The Ural Mountains, stretching over 2,000 kilometers from the Arctic Ocean to Kazakhstan, form a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. This extensive mountain range is a region of significant biodiversity. Its varied landscapes and climatic conditions contribute to a rich array of animal life, reflecting a blend of European and Siberian species. Few animals are found exclusively in this accessible mountain range.
Diverse Environments of the Urals
The vast north-south expanse of the Ural Mountains creates a spectrum of ecological zones, each supporting distinct animal communities. Northern sections feature tundra environments, characterized by permafrost and sparse vegetation. Moving southward, the landscape transitions into extensive taiga forests, dominated by conifers like spruce, pine, and larch. Further south, the taiga gives way to mixed forests, including broad-leaved trees like oak, linden, and elm, especially on the more humid western slopes. The southernmost Urals extend into forest-steppe and steppe zones, where grasslands intersperse with wooded areas.
Mammals of the Ural Mountains
The forested zones across the Urals host a varied mammalian population. Large predators such as brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverines, and foxes roam these woodlands. Herbivores like elk are common in forest areas, while reindeer are found primarily in the northern reaches, including the Polar Urals. Roe deer inhabit the mixed and broad-leaved forests of the Southern Urals. Smaller mammals, including squirrels, chipmunks, and various rodents, are widespread.
Valuable fur-bearing animals also thrive in the Ural forests. Sables are prominent in the northern forests, known for their silky fur. In the Central Urals, a unique hybrid known as a “kidus” can be observed, resulting from the interbreeding of sables and pine martens. Badgers and black polecats are commonly found in the Southern Urals.
The steppes of the Southern Urals are home to species adapted to open grasslands. These include various rodents such as hamsters, susliks (ground squirrels), and jerboas. Hares are also prevalent in these southern steppe regions.
Avian and Aquatic Species
The Ural Mountains support a rich birdlife, with species varying by habitat. Forest birds like the Western Capercaillie, black grouse, and hazel grouse are common throughout the taiga and mixed forests. Owls, including the great grey owl and hawk owl, also inhabit these dense woodlands. Migratory birds utilize the Urals as a breeding ground or stopover point, especially around the numerous rivers and lakes. Birds of prey, such as buzzards, lesser kestrels, and steppe eagles, are found in various regions, with some, like the rough-legged buzzard and snowy owl, preferring the colder, more open environments of the Polar Urals. Songbirds, including nightingales, visit the southern and central Urals during summer months.
The rivers and lakes of the Urals, particularly the Ural River, are home to a diverse array of fish species. Over 40 species inhabit the Ural River and its tributaries, including valuable commercial species. Trout and grayling thrive in the clean, fast-flowing streams of the mountain upper reaches. Larger fish like pike, catfish, and various types of carp are found in the wider, deeper sections and floodplains of rivers. Sturgeon species are also found in the Ural River, as are nelma and common salmon in the northern Ural rivers.
Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates
Reptiles and amphibians are less abundant in the colder northern Urals but are present in the central and southern regions. Common reptiles include the common viper, a venomous snake, and various species of lizards. Grass snakes are also found in these areas. Amphibians like frogs and newts inhabit moist environments near water bodies for reproduction.
Invertebrates form the foundation of the ecosystem across all Ural environments. Insects, spiders, and other small creatures are abundant, playing a fundamental role in decomposition, pollination, and as a food source for larger animals. Their abundance supports the entire food web within the Ural Mountains.