Taimyr and Siberian Coastal Tundra
About the Area
This Global ecoregion is made up of these terrestrial ecoregions: Northeast Siberian coastal tundra; Taimyr-Central Siberian tundra. It contains a wide range of mountainous and coastal tundra habitats in a relatively intact condition.
Home to the largest migrating herd of wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in Asia, the Taimyr and Siberian Coastal Tundra also provides nesting areas for approximately 50 bird species, of which nine are endangered - including Bewick's swan and the bean, red-breasted, and lesser white-fronted geese.
The region's freshwater systems support nearly 60 species of fish and are important spawning grounds for certain species.
Local Species
Large mammals include Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), Polar bear (Thalarctos maritimus), Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus laptevi), and Wolf (Canis lupis). Among the bird species found here are: Bean goose (Anser fabalis), Red breasted goose (Rubibrenta ruficollis), Lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus), Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), and Bewick's swan (Cygnus bewickii) - all listed in Russia's Red Book.
Threats
While much of the Arctic remains intact, mining, heavy industry, nuclear power plants, climate change, and air pollution threaten the ecoregion.
Resources
The region's freshwater systems support nearly 60 species of fish and are important spawning grounds for certain species.
Local Species
Large mammals include Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), Polar bear (Thalarctos maritimus), Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus laptevi), and Wolf (Canis lupis). Among the bird species found here are: Bean goose (Anser fabalis), Red breasted goose (Rubibrenta ruficollis), Lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus), Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), and Bewick's swan (Cygnus bewickii) - all listed in Russia's Red Book.
Threats
While much of the Arctic remains intact, mining, heavy industry, nuclear power plants, climate change, and air pollution threaten the ecoregion.
Resources
Size:
1,177,000 sq. km (454,000 sq. miles)
1,177,000 sq. km (454,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tundra
Geographic Location:
Central region of the north coast of Eurasia, including the Yamal and Gyden peninsulas in Russia
Conservation Status:
Relatively Stable/Intact
Quiz Time!
Is it true that this ecoregion was once home to the woolly mammoths?
Answer:
Scientists have uncovered the teeth and tusks of woolly mammoths in this ecoregion. These enormous mammals lived on the Gydan and Taimyr Peninsulas before they became extinct thousands of years ago.
