Biodiversity of Karelia
Biodiversity of Karelia
russian version

Biodiversity of Karelia
Biodiversity of Karelia
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Biodiversity of Karelia

Forests

Plant Kingdom

Animal World

Wetlands

Lakes and Rivers

Protected Areas

Red Data Books

Experts

ANIMAL WORLD
Major animal groups are estimated to comprise the following numbers of species:
Mollusks and higher crustaceans

Karelian water bodies are inhabited by nearly 100 species and forms of mollusks and 10 higher crustacean species. Four of the species have a protection status.

Fish

Karelian water bodies are currently inhabited by 57 fish species of which 28 are rare, threatened or endangered.

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) lives in 17 rivers in Karelia. All these rivers are relatively small, their length ranging from 46 to 194 km. The most productive rivers in the area in the past were Kem and Vyg where large-scale salmon fisheries had been practiced for centuries.

Besides, Karelia has preserved populations of Sebago salmon (Salmo salar morpha sebago Girard). They make up a considerable part of the Sebago salmon stock on the European continent, and are found in lakes Ladoga, Onega, Janisjarvi, Sandal, Kuito (Upper, Middle, Lower), Niuk, Kamennoje, Vygozero and Segozero. Reproduction of Sebago salmon in the Ladoga Lake drainage area continues in about 13-15 rivers. The most valuable among them are the rivers Vuoksa and Vidlitsa. In the Onega Lake drainage area 10-13 rivers are considered salmon rivers.

Reptiles and amphibians

Three lizard and two snake species have been recorded in Karelia. Three of the species are included in the Red Data Book.



  Last modified: February 6, 2008
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