| Ussuri broadleaf and mixed forests | |
| Image Alt: | Кема-Амгинский ООПТ Река Кема.jpg |
| Map: | Ecoregion PA0443.png |
| Map Size: | 300 |
| Map Alt: | Ecoregion territory (in purple) |
| Ecozone: | Palearctic |
| Biome: | temperate broadleaf and mixed forests |
| Area: | 223516 |
| Countries: | Russia |
The Ussuri broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregion (WWF ID: PA0443) covers a mountainous areas above the lower Amur River and Ussuri River in Primorsky Krai and Khabarovsk Krai in the Russian Far East. The ecoregion is in the Palearctic realm, with a Humid Continental climate. It covers 187357km2.[1]
The ecoregion covers a Z-shaped area in which the northern section is a 400 km band of forest north of Khabarovsk parallel to the Amur River (which is 20–30 km to the south), the vertical band of which parallels the Ussuri River (which is 20–30 km to the west) on the western slopes of the Sikhote-Alin Mountains, and the base of which is the eastern slope of the Sikhote-Alin in Primorsky Krai.[1] [2]
The region has a Humid continental, cool summer climate (Koppen classification (Dwb)). This climate is characterized by high variation in temperature, both daily and seasonally; with dry winters and cool summers.[3]
The Ussuri forests are the most biologically diverse in northern Asia.[2] The maritime influence moderates the climate, precipitation is high enough to support rich forests, and the region is a boundary area between mountains, river flat lands, and sea coast.[4] [5]
The forests of the region are dominated by Korean pine and Mongolian oak.
Wildlife such as brown bears, Asian black bears, wolves, red foxes, Sika deer, wapiti, wild boars, and the Common raccoon dog inhabit the region. It is also home to the largest species of cat, the Siberian tiger.
Notable protected areas of the Russian Federation in the ecoregion include:
These are all IUCN class Ia "strict ecological reserves" (zapovedniks).