Unique animals of the Ussuri taiga

The fauna of the Primorsky Territory is rich and diverse. There is a combination of northern and southern species. There was no ice age here, and therefore plants and animals of the pre-glacial, warmer, Tertiary era, which were extinct in other places, were preserved. Gradually, as the climate cooled, the relics adapted and mixed with modern species. This is how the unique, contradictory and majestic flora and fauna of the Ussuri taiga developed.

Cats

Among the many representatives of the world of fauna of the Primorsky Territory, only two receive so much attention. Both are members of the cat family. Both have a dramatic fate and are on the verge of extinction.

Amur tiger

Hunting this animal in Primorye is prohibited. Its number in the region has decreased. He has no enemies among animals. Only a huge brown bear can compete with him in strength and can defeat him. Its weight reaches 380 kg.

Despite the fact that it is a representative of tropical nature, it has adapted well to the harsh coastal winter. Swims well and willingly bathes. Constantly wanders in pursuit of wild boars, wapiti, and roe deer. Length with tail up to 4 m. Height up to 1 m at the shoulders. It has yellowish-ochre long fur. The beast is dexterous, strong and resilient. The largest among its relatives.

Leopar

The leopard is a relative of the tiger. Excellent at climbing trees. Able to lie flat on a tree trunk.

Loves to pounce on prey. In addition, it preys on the “rutting” of various ungulates. Has high running speed. Lives in mixed forests. It has beautiful golden fawn-yellow fur with intense black spots.

Amur cat

Feeds on small rodents and small birds. Hunts at night.

Predator, but small. It is also called reed.

Raccoon dog

Quite a cunning beast.

In December-January it goes into hibernation. Leads a nocturnal lifestyle. Can't bark. Of all coastal animals, it accumulates the most subcutaneous fat for the winter. Severely exterminated due to its valuable, beautiful, durable and warm fur. The food is extremely varied - mouse-like rodents, fish, frogs, snakes, small birds, nuts, vine fruits. Lives in burrows. A predator from the canine family. Quite a cunning beast. At the moment of persecution, the animal tries to hide, like all wild animals, but when it is not possible to escape, it lies down and “pretends” to be dead. There have been cases when hunters, convinced of the lifelessness of the animal, left it for some time, and when they returned, there was no trace of the animal.