BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: Russia

From the frozen tundra of the Arctic to the lush forests of Siberia, Russia is home to some of the most iconic and majestic creatures on Earth. Meet four of Russia's most emblematic species: the Kamchatka brown bear, the Siberian tiger, the Amur leopard and the Baikal seal.

The Kamchatka brown bear: A fast giant

The Kamchatka brown bear, the largest brown bear subspecies in Eurasia, stands an impressive 2.4 to 3 meters tall on its hind legs. Native to Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, a land of over 300 volcanoes, these magnificent creatures possess remarkable athleticism, capable of running and swimming with agility. Their diet is omnivorous, encompassing plants, berries, fish and occasional meat.

The Siberian tiger: A majestic predator

The Siberian tiger, also known as the Amur tiger, is the largest living cat in the world. As apex predators, they hunt large prey, such as deer, elk and wild boar, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance of forest ecosystems. Due to habitat loss and poaching, Siberian tigers are critically endangered. According to the most recent IUCN Red List assessment published in 2022, the population of Siberian tigers in the Russian Far East is estimated to range between 265 and 486 individuals, with a small number extending across the border into China.

The Amur leopard: An elusive hunter

The Amur leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the world, with fewer than 200 individuals remaining in the wild. These elusive creatures are found in eastern Russia and northeastern China. Similar to other leopard species, the Amur leopard possesses remarkable speed, capable of reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour. As solitary hunters, they primarily prey on deer, roe deer and other ungulates.

The Baikal seal: An earless diver

Lake Baikal, the world's oldest and deepest lake, is home to a unique species of seal known as the Baikal seal. These earless seals are excellent swimmers and divers, capable of diving for as long as 43 minutes. Baikal seals primarily eat fish and can hunt during twilight and nighttime hours, diving to depths of up to 100 meters in search of prey.

BRICS' wildlife wonders

The BRICS nations span vast and diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts. Within these ecosystems lies a treasure trove of wildlife, much of which is unique to these regions. Join us on a journey to explore the extraordinary biodiversity of the BRICS countries.

BRICS' Wildlife Wonders: China

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Li Wenyi)