Russia is the largest country by landmass, spanning eleven time zones and nearly every major terrestrial biome. This immense geographical scale, stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the Far Eastern forests, creates an environment of exceptional natural diversity. The territory includes frozen tundra, the world’s most extensive boreal forest (taiga), grasslands, and high mountain ranges. This variety of habitats has fostered a unique collection of fauna, from the world’s largest cats to marine mammals existing solely in freshwater.
Apex Predators of the Far Eastern Forests
The temperate forests of the Russian Far East, particularly the Sikhote-Alin mountains, are the last sanctuary for some of the planet’s most endangered large carnivores. This region is the northernmost range for the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). These tigers are the largest big cat species, possessing a thick, pale coat that adapts them to harsh, snowy winters.
The Amur tiger requires an extensive territory, up to 1,600 square kilometers for a male, due to the low density of prey animals in this cold latitude forest. They primarily hunt wild boar, sika deer, and red deer. Conservation efforts have been successful, with the wild population estimated at around 265 to 486 individuals.
The Russian Far East is also home to the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis), one of the rarest cats globally. This leopard is classified as Critically Endangered, though conservation efforts have helped the Russian population increase to an estimated 70 to 75 individuals in the Land of the Leopard National Park. The Amur leopard has a particularly long winter coat, providing insulation against the cold. The region also supports the Ussuri brown bear (Ursus arctos lasiotus), a subspecies closely related to the North American grizzly bear.
Wildlife of the Arctic Tundra and Northern Seas
The high north of Russia encompasses the Arctic tundra and the Northern Seas, where life is governed by extreme cold, permafrost, and sea ice. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the apex predator, relying on sea ice to hunt seals, its primary food source. Adaptations include a thick layer of fat and a coat of dense, hollow guard hairs that provide insulation.
On the treeless tundra, large herds of wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) graze, enduring low temperatures. These animals are migratory, moving vast distances to follow seasonal food sources. The Arctic fox is another adapted predator, possessing a dense white winter coat for camouflage and a compact body shape to minimize heat loss.
The northern marine environments support diverse aquatic life. Walruses haul out on sea ice and coastal areas, using their long tusks for defense and movement. Beluga whales, known for their distinctive white color, are highly social and navigate the icy waters in groups.
Mammals of the Central Taiga and Boreal Forests
The taiga, or boreal forest, forms a massive, continuous belt of coniferous trees across Siberia. This biome is home to species adapted to long, cold winters and a dense forest canopy. The Eurasian elk (Alces alces), or moose, is the largest herbivore in this habitat, identifiable by its immense size and palmated antlers.
The Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos) is widespread throughout the taiga, where Russia boasts the world’s largest population. These bears are generalists, foraging on plants, berries, and small animals across their extensive range. The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is an elusive hunter, adapted for snowy terrain with large, fur-covered paws that act like snowshoes.
The forest is also traversed by the Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus), which operates in social packs to hunt large ungulates. The sable (Martes zibellina), a carnivorous weasel, is known for its dense, soft fur. The sable feeds on small mammals and wild berries, thriving in the Siberian forest due to its thick coat.
Unique Fauna of the Southern Steppes and Mountains
Russia’s southern regions feature distinct biomes, including arid steppes and high-altitude mountain ranges. The Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is a species of the Eurasian steppes, distinguished by its large, flexible, downward-pointing nose, or proboscis. This specialized nasal structure functions as an air filter, removing dust during summer migrations and warming frigid air in winter.
In the high, rocky terrain of the Altai and Caucasus mountains, the elusive Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) makes its home. This cat is camouflaged against the snowy backdrop and has a small population in Russia, primarily preying on mountain ungulates. The mountainous areas also support species like the Caucasian tur, a type of mountain goat.
The country’s diversity includes the Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica), the only exclusively freshwater seal species in the world, endemic to Lake Baikal in Siberia. These seals are one of the smallest true seals. Their presence in the deepest and oldest freshwater lake on Earth highlights the adaptability of Russia’s wildlife.