Transbaikalian BioProvince

This BioProvince (as defined by Armen Takhtajan) comprises the area extending east and southeast from Potomsk and the Northbaikalian Plateaus, and includes the northern part of the Prebaikal area, a large part of Transbaikalia and part of northeast Mongolia. The area is named after Russia's famous Lake Baikal, which is the deepest, clearest and oldest lake in the world. It formed some 25 million years ago in an ancient rift valley. The climate of the area is sharply continental but in the vicinity of the lake and its surrounding mountains there is an unusual microclimate. Here the continentality of the climate is softened with warmer winters and cooler summers. Endemism in the flora is comparatively low with just one near endemic genus (Borodinia) and a small number of endemic species. Primary plant formations include taiga, steppe, alpine tundra, alpine grassland and Pinus pumila scrub and talus formations.

The following accounts for this BioProvince have been written or will be written with particular reference to endemic and locally important species. Accounts available are displayed in green or yellow. Those displayed in red are either in the pipeline or awaiting expert contributions.

 

Index
Major Ecosystems
Endemic Vascular Plant Flora
Bryophyte Flora
Fungus Flora
Lichen Flora
Invertebrate Fauna
Amphibian Fauna
Reptile Fauna
Bird Fauna
Mammal Fauna
Conservation Status