Animals of the Astrakhan region: a list, description and interesting facts

The Astrakhan Region is located in the South of the Russian Federation, at the foot of the delta of the Volga River. The warm climate, abundance of fresh water and fertile soil made this area very attractive for a variety of species, both flora and fauna. In this article we will talk about animals in the Astrakhan region.

Variety of species

To date, the number of animals in the Astrakhan region includes: approximately sixty species of mammals (terrestrial and aquatic), about three hundred species of birds, nearly twenty species of reptiles, four species of amphibians, about nine species of arachnids and more than four and a half thousand insects.

Of the most significant species of mammals, there are saigas, red deer, roe deer and elk, wild boar. Of the order of predators, the most prominent representatives are common foxes, fox-corsacs and wolves. From the rodents in the territory of the region live gophers.

It is worth noting that in the Volga River one can meet Caspian seals, American mink and otter.

The Red Book of the Astrakhan Region. Animals

Many animals that now live in the region are on the verge of extinction. Here is a short list of animals of the Astrakhan region, listed in the Red Book:

1. Elk. This is a large beast of a deer family. Inhabits dense forests. Males have large horns in the form of a plow, so elks are often called elk.
2. Roe. Another representative of the deer family, however, unlike elk roe deer is quite small. The weight of males does not exceed 50-60 kg, and the body length is approximately one and a half meters.
3. Badger. Quite a large representative, belonging to the family of cunies. Badgers eat almost any food: grass, berries, nuts, mushrooms, insects and spiders, frogs and small fishes, chicks and bird eggs, small rodents.
4. Reed cat (marsh lynx). One of the few species of felines living on the territory of the region. This is a fairly large representative of felines, the weight of males can reach 12 kg.
5. Muskrat. The nearest relative of the desman is the mole. They are also almost blind, but in exchange for sight they have an enhanced sense of smell and touch.
6. The river beaver. Beavers, unfortunately, today are also included in the number of beasts listed in the Red Book, although still relatively recently they were very numerous in this area.

This is a far incomplete list of animals that are on the verge of extinction. Many representatives of the fauna of the region are quite rare and significant for the wildlife of the Caspian region as a whole, therefore it is extremely important to preserve the species diversity of animals in these areas.

Dangerous animals of the Astrakhan region

Unlike most of the country, the territory of the region is inhabited by a huge number of spiders, snakes, scorpions and other animals that pose a threat to human health, and sometimes life. Here are some of them:

1. Spiders. Of spiders, the most threat to humans are such species as Karakurt, South Russian tarantula, phalanx and eresus. All these spiders have a fairly strong poison, so their bites can cause a lot of inconvenience to the victim.
2. Snakes. Among the snakes, the greatest danger to humans is the steppe viper, the mackerel common and the lizard serpent. The first two species have a very strong venom, a viper's bite and a shimmer's muzzle without timely and proper help can be extremely dangerous, and in rare cases even lead to death. The bite of the lizard serpent is much weaker, and although there is not much pleasure in it, it is not fatal.

In addition to snakes and spiders, among the animals of the Astrakhan region there are other quite dangerous species, but they usually do not pose a great threat to humans or are extremely rare.

Astrakhan nature reserve

This is one of the first reserves created on the territory of modern Russia. He started his career since 1919.

The area of the Astrakhan Reserve is 679 square meters. Km, which is quite a lot for the reserve of such a small area.

In the reserve there are almost all species inhabiting the region. Here you also cormorants, geese, and pheasants, and among mammals you can meet wild boars, ermines, otters, raccoon dogs and many others.

Some representatives of the river and Caspian fauna, such as bream, carp, catfish and Russian sturgeon are also protected .

The species of animals in the reserve amaze with its diversity.

Conclusion

Animals of the Astrakhan region are represented by thousands of species, many of which are not found anywhere else in Russia. Unfortunately, a significant number of species are listed in the Red Book. Reduction of animal populations is associated with many factors, such as: deterioration of the ecological situation (environmental pollution, deforestation, pollution of water bodies), human oppression of animals in their natural habitat, etc.

The authorities of the country and the region are actively working to restore and preserve the diversity of animals and plants in the Astrakhan region.