Speaking of the animals of Baikal, it is impossible not to mention ringed seals, the only seals in the world living in fresh water.
The unique nature of Baikal creates favorable conditions for a lot of animals that do not live in other places of the planet. The majority of the endemic animals of the Lake today are protected, but alas – the Red Book of Baikal every year becomes even thicker.
Today volunteers and public organizations are doing everything they can to stop the disappearance of rare species of animals and birds at Lake Baikal, but the man is still the greatest enemy of nature.
Speaking of the animals of Baikal, it is impossible not to mention ringed seals, the only seals in the world living in fresh water.
Ringed seal is the main endemic of Lake Baikal, Baikal’s relict and symbol. Baikal ringed seals have been hunted since antiquity until present time, because it is an integral part of local culture for the indigenous population. Thanks to the ringed seals, they receive valuable skin, fat and meat. Although today ringed seal is not officially specially protected, certain limitations on hunting this rare animal were introduced on Lake Baikal not so long ago. Currently hunting ringed seal is being carried out in volumes having no effect on the species count, and therefore, we can be sure that this precious animal will not disappear from the Baikal shores.
When the intensive reclamation of the territories started with lands plowing, deforestation, and later because of enterprises and roads construction, the number of wild reindeer in Eastern Siberia began to decrease, as far as the animal got deprived of the territories where it had taken its feed. Today ecologists around the world struggle to save this rare animal, after all, absolutely no creature can replace this Master of Taiga.
Wild red dog is another animal that has virtually disappeared from the territory of Russia. The northern border of the predator’s geographical range is located is Irkutsk Oblast. People who were lucky to see this rare predator say he resembles a wolf, a fox and a jackal simultaneously. A fiery red color of its back in combination with a light belly and paws, and a black tail make this animal look very impressive. Do not underestimate its power: a pack of wild red dogs can overcome a leopard or a tiger.
The reduction of the count of red wild dogs in Russia was caused by poaching, as well as the gradual humidification of the climate and related deep snow mass and a press made of forest plants.
Anyway, now we are well aware that 6-8 snow leopards live on the territory of Irkutsk Oblast, about 30 of them live in Buryatia. And a total of probably more than 50 snow leopards live along the entire Eastern Sayan range, including its parts in Tuva and Krasnoyarsk Territory. This rare, but very dangerous animal is much larger than lynx in its size and undoubtedly is a great hunter. Today Irbis is included into the Red Book of Russia, and many volunteers across the country are working to preserve and increase the count of this species.
The region of Lake Baikal and surrounding lands lies within the geographical range of such rare bird as the white-tailed eagle. It is the largest predator of Irkutsk Oblast who builds nests, and it is interesting how perfectly it adapted to life near big rivers, lakes, swamps and even sea coasts, becoming a skilled fisher. While hunting fish, the eagle sometimes immerses in water itself for a short time. A serious threat to the species is the destruction of its habitats – cutting (and burnout) of forests near water reservoirs, destruction of swamplands, poachers’ shooting also has its influence.
Today this rare bird is protected at both Russian and international levels.
A specially protected natural monument of regional significance – “Anglichanka” Rock – is situat-ed in Selenginsky district of Buryatia. Now it is known as an observation deck with a picturesque view of the Selenga and Spassky Cathedral dated by the 18th century. However, in 1818-1841, Protestant preachers lived here. Key to Baikal explored how the life of the missionaries was con-nected with the rock, what kind of girl was wandering around it and what the London missionary society had to do with it.