Ussuri broadleaf and mixed forests explained

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]

Location and description

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]

Climate

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]

Flora and fauna

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.

Protections

Notable protected areas of the Russian Federation in the ecoregion include:

These are all IUCN class Ia "strict ecological reserves" (zapovedniks).

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ussuri broadleaf and mixed forests. Ecoregions of the World. GlobalSpecies.org. June 30, 2018.
  2. Web site: Eastern Asia: Eastern Russia. World Wildlife Federation. July 3, 2018.
  3. Web site: Climate - Ussuri broadleaf and mixed forests. Global Species - Ecoregions. Global Species. December 13, 2018.
  4. Web site: Vegetation comparison between the Russian Far East and the Taisetsu Mountains, Central Hokkaido, northern Japan. Botanica Pacifica. A journal of plant science and conservation. 2016. July 4, 2018.
  5. Forest Vegetation of Easternmost Russia (Russian Far East) . 10.1.1.624.5490.