the East European Plain, at the confluence of the two largest rivers, the Volga and Kama. The northernmost point is located near the village of Verkhniy Sardek, Baltasinsky district - 56o40.5 ′ N, the southern point - near the village of Khanverkino, Bavlinsky district - 53o58 ′ N, the western one - near the village Tatarskaya Bezdna, Drozhzhanovsky district - 47o16 ′ d., eastern - near the village of Tynlamas, Aktanysh region - 54о17 ′ east longitude The republic stretches 450 km from west to east, and 285 km from south to north.

It borders in the north with the Kirov region, in the north-east - with the Republic of Udmurtia, in the east - with the Republic of Bashkortostan, in the southeast - with Orenburg region, in the south - with the Samara region, in the south-west - with the Ulyanovsk region, in the west - with the Chuvash Republic, in the north-west - with the Mari Republic.

The total area of ​​Tatarstan is 67,836 km2, or 0.4% of the territory of the Russian Federation, and about 7% of the territory of the Volga Federal District.

Kazan, the capital of the republic, is located 797 km east of Moscow.

Geological structure and minerals

The platform is based on a crystalline basement of ancient Archean-Proterozoic rocks. From above, it is overlain by a thick cover of sedimentary rocks of marine and continental origin, 1500–2000 m thick.

On the surface of the basement, there are Devonian rocks, below - terrigenous (sandstones, silts, mudstones), above - carbonate (limestones, dolomites with interlayers of gypsum and anhydrite). The thickness of the Devonian deposits is up to 700 m.

The territory of the republic is located in the east of the largest tectonic structure - the Russian platform, within the Volga-Ural anteclise. The main tectonic elements are the Tatar arch with the northern (Kukmorsky) and southern (Almetyevsky) ledges, the Melekess depression and South part Kazan-Kazhim trough. The western part of the territory belongs to the eastern slope of the Tokmovsky arch.

The prevailing surface area of ​​the republic is composed of the Upper Permian sediments.

Carbonate rocks (limestones and dolomites) with interlayers of clays, sandstones, gypsum and anhydrites prevail.

Mesozoic deposits are developed in the extreme southwest of the republic.

Above, there are rocks of the Carboniferous system (Carboniferous). Carbonate rocks (limestones and dolomites) with interlayers of clays, sandstones, gypsum and anhydrites prevail. The thickness of the strata is from 600 to 1000 m. The Permian deposits are represented by the lower and upper sections. Lower Permian rocks are represented by dolomites, limestones with interlayers of gypsum, anhydrite and marl. The greatest thickness of these deposits is in the east of the republic (up to 300 m), where in some places they come to the surface.

The prevailing surface area of ​​the republic is composed of the Upper Permian sediments. They almost everywhere come out on the day surface in river valleys and are exposed by ravines. In the west of the republic, in the lower part, carbonate rocks of marine origin prevail - dolomites and limestones with interlayers of gypsum.

Above are continental formations - red clays, sandstones and marls that make up watershed surfaces. The thickness of the deposits reaches 280-350 m.

In the east, in the lower part, sandy-argillaceous rocks with interlayers of limestones and marls prevail, overlying argillaceous-sandy deposits, which are replaced by sandy, silty, clayey continental formations with thin interlayers of marls, limestones and dolomites overlying the highest watersheds (photo). The total thickness of the deposits reaches 200-300 m.

Mesozoic deposits are developed in the extreme southwest of the republic. Formations of the Jurassic system are represented by clays, siltstones, marls with interlayers of sandstones, oil shales and phosphorite pebbles. The thickness reaches 70-80 m. Cretaceous deposits are gray, dark gray clays, sandstones with thin interlayers of phosphorites, marls, limestones, with a total thickness of up to 120-160 m.

Cenozoic deposits are represented by deposits of the Neogene and Quaternary system, which were formed in continental conditions. Neogene formations are confined to the valleys of large and medium rivers. These are deposits composed of dark gray silty-clayey rocks with interlayers and lenses of sands and pebbles with a total thickness of 200-300 m.

The youngest Quaternary deposits cover the entire territory of the republic. In the Volga and Kama valleys, the thickness of the alluvial deposits of the terrace complex reaches 70-120 m, their composition is predominantly sandy with interlayers of pebbles, clays, loams and sandy loams.

Slope sediments reach a thickness of 15-20 m at the foot of the slopes, decreasing up the slope. On the watersheds, the thickness of the deposits is 1.5-2.0 m. The composition is predominantly loamy, sandy loam with crushed stone.

Minerals

The most valuable are deposits of combustible and nonmetallic minerals - oil, gas, bitumen, coal and brown coal, oil shale, peat, building stone, sand and gravel materials. Oil and associated gas are produced mainly in the Trans-Kama and Eastern Predkamye of the republic. The main deposits are confined to the lower stage of the Devonian and Carboniferous deposits, mostly small in terms of reserves. Large deposits include only Romashkinskoye, Novo-Elkhovskoye and Bavlinskoye. The oil is heavy, high-sulfur. Associated gas, a valuable chemical raw material, is produced together with oil.

Bituminous and brown coals have been explored in the Eastern Trans-Kama region of the republic, they lie at significant depths - from 900 to 1200 m, which makes their extraction not yet profitable.

Significant reserves of bitumen and bituminous rocks are confined to the Permian deposits - reserve sources for obtaining hydrocarbon raw materials, as well as deposits of gypsum, limestone, dolomite.

Among the mineral resources of the Mesozoic, the most important are oil shale, phosphorites, and zeolite-containing rocks. They are found in the southwestern regions of the republic in the Volga region. Small reserves and poor quality hold back the extraction of these types of minerals.

Deposits of bentonite clays, loams, sands, sand and gravel materials, building stone (rubble stone and crushed stone), peat are confined to the sediments of the Cenozoic. They are widespread throughout the republic and are sources of construction and mining raw materials.

Relief

The territory of the Republic of Tatarstan is a plain with uplands and lowlands that have formed over a geologically long time. The average height of the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan is 150–160 m, 90% of the territory lies at an altitude of no more than 200 m above sea level. Highest heights in the southeastern part of the republic within the Bugulma-Belebey Upland. The highest point is 381 m. The minimum heights are confined to the left bank of the Volga and Kama rivers, the lowest mark is 53 m (water edge of the Kuibyshev reservoir).

By the Volga and Kama valleys, the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan is divided into three parts - in the west, in the right bank of the Volga, the Pre-Volga region is distinguished, in the north, in the left bank of the Volga and the right bank of the Kama - Predkamye, in the south, southeast, in the left bank of the Kama - Zakamye.

The western part of the republic is the Volga Upland, the northern and eastern borders of which are washed by the Volga waters. The average height of the Pre-Volga region is 140 m, the maximum is 276 m (the upper reaches of the Bezdna River - the right tributary of the Sura, Drozhzhanovsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan). The Volga shores are steep everywhere, cut by valleys of small rivers and ravines.

In Predkamye, in the north-west of the republic, the southern end includes the southern end of the Vyatka Uval upland. The highest heights here reach 235 m in the upper reaches of the Ilet 'and Shoshma rivers, the average height is 125 m. - 120 m, the average height of interfluvial spaces is 140-160 m.

In the southeast of the republic, in the Eastern Trans-Kama region, the highest territory is observed - the Bugulmino-Belebeevskaya Upland with an average height of 175 m. Two altitude steps are well pronounced: 220-240 m and 300-320 m.

Lowland plains formed large rivers, the valleys of which were laid along tectonic faults and troughs. The largest area is occupied by the Trans-Volga lowland. It stretches along the left bank of the Volga in the form of a complex of terraces in a narrow strip to the confluence with the Kama, and then, expanding, forms the low-lying Western Trans-Kama region with leveled spaces 80-100 and 120-160 m high.

The Kama-Belskaya lowland corresponds to the valleys of the Kama and Belaya, Ika rivers with predominant heights of 100-120 m.

The valleys of large and medium-sized rivers have a pronounced asymmetry of the slopes due to the displacement of the channels of these rivers to the right under the influence of the Coriolis force. The steep and high banks are composed of bedrocks. On the gently sloping left slopes, a complex of river terraces above the floodplain is observed.

Large forms of relief are complicated by river valleys of small rivers and streams, ravines, gullies. The asymmetry of the slopes of the valleys of small rivers is associated with the unequal heating of the slopes of different exposure in a cold periglacial climate. The slopes facing south and west are steeper.

Features of the relief allow you to develop Agriculture in all regions of the republic. However, human activities, as a result of which forests were cleared, which transferred surface runoff to underground, and large areas of land were plowed up, contributed to the development of gully and soil erosion.

Karst processes are widespread in Permian carbonate rocks, landslides on the slopes of river valleys, composed of clays, and other small erosional landforms.

Climate

The climate of the republic is moderately continental. Summers are warm, winters are moderately cold. The sunshine duration averages 1900 hours, with the sunniest period from April to August. Total solar radiation per year is approximately 3900 MJ / sq. m.

The climate is formed under the influence of the west-east transport of air masses. Air masses from the Atlantic they soften the climate, form cloudy weather with precipitation. Air from Siberia and the Arctic brings significant cooling during the cold period.

The warmest month of the year is July with average temperatures of 18-20 ° C, the coldest is January (-13, -14 ° C). The absolute minimum temperature is -44, -48 ° C (in Kazan -46.8 ° C in 1942). The absolute maximum temperature is +40 ° C. The absolute annual amplitude reaches 80-90 ° C. The average annual temperature is approximately 2-3.1 ° C.

The average amount of precipitation is from 460 to 520 mm. In the warm season (above 0 ° C), 65-75% of the annual precipitation falls. Maximum precipitation occurs in July (51-65 mm), minimum - in February (21-27 mm). Some years are dry. The growing season is about 170 days.

The snow cover forms after mid-November and melts in the first half of April. The duration of the snow cover is 140-150 days a year, the average height is 35-45 cm. The maximum depth of soil freezing is 110-165 cm.

The climatic resources of individual regions of the republic are different. Predkamye and Eastern Zakamye are relatively cold, but better humidified parts of the Republic of Tatarstan. Western Zakamye is a relatively warm region, but droughts are often noted. The best combination Climatic indicators are possessed by the Pre-Volga Republic of Tatarstan. Climatic conditions republics are moderately favorable for farming.

Surface and groundwater

The territory of the republic has an extensive river network, which belongs to the Volga-Kama basin. The total length of all rivers is about 22 thousand km, and their number is more than 3.5 thousand. The largest rivers are the Volga, Kama, Belaya, Vyatka, Ik.

They are transit, their origins are in other regions of the Russian Federation. The transit flow of river waters is about 230 km3 / year, and surface waters of local formation - 8-10 km3 / year. The main part of the river network is made up of small rivers and streams. The total area of ​​the water surface is 4.5 thousand km2, or 6.5% of the entire territory of the republic.

The rivers of the republic have a mixed feeding with a predominance of snow, which provides 60-80% of the annual flow. In the second place is underground, in the third - rain food.

The nature of the feeding determines the water regime of the rivers. On all rivers, the spring flood is clearly distinguished by a sharp increase in water levels. The earliest (28-29 March) floods begin on the rivers in the south-west of the republic, and ends in early May. Average duration- 30-60 days.

After the spring flood, the summer low-water period sets in, with low water levels, some rivers and streams dry up. At this time, the river is fed exclusively by groundwater. After intense and prolonged rains, the summer low-water period is interrupted by floods, on average 2-3 times.

In autumn, a slight rise in water is observed on the rivers, which is largely due to a decrease in evaporation from the surface of the basin. With the onset of cold weather, the rivers begin to freeze, freeze-up forms. The thickness of the ice reaches 50-80 cm. During the winter, a steady low-water period is observed on the rivers, the lowest water levels and discharges are observed, feeding is carried out at the expense of groundwater.

The Volga is the largest river in the European part of Russia and the most big river Europe. The total length of the Volga is 3530 km, the basin area is 1360 thousand km2. It originates in the Valdai Upland at an altitude of 228 m, from a spring in the village of Volgo-Verkhovye of the Tver Region and, flowing throughout the territory Central Russia, flows into the Caspian Sea. The Volga flows through the republic in its western part for 186 km. The right bank is high and forms picturesque cliffs and ledges. The left bank is gently sloping, occupied by terraces above the floodplain. The width near Kazan is 3-6 km, in the Kamsky Ustye area - up to 35 km. The main tributaries within the republic are Kama and Sviyaga.

The Kama is the left, the largest tributary of the Volga. The length is 1805 km, the basin area is 507 thousand km2. The sources are located in the central part of the Verkhnekamsk Upland (in the north-east of Udmurtia). It enters the republic with its lower course (360 km), crossing it from northeast to southwest. It flows in a wide (up to 15 km) valley. The average water discharge at the mouth is 3500 m3 / s.

The large tributaries of the Kama are Belaya, Vyatka, Ik.

Belaya - the left tributary of the Kama, flows from the South Ural Mountains. The total length of the river is 1430 km, on the territory of the republic - 50 km. The river bed is meandering, the valley is wide. Average water discharge 950 m3 / s.

Vyatka is a right tributary of the Kama, flows from north to south, length 1314 km (in the republic 60 km), basin area 129 thousand km2. The current is slow, the channel is meandering, a well-developed valley with a steep right bank, the left bank is gentle. There are a lot of rifts on the river. Average water discharge 890 m3 / s.

Ik is a large left tributary of the Kama, flowing downstream after the Belaya River, flows from south to north. Of the 598 km of its length, 483 km are located in Tatarstan, forming a natural border with the Republic of Bashkortostan. Average water discharge 45.5 m3 / s.

The right tributary of the Volga, the Sviyaga, flows in the pre-Volga republic. Starts in the Ulyanovsk region. Length - 375 km (206 km - in the republic), basin area - 16,700 km2. It flows from south to north parallel to the Volga. The river bed is meandering, the width is 20-30 m during the low water period. The average water discharge is 34 m3 / s.

In the Western Predkamye, there are the basins of the Ileta, Kazanka, Mesha, as well as the right tributaries of the Lower Kama (Shumbut, Bersut) and Lower Vyatka (Shoshma, Burets). The largest is the Mesha River (271 km, average discharge 17.4 m3 / s).

In the Eastern Predkamye, there are two middle rivers - Izh and Toima, with sources in Udmurtia. In the Western Trans-Kama region, the largest rivers are the Bolshoi Cheremshan and Aktai, and in the Eastern Trans-Kama region, the Stepnoy Zai and Sheshma.

The largest water bodies Tatarstan - 4 reservoirs supplying the republic water resources for various purposes. The Kuibyshev reservoir was created in 1955, the largest not only in Tatarstan, but also in Europe, provides seasonal regulation of the Middle Volga flow, shipping, supply and irrigation. The Nizhnekamsk reservoir was created in 1978 and provides daily and weekly redistribution to the hydroelectric complex. The Zainsk hydroelectric complex was created in 1963, serves for technical support GRES. The Karabash reservoir was created in 1957 and serves to supply water to oil fields and industrial enterprises.

There are more than 8 thousand lakes and more than 7 thousand swamps on the territory of the republic. The most boggy is the northern part of the Eastern Trans-Kama region - the Kamsko-Belskaya lowland.

On the territory of the republic there are 731 hydraulic structures, 550 ponds, 115 treatment facilities, 11 protective dams.

The bowels of the republic are rich in groundwater - from highly mineralized to slightly saline and fresh. Groundwater resources fully meet the needs of the population. There is 1.45 m3 / day of fresh groundwater per inhabitant.

A large number of springs - about 4 thousand. Many of them are equipped, are places of pilgrimage ("holy keys").

The total reserves of mineral groundwater are 3.3 thousand m3 / day.

Soil

Soils are very diverse - from sod-podzolic and gray forest soils in the north and west to different types black soil in the south of the republic (32% of the area). On the territory of the region, there are especially fertile powerful chernozems, and gray forest and leached chernozem soils prevail.

There are three soil regions on the territory of Tatarstan:

Northern (Predkamye) - the most common are light gray forest (29%) and sod-podzolic (21%), located mainly on the watershed plateaus and the upper parts of the slopes. 18.3% percent is occupied by gray and dark gray forest soils. Sod soils are found on hills and hills. 22.5% is occupied by washed-out soils, floodplain - 6-7%, boggy - about 2%. In a number of districts (Baltasinsky, Kukmorsky, Mamadyshsky), soil erosion is strong, which affects up to 40% of the territory.

Western (Volga region) - forest-steppe soils (51.7%), gray and dark gray (32.7%) prevail in the northern part. A significant area is occupied by podzolized and leached chernozems. High areas of the district are occupied by sod-podzolic and light gray soils (12%). Floodplain soils occupy 6.5%, bog soils - 1.2%. In the south-west of the region, chernozems are widespread (leached ones predominate).

Southeast (Zakamye) - to the west of Sheshma, leached and ordinary chernozems prevail, the right bank of the Small Cheremshan is occupied by dark gray soils. To the east of Sheshma, gray forest and chernozem soils prevail, in the northern part of the region - leached chernozems.

The main part of the territory of the republic is represented by agricultural lands. The most fertile are chernozems. They occupy 40% of the arable land. Water and wind erosion, intensive agriculture contribute to the decrease in land fertility.

Flora and fauna

The territory of the republic in the north of the Predkamye enters the taiga zone. Most of the Predkamye, Predvolzhye, the northern part of the Kama region is located in the deciduous forests, the south of the Volga region and most of the Trans-Kama region - in the forest-steppe zone.

In total, about 17% of the territory of the republic is covered with forests. The forests are dominated by deciduous species (oak, linden, birch and aspen), conifers are mainly represented by pine and spruce.

The taiga zone is represented by two subzones: the southern taiga, with a predominance of coniferous trees in the forests, and the subtaiga, with mixed deciduous-coniferous forests. For the forest north of the Volga region, spruce and fir are typical, to the south they are replaced by broad-leaved species, especially oak and linden, which is also included in the second tier along with elm and Norway maple. Hazel, warty euonymus and other shrubs grow in the underbrush. Where there are few of them, a lush oak forest forbs develops; there are also mossy places where green mosses are combined with thickets of ferns.

To the south, there are fewer natural forests, the number of broad-leaved species in them is increasing, linden and oak prevail. On light sandy loam and sands, pine forests with oak and linden are found.

In the southern forest-steppe, beginning on the left bank of the Volga south of the Kama River, and on the right, south of the outskirts of the Kuibyshev reservoir, the amount of heat increases. More often drier sod meadow steppes with a predominance of feather grass, fine-footed fescue, and fescue are found here.

Tatarstan is located on the border of two zoogeographic zones - forest and steppe. There is a wide variety of species - over 400 vertebrates and over 270 - birds.

In addition to the wolf, fox, usual for the European part of Russia, common hedgehog, moose are found here (in the north), occasionally bear, lynx, pine marten and ermine are found. Siberian species - Siberian weasel and chipmunk - penetrate here from the northeast. Common forest rodents include the white hare, a squirrel that lives in tall pine and mixed forests, and dormouse, which usually lives in oak forests with dense undergrowth. Among mammals, there are also waterfowl, such as desman, otter, mink, muskrat.

In the forest-steppe, in addition to the steppe, there are also numerous species of forest animals living in oak and pine forests. The steppe fauna of the Middle Volga region is represented by the jerboa, marmot, mole vole, hare, steppe chorem, and others.

Many migratory birds nest in the republic, living here temporarily. As among animals, there is also a mutual penetration of forest and steppe among birds. With the three-toed woodpecker, black grouse, capercaillie, eagle owl, long-eared owl, tawny owl and hazel grouse there are black swift, partridge - gray and white, bustard and lark - field and forest. There are numerous inhabitants of reservoirs: the lake gull, "Volgar", or the steamer gull, river tern, as well as swans, geese, ducks, dives and mergansers. Feathered carnivores - peregrine falcon, hawk, Upland buzzard, tyvik, white-headed vulture, black vulture, steppe eagle, golden eagle, kite, marsh harrier and others - only 28 species.

Specially Protected natural areas

Specially protected natural territories (SPNA) have been created in the republic to preserve natural complexes. According to the state cadastre of protected areas, in the republic there are total is 163, including the largest of them - the Volga-Kama State Natural biosphere reserve, National Park "Nizhnyaya Kama", as well as 25 state nature reserves and 135 natural monuments with a total area of ​​137.8 thousand hectares, or 2% total area republics.

To preserve the diversity of flora and fauna on the territory of the republic, the Volzhsko-Kamsky reserve was founded in 1960. It is located in the Western Predkamye, it includes two isolated areas: Raifsky (in Zelenodolsky district, 25 km north-west of Kazan) and Saralovsky (in Laishevsky district, on the left bank of the Volga, 60 km south of Kazan). Its area is 8 thousand hectares (more than 7 thousand hectares are covered with forests, 58 hectares are meadows, 62 hectares are water bodies).

The relief of the Raifsky area is mostly flat. The beautiful Raifskoe Lake has survived, into which the Sumka River flows. The relief of the Saralovsky area is characterized by significant fluctuations in absolute heights (from 50 m to 140 m).

The flora of the reserve consists of over 800 species. The dendrological garden located in the Raifskoye forestry is of particular interest. It contains plants from almost all continents. The reserve also protects 55 species of mammals, 195 species of birds and 30 species of fish (coastal shallow waters are rich spawning grounds).

The vegetation in the Raifa area is bicentennial mixed coniferous-deciduous forests (with a predominance of pine), characteristic of middle lane the European part of Russia, there are also oak, linden, spruce, birch, aspen. The southern border of the distribution of spruce and fir in the European part of Russia runs along the Raifsky site. About 570 species of vascular plants have been recorded in the Raifa area; rare species include unifolia pulp, tuberous calypso, sedges: chaff, tangled, two-seeded.

More than 90% of the Saralovsky area is covered with forest; mainly pine and linden. The most interesting are the pine woodlands on the sandy hills, where the Siberian bell, dream-grass, Marshall's wormwood, Polissya fescue, sandy astragalus, and spiked Veronica penetrate. Rare species include feathery feather grass and squat sedge. Many species are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The fauna of the reserve is very rich. Rodents include 21 species: flying squirrel, common squirrel, river beaver, garden and forest dormouse, red vole, yellow-throated mouse, European hare and white hare. Six species of insectivores have been registered: the common hedgehog, the mole, and the shrew. Occasionally there are wolf, bear, lynx, ermine, roe deer, reddish gopher, hamster; fox and elk, badger, raccoon dog, weasel, American mink, pine marten are widespread.

There are numerous birds: black grouse, hazel grouse, gray partridge, quail, turtle dove, wood pigeon, rock dove, corncrake, gray heron, woodcock, snipe; less often capercaillie, gray crane. Owls include tawny owls, uplifted and passerine owls, and predatory owls include golden eagles, white-tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, hobbyists, and black kites.

National Park "Nizhnyaya Kama" was created in 1991 to preserve and restore the unique natural complex the richest floristically and typologically forest areas and floodplain meadow communities of the Republic of Tatarstan and their use for scientific, recreational, educational and cultural purposes.

The park is located in the north-east of the Republic of Tatarstan within the Eastern Predkamye and Eastern Zakamye, in the valley of the Kama River and its tributaries Toyma, Kriushi, Tanaika, Shilninka. Administratively, the park is located within two administrative districts - Tukaevsky and Yelabugsky. The area of ​​the national park is 26.6 thousand hectares.

Of the local climatic factors, it is worth noting the features of the relief structure and the presence on the territory of a large water basin- Nizhnekamsk reservoir. The surface of the territory is slightly wavy, dissected by valleys of small rivers and streams, and a ravine-gully network. The position of the park on the border of three natural subzones (broadleaf-spruce and broadleaf forests, meadow steppes) determined the diversity of natural landscape complexes and flora of the park.

The flora of the national park is represented by more than 650 species of higher vascular plants, the basis of which is forest (boreal, pine forest, nemoral) species growing in forested and forest-edged ecotopes; as well as plants of upland and floodplain meadows, which are confined to the watersheds and the valley of the Kama River, to the valleys of small rivers.

Also, about 100 species of lichens, more than 50 species of mosses, and more than 100 species of macromycete fungi grow on the territory of the park.

Feather grass and red pollen head growing in the park are included in the lists of the Red Book of Russia; 86 species of plants present in the flora of the national park are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The fauna of the park as a whole is typical for the east of the middle zone of the European part of Russia. Mammals are represented by 42 species. Among them are typical forest dwellers: elk, roe deer, wild boar, lynx, badger, pine marten, squirrel, weasel; and inhabitants of water bodies and their coastal parts: beaver, muskrat, otter, raccoon dog. Dwellers in national park water bat, brown long-eared bat, wild bat, forest mouse and chipmunk are rare species and are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Tatarstan. The avifauna is quite diverse (more than 190 species, including 136 nesting species). Most species are forest, open-space, and wetland species.

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State structure and population

Tatarstan is a republic within the Russian Federation. The President is the head of state and the highest official of the Republic of Tatarstan. He heads the system of executive bodies of state power in the republic and manages the activities of the Cabinet of Ministers - the executive and administrative body of state power. The Cabinet of Ministers is responsible to the President. The candidacy of the Prime Minister is approved by the Parliament of Tatarstan on the proposal of the President.