Water animal of mixed and broad-leaved forests. Mixed and deciduous forests

Multi-tiered: the first (upper) tier, along with conifers, form dense crowns of oak, ash, linden; the second tier includes less tall trees- wild apple trees, pears, mountain ash; in the third there is an undergrowth of bushes of bird cherry, hazel, euonymus, buckthorn; in the fourth - various herbs (sedges, hoof, etc.) and mushrooms; the forest floor consists of a thick layer of dead tree leaves and grass stalks, which prevents the development of mosses (especially in oak forests).

Food resources of all tiers are used by forest dwellers depending on the nutritional specificity of certain species. For example, seeds coniferous trees and various insects under their bark attract woodpeckers; acorns and nuts are eaten by squirrels and mouse-like rodents; beech and walnuts, bones and pulp of various fruits, maple bats and seeds of other hardwoods serve as food for many birds and animals. Various caterpillars, beetle larvae and adult insects (leafworms, bark beetles, etc.) constitute the prey of insectivorous birds. Numerous forest floor invertebrates are also eaten by animals.

Representatives of many species common with taiga live in mixed and deciduous forests. However, some animals prefer to live in mixed forests, e.g. common badger, common hedgehog, wood mouse, great spotted woodpecker, great tit, pika and nuthatch, finch, cuckoo, white stork, marsh turtle, agile lizard, common frog, etc.

Others - live in broad-leaved forests, for example, forest wild cat, black polecat, mink, pine marten, weasel, bank vole, yellow-throated mouse, garden and forest dormouse, dormouse, the bats, green woodpecker, western nightingale, grosbeak, titmouse, blackbird, oriole, wood pigeons (gorlinka, klintukh, vityuten), black grouse, woodcock, tree frog, tree frog, etc.

Some animals of these forests were numerous in the past, but then as a result of immoderate hunting they were exterminated and now they are preserved only in reserves (bison, red deer, European roe deer); others managed to be restored in nature thanks to conservation measures (beavers). Some animals are of great commercial importance, especially black polecat, mink, mole, black grouse; the prey of squirrels, pine martens, foxes, ermine, and badgers is less great.

significant portion deciduous forests was cut down, the swamps were drained, and vast agricultural lands appeared in their place: arable lands, hay meadows and pastures. Since ancient times, there has been a settlement of the territory, accompanied by growth settlements. Many villages, settlements, industrial cities appeared. As a result, the forest cover of these areas has now fallen to 30-35%.

These circumstances were reflected in the species composition of the animal world of mixed and broad-leaved forests. In connection with the appearance on their territory of open spaces, mastered by man for economic purposes, and the presence of numerous settlements, some animals have adapted to life in cultural landscapes. In particular, many birds began to live in close proximity to people - in groves, parks, gardens, and some have become permanent residents of villages and cities. For example, sparrows, jackdaws, swallows, and swifts can now be found everywhere, which make nests in residential buildings. Increasingly, the songs of finches, tits and other songbirds are heard in city parks. By winter, magpies and crows migrate from the forests to housing. In the future, we will acquaint readers in more detail with some of the most characteristic representatives of this zone.

Eurasia

Approximately on the Leningrad-Kazan line, the taiga turns into a mixed forest. South and west of this line conifers are gradually being replaced by broad-leaved ones. The animal world is also gradually changing.

In the mixed forest we also find many taiga animals: hare, elk, squirrel, flying squirrel, capercaillie. But there are also animals typical of broad-leaved forests: red deer, wild boar, roe deer. In the broad-leaved forest, there are much more than in the taiga, various tree species. There are many shrubs and clearings are often found. Animal world in these forests is also richer and more diverse than in the taiga. Of the birds, insectivorous and granivorous predominate here. Squirrels in these forests feed not on the seeds of coniferous trees, but on hazelnuts, seeds of linden, maple and other hardwoods, and acorns. Acorns are the favorite food of wild boars. Bears and other animals and birds eat acorns.

green lizard

The most typical animals for broad-leaved forests are: forest cat, brown bear, pine marten, black polecat, mink, weasel, squirrel, several species of dormouse. Of the birds, the green woodpecker, motley woodpeckers (large, medium and small), dove-dove, oriole, chaffinch, forest lark, tits - large and blue tit, black and song thrushes, western nightingale, European robin are especially numerous. From south to broadleaf forests some steppe animals penetrate: hare, hamster, gray partridge.

From reptiles in broad-leaved forests there are green and viviparous lizards, spindles, copperheads and common vipers, and from amphibians - grass and moor frog, tree frog.

Wolves.

Even in the last century, huge wild bulls - bison lived in a significant number in the broad-leaved forests of Europe. They inhabited the forest regions of Central Europe and northwestern Russia. Predatory hunting and wars led to their almost complete extermination. Huge work has been done in our country to restore the number of bison. Purebred bison are kept and successfully breed in nature reserves Bialowieza Forest and Prioksko-Terrasny. Now the number of bison in the USSR has increased significantly. Bison feed on grasses, buds, leaves and bark of deciduous trees.

River beavers were also found earlier in the zone of broad-leaved forests. The fur of these animals is extremely highly valued, so they have long served as an object of intensive hunting and at the beginning of the 20th century. were almost completely destroyed. Now in our country these animals are protected by law. Work is underway to resettle them. Beavers live on quiet forest rivers, the banks of which are densely overgrown with deciduous trees. They feed on tree shoots and bark, and from branches they build their dwellings - huts, from trunks and branches - dams that block the riverbed, arranging artificial backwaters. The size of the huts is different. They serve the beavers for many years, are annually repaired, completed and sometimes reach enormous sizes. So, in the Voronezh Reserve there is a hut, the height of which is 2.5 m, and the diameter of the base is 12 m. But usually they are smaller: 1-1.5 m high and 3 m in diameter.

Noble deer.

The most amazing constructions of beavers are dams. Animals arrange them in case of a strong drop in the water level in the river. The finished dam is so strong that a person can freely cross it from one bank to another. The length of the dams is different - 15-20, 50 m, and in North America there is a beaver dam reaching 652 m in length, 4.3 m in height with a base width of 7 m and a crest of 1.5 m.

There are a lot of moles in broad-leaved forests. They spend most of their time underground, in deep burrows and passages. Moles feed mainly on insects and their larvae, worms and other invertebrates. Moles do not have winter hibernation, since at this time of the year there is enough food for them underground. Numerous in the broad-leaved forests, hedgehogs also feed mainly on invertebrates.

In the basins of the Volga, Don, Ural, an extremely peculiar animal lives - the muskrat. He spends most of his time in the water, in coastal burrows. Of the sense organs, the desman has the best developed sense of touch, smell and hearing. He touches with the help of special hairs on the muzzle and front paws. Its muzzle is elongated in the form of a mobile proboscis, at the end of which the nostrils are located. Sometimes, before swimming to the surface, the muskrat exposes its proboscis and, turning it in all directions, sniffs the air. In case of danger, he himself can remain under water for a long time, breathing with the help of a proboscis exposed above the surface. The desman feeds on worms, leeches, mollusks, aquatic insects and their larvae. The muskrat is a very valuable animal: it has high-quality fur. The number of this animal is currently negligible, and hunting for it is very limited. There are many bats in the deciduous forest zone, which are almost absent in the taiga. They are nocturnal and crepuscular and feed almost exclusively on insects.

Bison.

The characteristic inhabitants of the deciduous forest are the dormice (hazel, garden, forest and dormouse), falling into deep hibernation for the winter. They feed on fruits, acorns, nuts, berries and insects. Their favorite habitats are dense undergrowth and shrubs. Dormouse live in hollows of trees or build nests on branches.

The wild boar is strong beast with quick movements, easily carrying his heavy, but well-knit body on relatively short strong legs. Wild boars are always kept in small herds, consisting of males, females and piglets. Lonely life lead only the old bulls. With its small eyes, the boar sees rather poorly, so smell and hearing play a very important role in his life. It is no coincidence that the first movement of a boar, suspecting danger, is to lift its nose up and draw in air with force, at the same time pricking up its ears. wild boars lead predominantly nightlife, and during the day they rest in the most deaf and hard-to-reach places. However, where they are not disturbed, they often feed during the day. Like domestic pigs, wild boars are omnivores.

Boar.

The sparse forest, tall grass glades and bushes are the favorite habitats of the red deer and roe deer. The pine marten is one of the most valuable fur-bearing animals. She arranges her nests at high altitude in hollows. More often than other animals, squirrels suffer from this predator. The marten's nocturnal lifestyle gives it huge advantages in hunting squirrels, since the squirrel is a diurnal animal and sleeps soundly in its nest at night. It is not difficult for a marten to capture her sleeping. Having reached the squirrel's nest, the marten is looking for inlet, which the squirrel closes from the inside with a cork made of some soft material, and, bursting into the nest, grabs the sleeping hostess. The marten also eats plant foods: fruits, berries. She loves honey very much. Having found a nest of wild bees, the marten sometimes lives near it for a long time; often several martens gather at the nest.

Hoopoe.

The black polecat is found in the sparse woodlands. He arranges his nests under stumps, in hollows, among brushwood, in old burrows of foxes, badgers and other animals. Of the reptiles in broad-leaved forests, muzzles live, and of amphibians - numerous newts.

Marten.

Animals of broad-leaved forests have different meanings in economic activity person. Some are harmful, others are beneficial. For example, mouse-like rodents cause great damage to cultivated crops and forest plantations. The wolf has long been considered dangerous pest animal husbandry and hunting, but calls for the complete destruction of the wolf are not justified. The wolf, destroying mainly weakened and sick animals, contributes to the improvement of the populations of wild animals on which it feeds (see the article “How plants and animals live in nature”). In areas where. the number of wolves is insignificant, there is practically no harm from it. All ungulates, fur-bearing animals are of commercial importance, and are also objects of sport hunting. Numerous species insectivorous birds, especially tits, flycatchers, warblers, warblers, orioles, woodpeckers, cuckoos, destroy a huge number of harmful insects and their larvae, clearing forests, gardens, fields and orchards from them. Some birds of prey are extremely useful - kestrel, buzzard, owls, harriers, exterminating a lot of pest rodents.

Roe.

In our time, the fauna of broad-leaved forests has undergone great changes under the influence of human activities. Many animals have changed the limits of their distribution in this zone, expanding them or, conversely, reducing them. The number of some animals has decreased, some of them have almost disappeared, others, on the contrary, have become more numerous. In our country, work is now underway to restore and protect natural resources. This also applies to the zone of broad-leaved forests, in particular, its animal world (see article "Change and enrichment of the fauna").

Adaptation of trees to different conditions life developed in the process of evolution of plants. A green plant is widely adapted to life in various light conditions, (more: C). But the nature of plants is just as flexible in relation to other conditions - to heat, moisture, to various conditions of mineral nutrition. The adaptability of trees to various living conditions has been developed in the process of plant evolution.

plant transformation

Isn't it wonderful plant transformation hot, greenhouse climate of the beginning of the Tertiary period into cold-resistant pines, spruces, larches; the transformation of many large woody plants into marsh dwarfs (cranberries, lingonberries, and others)? And what about the evolution of plants from sparingly spending moisture to true aquatic plants, or, conversely, the emergence of woody plants capable of existing in our sultry deserts and semi-deserts? These are magnificent examples of the plasticity of plant organisms in their adaptation to various conditions of humidity.

The division of woody plants in the forest according to their requirements for heat

According to the requirements for heat, our main woody plants of the forest are approximately in the following order. He loves warmth more than other trees: he came to us from the south. It is followed by ash, the usual companions of the oak forest. But under the canopy of tall deciduous trees, they also penetrate much to the north. Next comes , .
Woody plants of the forest are unequally demanding to heat at different ages. However, it should be borne in mind that individual trees are not equally demanding on heat at different ages. Spruce is more cold-resistant than pine, it is afraid of frost in early age, this explains its settlement under the protection of other trees. Often, some seemingly insignificant circumstance is an obstacle to the spread of a tree to the north or south. So, shade-tolerant fir in its thermophilicity is almost on the same level as spruce, but is usually found to the north. It turns out that the spread of fir to the south is hindered by the smooth bark: in more southern places, it heats up much more on summer days than the rough bark of spruce, and the tree receives sunburn. This causes the death of the fir. The light-loving larch goes north farther than our other trees and finds conditions for existence even in the permafrost region.

Plant moisture requirements

This is how our deciduous trees and in relation to humidity. Plant moisture requirements are also very varied. For example, pine consumes water very economically and is able to exist on dry sands, where its roots penetrate deep into the subsoil layers. Black alder, on the contrary, is found in several wetlands, along rivers, streams, and lakes. She among our trees - the biggest hygrophilous.
Pine consumes water sparingly and can exist on dry sands. Behind black alder, in order of gradual decrease in demands for moisture, are ash, maple, elm, linden, oak, aspen, spruce, fir, larch, birch. If we consider a map of some areas with the exact designation of forest species, then from it we will already be able to judge to a large extent about the moistening of various areas. Of course, any type of tree has certain moisture requirements, can exist in conditions of more and less humidity, and there are cases when dry-loving trees grow in humid places. The pine tree also grows in the swamp, but it is also a dry-loving tree there, since the amount of water it evaporates on the sands and in the swamp is small - much less than, for example, linden or ash. Therefore, it is wrong to assume that a dry-loving plant necessarily loves dry places, and a moisture-loving plant loves moisture. The point here is the adaptability to be content with a small amount of moisture that has arisen in the process of development. When we look at the forest, we notice parts of trees growing above the ground and judge by them the connection between plants. But no less important and complex are the relationships of trees that arise in the ground. The roots of plants affect each other in various ways, sometimes worsening, sometimes improving living conditions, and at different ages this influence manifests itself in different ways.

The nature of the growth of trees

For the development of woody plants, it is of no small importance tree growth patterns. There are fast growing trees and slow growing trees.. In addition, different plants at different ages do not grow at the same rate. For example, elm, maple and others grow very fast at first, and later slow down their growth significantly. According to the speed of growth, our trees are usually arranged in the following order: poplar, birch, aspen, alder, maple, ash, elm, pine, oak, spruce, fir. Poplar is a fast growing tree. The connection between the shade tolerance of trees and the speed of their growth is interesting. Usually the most light-loving trees are at the same time the fastest growing: on the contrary, shade-tolerant ones grow slowly. This happens because light-loving plants can only receive enough light if they grow quickly, otherwise they would be easily shaded by other plants. For shade-tolerant trees, shading is of no such importance, and in some cases, especially at an early age, it is even a necessary condition for their successful development, since the plant needs dim light at this time. The relationships between trees in a forest influence their growth. Some plants, being in close proximity to others, can, as it were, adjust, accelerate their growth, and therefore slow-growing trees will turn out to be faster-growing. Such types of woody vegetation, which contribute to the acceleration of the growth of other plants, are called undergrowth. So, in a mixed forest, where shade-tolerant pine gradually replaces light-loving trees, aspens and birches sometimes stretch out strongly, that is, grow faster than usual, lengthen their trunk with its slow thickening (at the same time, a significant part of the trunk from below is cleared of branches). A similar phenomenon is observed in pure dense forest, consisting of any one species, for example, in a spruce forest, pine forest, birch forest.
Birch forest or birch grove. The complex interdependence of forest plants and the adaptability of trees to various conditions that arise in the process of life must be studied comprehensively. Often the most seemingly insignificant property of an organism in the process of life turns out to be the main and leading one, if it is useful to the plant, and the conditions are favorable for its development. Understanding these relationships is a necessary condition for managing forest life and creating new forms of trees, shrubs and grasses.

Forests make up slightly more than 45% of the area of ​​Russia, and almost a quarter of the total forest area of ​​the world. In the European part of the country, there are much fewer of them than in the Asian. The most common forest-forming tree species are spruce, larch, pine, cedar, oak, maple and hornbeam. Many berry bushes, mushrooms, valuable herbs grow in the forests, and countless species also live. leads to the reduction of forests and the threat of extinction of many animals. In the 21st century, it is very important to be able to reproduce, which play one of the main roles in regulating the climate on the planet.

Forest cover map of Russia in %

Russia is the largest strange world, and for this reason, many are located on its territory, in which different kinds trees. The forests of Russia, depending on the predominance of certain tree species, are divided into four main types: 1) coniferous forests; 2) deciduous forests; 3) mixed forests; 4) small-leaved forests. We'll look at each of these forest types in more detail below.

Characteristics of coniferous forests in Russia

Coniferous forests are located on the territory, and occupy about 70% of the total forest area of ​​the country. This area is known for low temperatures and moist air. Coniferous forests stretch from the western borders of Russia to the Verkhoyansk Range. The main forest-forming species are spruce, pine, fir and larch.

In conditions harsh winter most often you can find mixed forests: dark coniferous and light coniferous. Evergreen tree species thrive well. they begin in the spring with the onset of favorable weather conditions. Undergrowth is practically absent in the taiga. There is podzolic soil and many swamps. Conifers shed needles, which, when decomposed, release compounds toxic to many plants into the ground. The ground is covered, as a rule, by mosses and lichens. Shrubs and flowers mainly grow along the banks of the rivers, there are very few of them in the dark places of the forest. There is lingonberry, juniper, mountain ash, blueberry and curly lily.

Exactly weather define . The temperate continental climate prevails in the zone of coniferous forests. Winters are dry and cold, lasting an average of six months. Short summers are warm and humid, with numerous cyclones. For autumn and spring, as a rule, only one month is allotted. Conifers are not demanding on temperature extremes.

Representatives of the animal world feed on moss, lichens, bark and cones. The high forest crown protects the animals from the winds, and the branches make it possible to build nests. Typical representatives of the fauna of coniferous forests are vole, hare, Siberian weasel, chipmunk. Of the large ones, one can note the Siberian tiger, brown bear, lynx and elk, and from the forest-tundra zone comes to coniferous forests reindeer. Eagles and vultures soar in the sky.

Coniferous wood is considered one of the most valuable. Its approximate reserve is 5.8 billion cubic meters. In addition to logging, oil, gold and gas production is carried out in the taiga. The coniferous forests of Russia are a huge forest area. It suffers from and uncontrolled logging. Due to negative human activities, rare animals die. There are many reserves, but for the full restoration of forests, it is necessary to properly organize protection and rationally use it.

Characteristics of broad-leaved forests in Russia

Broadleaf forest/Wikipedia

The territory of deciduous forests extends from the western border of Russia to the Ural Mountains. The main tree species are beech, oak, elm, linden, maple and hornbeam. Tiered scaffolding: upper tier replace the canopy and undergrowth, which, in turn - herbaceous plants and forest floor. The soil is covered with mosses. There are areas in which lush crowns completely exclude undergrowth. Foliage, falling off, decomposes and forms humus. The soil in the undergrowth is rich in organomineral compounds.

Forests are located in the temperate continental zone. The weather here is much warmer than in the neighboring taiga. Summer lasts four months average temperature per season is +10°С. This contributes to the growth of broad-leaved tree species. The climate is humid and there is a lot of precipitation. Average monthly temperature in January it drops to -16ºС. The maximum precipitation falls in summer, there is no deep snow cover.

The leaves cannot survive the cold period of the year, and fall off in mid-autumn. A dense cover of foliage, twigs, and bark protects the ground from excessive evaporation. The soil is rich in trace elements, it provides the trees with everything they need. The foliage that has fallen for the winter covers the root system, protects it from the cold and stimulates the roots to further growth.

The composition of the animal world in the European part is somewhat different from the Far Eastern forests. Asian lands are covered with thickets of fern, ilmen and linden. Elk lives in dense thickets, Himalayan bear and Ussurian tiger. Cotton muzzle, viper and Amur snake are common reptiles. European broadleaf forests have become home to wild boar, elk, deer, wolf, weasel, beaver, muskrat and nutria. Mice, lizards, snakes, moles and hedgehogs also live there. Birds are represented by black grouse, owls, owls, starlings, swallows and larks.

The zone of deciduous forests has long been mastered by man, especially in the west of Russia. People had to significantly reduce the green area for the sake of grazing, crop production and building cities. Trees are the main raw material for the logging industry. Processing of secondary raw materials has been established. The bowels are rich, and in major rivers there is potential for hydropower development.

The forest area is significantly reduced, while forests are cut down on the same scale. Due to anthropogenic influence, Red Book plants and animals are dying out. Unscrupulous entrepreneurs cut down huge areas of forests. To save natural complexes several reserves and national parks have been created, but this is not enough. Broad-leaved tree species grow relatively quickly. It is necessary to organize the planting of seedlings on the territory of cut forests, as well as carefully use the remaining forest areas.

Characteristics of mixed forests in Russia

Mixed forests are located in the Russian Plain, West Siberian Plain, Amur and Primorye. A variety of tree species are found in this area. These forests are characterized by pronounced layering. Poplars, pines and firs stretch towards the light. Below them rise maples, elms, lindens and oaks. The tier of shrubs is represented by hawthorn, wild rose, raspberry and blackberry. The soil is covered with lichens, mosses and low grasses.

Trees mixed forests easier to tolerate the severity of the climate than in neighboring broad-leaved. The vegetation withstands frosts down to -30ºС. The amount of precipitation depends on the region. There is more snow in European forests than in the Far East. The maximum amount of precipitation falls on the warm season. Summers are mild and humid. The climate changes from maritime to continental, from west to east.

The continuous renewal of green mass contributes to the nourishment of trees and the cleansing of the earth from unnecessary substances. The inhabitants of the forest use the resources of all tiers as a food base. Coniferous seeds attract birds, rodents eat nuts, larvae under the bark are food for insectivorous birds.

Numerous once animals were exterminated as a result of uncontrolled hunting. You can also meet roe deer and wild boar. Bison and red deer are preserved only in nature reserves. known predator mixed forest is red fox. The badger lives in the European part. Squirrel, mink, dormouse, marten, forest cat, brown bear are considered common representatives of the fauna of mixed forests. The world of birds is also diverse, especially a lot of woodpeckers, capercaillie, wild pigeons, finches and robins.

Stocks of valuable timber are located in the Asian part. Manchurian walnut, Korean cedar, whole-leaved fir are famous for their strength and resistance to decay. Eleutherococcus and lemongrass are used for medical purposes. On the territory of Europe, logging activities are carried out.

Mixed forests have suffered more than others at the hands of man. This has led to a number of environmental problems. The need for agricultural land has led to the deforestation of a significant part of the territories. Due to the drainage of swamps, it has changed. The growth of settlements, especially in the west, has led to a 30% reduction in forest cover.

The foliage of trees perfectly processes carbon dioxide. Deforestation, which has reached gigantic proportions, has destroyed millions of hectares. Because of this, they accumulate in the atmosphere, creating. Hundreds of animal species and flora disappears from the face of the earth. Occurs through the fault of people Forest fires drastically changing the ecosystem. On the rare species animals are hunted illegally. Resources are almost depleted, only the interaction of the state and citizens can stop the process of destruction of the country's mixed forests.

Characteristics of small-leaved forests in Russia

The zone of small-leaved forests extends from the East European Plain to Far East. Forests stretch in a narrow strip, sometimes replacing broad-leaved ones. small-leaved trees play the role of a second forest, replacing broad-leaved and coniferous species.

The main forest-forming species are birch, alder and aspen. Their foliage is distinguished by a narrow leaf plate. Trees are undemanding to climate and soil quality. Birch forests are the most widespread.

Often trees grow on the site of fires or felling. Alder reproduces by shoots, and aspen - by root offspring. Where there were no forests, trees grow by seed. An amazing feature is the ability to accumulate moisture. Thickets of alder and birch block the way to fire, do not allow spreading to noble species.

The animal world is formed under the influence of indigenous trees. A lot of birds. Of the mammals, there are hares, lynxes, moose and squirrels. Strips of small-leaved forests alternating with economic lands are favorite places for raccoon dogs.

Secondary forests contribute to the restoration of green areas, although it takes about 180 years for full rehabilitation. They act as a fire buffer. It remains to be hoped that small-leaved forests will contribute to the reorganization of the country's forest resources.

Forests are quite deservedly called the lungs of our planet. Shrubs and trees growing in them not only saturate the air with oxygen, but also serve as a home for a huge number of animals, birds and insects.

photo:Chris Upson

Extending to the south of the territory is occupied by vast taiga forests covering the northern regions of the Earth. The length of this peculiar belt reaches 12,000 km. It affects Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Siberia. The so-called boreal forests consist mainly of evergreen trees (pines, firs). Larch trees also grow in them, shedding their needles before the onset of winter. The ground is covered with lichens, mosses and grasses. The undergrowth is quite rare.

Coniferous forests abounding in clearings and clearings are favorite places for hazel grouses and capercaillie. These species of birds spend the majority of life on earth. Here they nest and raise chicks. Under the crowns of fir trees, bullfinches, tits and nutcrackers found shelter. In the northern forests, there are several varieties of woodpeckers (three-toed, black (zhelna), small motley, large motley). There is a high probability of meeting with, brown-headed chickadee, kuksha and hawk owl.

photo: Roger Wasley

The cold climate of the taiga affected the shape of the crossbill. The seed-eating bird of coniferous trees has a unique beak, the crossed hooked ends of which are ideally suited for extracting seeds from cones. See crossbill outside coniferous forest possible only when food is scarce.

It is a member of the marten family. An animal resembling a small bear differs from the formidable owner of the taiga by the presence of a fluffy long tail. The owner of strong teeth and long claws goes hunting both in the daytime and at night, preferring the most impenetrable thickets. It is not uncommon for a brave animal to attack bears and wolves and take their prey from them.

photo: Richard

Throughout the summer and early autumn squirrels are busy collecting mushrooms, seeds and nuts. The accumulated reserves are stored in tree hollows or buried in the ground. Of the reptiles, there are viviparous lizards, common snakes and common vipers.

A chipmunk has a slightly larger body than a squirrel. There are 5 black stripes along the back. The owner of well-developed cheek pouches liked the edges of coniferous forests, burnt areas, clearings and bush thickets abounding with deadwood. The agile animal seems to have been made for climbing trees. Jumps made both up and down deserve special praise.

photo: Gregory Thiell

The species diversity of the taiga is much wider than that of the tundra. In addition to wolverines and chipmunks, sables and foxes are found here. The list of typical representatives included hares, hedgehogs and small rodents (including red and red-gray voles). The group of ungulates is represented by roe deer and elk, northern and red deer. Beavers build their huts in ponds. Interestingly, the species found in Eurasia are also characteristic of the North American taiga. Endemics include the skunk and the muskrat (muskrat). Wood bison graze in the reserves. Of the giants living in Eurasia, the bison demonstrate the greatest power, several decades ago they were on the verge of complete extinction.

Porcupine photo: Anne Elliott

The Virginian eagle owl is called a night hunter. The owner of excellent hearing and vision has chosen the forests of North America. The main part of the diet of a feathered predator is made up of mice and small mammals. The porcupine that lives in the forests of the United States and Canada can be classified as an exotic forest dweller. The list of food preferences of this animal included deciduous plants and bast (tender pulp of tree trunks). Rigid long quills protect the porcupine from enemies.

AT mixed forests badgers, hedgehogs, foxes, hares, squirrels, elk, roe deer feel great. Some lovers of deciduous forests often settle here, incl. and boars. Hiding from prying eyes, omnivorous animals prefer night feeding.

Brown bear photo: Nikolai Zinoviev

The title of the largest bear is assigned to the brown bear. forest predator living in the forest zones of North America, Asia and Europe, including the Caucasus and Siberia. Despite this, clubfoot do not refuse other delicacies (nuts, berries, fish, etc.). Found in coniferous-deciduous forests and smaller predators (wolves, martens, ferrets). On the burned areas and old clearings, as well as the edges of the mixed forest, you can see the fox. The color of a medium-sized predator ranges from yellow-gray to reddish-orange. The tip of the tail and chest are white.

The white hare is a master of disguise. In summer, its coat has a brown or reddish-brown hue. AT winter months the animal is dressed in a snow-white fur coat. The vegetation lover can be found in the forest areas of Asia, North America and Eastern Europe.

Hare photo: antonio

To life in mixed forests well adapted and badgers. Predators of medium size prefer to settle in copses and forest ravines. to their liking and forest edges. Burrows are used as housing. The raccoon dog walks on short legs. On her muzzle, a pattern resembling a black mask flaunts. The owner of fluffy and long hair settles in mixed forests. In her behavior, a love for gentle slopes, copses and swampy river valleys is clearly traced. Active at night, the animal not only runs fast, but also swims well. Its diet includes small rodents, insects, fish, berries and plants.

AT mixed forests large populations of moles can be found. Animals deprived of sight live underground. Earthworms, insects and larvae act as food.

Finch photo:nataba.35photo.ru/

The bird brethren are represented by nightingales, orioles, song thrushes, resounding the forest thicket with incessant singing not only in spring, but also in early summer. In early spring, starlings also demonstrate their singing talents. Bright plumage - distinguishing feature finches. Birds ubiquitous in all types of forests include owls, magpies, cuckoos and woodpeckers. Capercaillie are not found in mixed forests. The vacated niche was occupied by black grouse. Nuthatches scurry up and down the trees, clawing at the trunks with their claws.

These birds most often build nests in hollows hollowed out by woodpeckers. The field thrush got its nickname for its love of rowan berries. Representatives of this species do not refuse the fruits of buckthorn, viburnum and hawthorn. In spring and summer, thrushes feast on worms, mollusks and insects. Siskins can be seen in those places where alder and birch grow. They do not fly to warmer climes in autumn. They feed on seeds extracted from alder cones and birch catkins.

Buzzard photo: Sergey Ryzhkov

The attack of a goshawk is always unexpected. The predator does it on the sly. Not only black grouse, but also hazel grouses, birds sleeping on branches, squirrels dining on trees and even hares fall into its sharp claws. Rodent pests are successfully exterminated by such raptors as kestrel, harrier, owl and buzzard.

For deciduous forests many animals found in mixed arrays are typical: brown bears, forest cats, minks, squirrels, weasels, black polecats, pine martens, several varieties of dormouse. Among the feathered representatives, the most numerous are motley and green woodpeckers, finches, forest larks, orioles, tits, nightingales, songbirds and blackbirds, flycatchers, warblers, warblers, cuckoos.

Cotton muzzle photo: Ilya Gomyranov

From the southern regions to broadleaf forests some steppe inhabitants also penetrate (grey partridges, hamsters, hare-hares). Reptiles are represented by viviparous and green lizards, common viper, verdigris, muzzle and spindle. Of the amphibians, tree frogs, moored and common frogs, newts have taken root.

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