Message about the animals of the coniferous forest. What animals live in coniferous forests. Himalayan or white-breasted bear
Coniferous forests are mainly found in the northern hemisphere. Pine and larch, spruce and cedar, fir and cypress, juniper and arborvitae grow in them. The climate of this natural area is quite cold, since such conditions are relevant for the growth of coniferous trees. In coniferous forests there is a rich fauna, which is represented by insects and rodents to omnivorous animals and birds.
The main representatives of the fauna
Coniferous forests are inhabited mainly by vegetarian animals that feed on trees, berries, and herbaceous plants. In addition, omnivorous animals such as bears and lynxes are found in these forests. They have to travel long distances to find their prey. Some of the main inhabitants of coniferous forests are squirrels and hares.
In the depths of the thickets, you can meet wolverines that hunt both day and night. They even attack bears and wolves to steal their prey. Among the predators of the forest, foxes and wolves should be mentioned. Small animals such as voles and beavers, shrews and chipmunks, martens and minks are found here. red deer, roe deer, elk, bison, musk deer. Where the climate becomes a little warmer, you can meet the water shrew and hedgehogs, wood lemmings and polecats. Some species of forest animals hibernate in winter, and some have reduced activity.
Feathered forest dwellers
Many bird families live in coniferous forests. Crossbills nest in the crowns of evergreen trees, feeding their chicks with seeds from cones. Nutcrackers are also found here, which, depending on the harvest, can fly to warmer climes for the winter. Capercaillie lead a settled way of life in coniferous forests. During the day they move on the ground, and spend the night in the trees. You can meet among the spruce and pine trees the smallest representative of the grouse - hazel grouse. Thrushes, woodpeckers, owls and other species are found in the taiga forests.
Insects and amphibians
In the reservoirs of the forest and on the banks you can find toads, salamanders, forest, and various types of fish swim in the rivers. Of the reptiles, various lizards, vipers and snakes live here. The list of insects of coniferous forests is huge. These are mosquitoes and silkworms, sawflies and horntails, bark beetles and barbels, flies and butterflies, grasshoppers and ants, bedbugs and ticks.
Coniferous forests have a unique fauna. The more people penetrate deep into the forest, cutting down trees, the more animals are at risk of extinction. If the felling of coniferous trees at least does not decrease, entire ecosystems will soon be destroyed and many species of forest animals will be destroyed.
The fauna of coniferous forests, in our taiga, is rich and diverse, especially when compared with the closest neighbor - the tundra. Almost all species of coniferous forest animals live here in great abundance and diversity: wolverine, chipmunk, sable, and lynx. There are numerous hares, squirrels - various small rodents are incalculable. Ungulates are represented by noble and reindeer, elk and roe deer. Nowhere else in the world does such a number of fur dwellers live, which are probably the most common animals of the coniferous forests of Russia. Interestingly, the same species are typical for the North American taiga as for Eurasia.
The inhabitants of the taiga, due to the fact that they live in a rather cold climate, are strongly influenced by the change of seasons. Of course, the colder the winter, the more beautiful the sable's coat will be, but personally, this does not bring much joy to him: the probability of being shot increases by orders of magnitude. And life in a modern forest is not conducive to good health anyway - trees are cut down in the most unexpected places, and where yesterday it was possible to have a hearty lunch, today there may already be a bare wasteland. Apparently, in this regard, many animals living in coniferous forests have adapted to fall into seasonal hibernation: now the main task remains to eat well in the summer, gain fat and get comfortable for the winter. Brown bears approach the choice of diet very responsibly, and it is distinguished by a fair amount of variety. How do you like the combination of berries, nuts, worms, fish and small rodents? What will dream in hibernation?
Everyone has long known that the forest is the “lungs” of our planet. It is the forest that purifies the air and nourishes it with oxygen, and also protects the earth from drought. It is rather difficult to describe all the benefits that forests bring to us in a nutshell. It is impossible to imagine anything more delightful than a walk through a sunny, bright birch meadow or through a fabulous, mysterious spruce forest. The forest is a place where animals, birds, insects live. Animals living in the forest get along well in one territory, despite the fact that among them there are harmless animals, and there are also predators.
Russian forest animals
From Eurasia to North America, vast taiga, coniferous forests stretch, which are not afraid of either frost or crazy heat. Fir, pine, larch, cedar grow there, and moss and grasses grow green under them. In these forests, a real expanse for avid mushroom pickers. Since they are rich in berries and mushrooms. In the taiga forests, you can see sable, a marten making its way through the thickets of bushes, a shaggy wolverine, a hare running away from a wolf, and also a fox. Many animals of the forests of Russia prefer to live in the thickest, as poachers have already mastered the outskirts and frightened them with their shots. In secluded places, bears are laid down for hibernation.
You can meet elk or deer. Autumn is especially beautiful in mixed forests. Trees dress up in yellow, red, orange outfits. They seem to be wrapped in golden shawls. The smell of withered grass is in the air. And, if you look at the sky, you can see the keys of birds that fly to warmer climes. But this does not mean at all that there are no birds at all in the winter season. Here the tit sang loudly, red-breasted, ruffled bullfinches merrily jump on a branch. It is only at first glance that the forest seems to be asleep and deserted. In order to find out which animals usually live in a mixed forest, you just need to carefully look around.
Raccoon
Raccoons are peculiar and interesting animals. They are wrapped in thick, long and fluffy fur, and on the muzzle there is a black stripe between the eyes. Raccoons are not afraid of water at all and swim remarkably. They love to fish, crabs and crayfish. Probably the most popular among raccoons is the raccoon. He got his nickname because before eating food, he rinses it in water for a long time. By nature, raccoons are quite curious. Raccoons prefer not to gather in flocks, but places where there is a lot of food are an exception. With the onset of winter, raccoons hide in minks or hollows and sleep. And when spring comes, small cubs appear, which for 2 whole months will not leave the hole. They are under the care of their parents for a whole year.
Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are dressed in a coat of sharp, prickly needles. She protects them from all attackers. Barely sensing danger, hedgehogs instantly turn into a small prickly ball. But when it's safe, a smart little face with a black nose and beady eyes appears to the world. Hedgehogs puff, snort and make funny sounds. During the day, they sleep, huddled in a mink, and in the evening they look for food. In autumn, hedgehogs eat a lot and stock up on fat for hibernation. Then they dig a mink under the stump, carry leaves and grass there and go to bed. In the spring, little hedgehogs are born. They have soft needles that look like wool. But until the kids grow up, they don’t leave their mother a single step. Hedgehogs are very useful. They exterminate harmful insects and mice.
Elk
Looking out what animals live in the forest, you will certainly notice the moose. He has a massive, large body, and on it is a scruff, very similar to a hump. The body is covered with thick, warm hair that protects from frost. These animals have very well developed hearing. Moose can run fast, and if necessary, swim or even dive. The head of an elk is decorated with wide, large antlers. In winter, animals shed their main decoration, and in summer they grow new ones. Moose are very brave and strong. They are not afraid of wolves or bears. In the spring, mother moose cows have cubs. Moose are amazing animals.
Mongoose
Mongooses have a flexible, long body, on which a head with ears is located. They slightly resemble a marten or a cat. Getting close to the prey, the mongoose bends with its whole body. His coat almost merges with dense thickets. Thanks to dexterity, quick reaction and courage, the mongoose defends itself from enemies. Animals live in long holes or in thickets. That's where babies are born. Mongooses live, mostly in families, and the mongoose father is responsible for raising children. In case of danger, the whole family protects the cubs.
Deer
Not all animals living in the forest stand out for their beauty or strength. But this statement absolutely does not apply to deer. They are beautiful and strong and noble. Like moose, their head is decorated with branched horns. Deer have a well-developed hearing and sense of smell. Deer live on mountain slopes, in bushes, or in clearings with thick grass. They prefer to stay in herds. The biggest enemy of deer is the wolf. The means of protection for the deer are strong hooves and horns. Cubs are born spotted, but this disappears with age. Mom protects her cubs and talks to them.
Wolf
It is the wolf that is the main character of many fairy tales. Wolves are slightly larger than the average dog. The body is covered with thick, warm, gray fur. These are very smart, cunning, and brave animals. Wolves hunt in packs. They drive their prey into ambushes and attack. Despite their cruelty, wolves are very caring and good parents.
Fox
Lisa is very beautiful. She has a warm, beautiful, red coat and a long, fluffy tail. She is very smart, cunning and agile. When threatened, it can run very fast. The main delicacy of the fox is mice, hares, birds, fruits, berries. She has a very well developed hearing and sense of smell. In order to breed offspring, the fox digs holes. Fox cubs are very curious, but unquestioningly listen to their mother.
Sable
Sable is a very beautiful, agile and fast animal. It lives among snags and fallen trees. It has a strong, flexible body and a fluffy little tail. Sable fur, very beautiful, thick and warm. It hunts both night and day. Produces offspring in the spring. Nowadays, sable hunting is prohibited.
Badger
The badger's body is covered with hair. Prefers to feast on bumblebee honey, beetles and worms. Before the onset of cold weather, the badger must accumulate fat reserves. Since he is going to sleep in a hole all winter. Badgers are very clean and tidy animals that carefully and carefully care for their offspring.
Brown bear
Considering what animals usually live in a mixed forest, one cannot fail to note the brown bear. He is, practically, the king of the thicket. Bears have great power. The body is covered with a warm, thick, brown coat. At first glance, bears may seem clumsy, but they are not. They are very agile, fast and silently running. Bears love berries, fish, insects and fruits. They winter in dens. That's where the cubs are born.
Coniferous forests are common on earth mainly in those parts where there are low temperatures that allow the growth of trees. Coniferous forests occupy territories on the border with the tundra and the far north.
Flora of coniferous forest includes such typical representatives of conifers as fir, juniper, cedar, cypress, spruce, larch, pine.
On the northern continent, coniferous forests form the most extensive areas of continuous forest cover on Earth. Coniferous forests mainly grow at heights, which is why they are always green. The predominance of cold and the resulting absence of leaf litter show little or no undergrowth and a thin layer of soil. Mammals that inhabit coniferous forests feed mainly on vegetation, bark, cones, and moss. As a result, insect-eating birds are very few in coniferous forests in comparison with birds that feed on buds and seeds of coniferous trees.
The following herbaceous plants grow in the coniferous forest: red elderberry, yellow acacia, nettle, celandine, wild strawberry and, of course, bracken fern. Although ferns prefer a mixed forest more, you can also find a clearing with this plant in a coniferous forest on thawed patches, where the place is not too shaded. From the flowers you can see snowdrops, a shepherd's bag.
Fires in coniferous forests are rare, except when they start in the spring, when there is little moisture in the trees, at which time fires in coniferous forests can devastate a gigantic area. Animal world coniferous forest has a huge dependence on trees. But the vegetation of the coniferous forest suffers quite strongly from its mammalian inhabitants. For example, a significant damage to the cedar is caused by the nutcracker, chipmunk, squirrel. Scientists have calculated that in order to feed a squirrel, it is necessary to eat thirty spruce cones or about three hundred pine cones per day.
Inhabitants of coniferous forests mostly vegetarians, they feed on woody vegetation. In small quantities, there are also predators, such as a predatory rat. Bears also live in coniferous forests, they are practically omnivorous, so the coniferous forest is quite a comfortable habitat for them. Lynx, this wild cat is also omnivorous in its own way, it hunts hares and birds and other small inhabitants of the coniferous forest.
The animals of the coniferous forest are forced to travel great distances to find food, as the coniferous forest grows very slowly.
Coniferous forests are of great economic importance to humans, as they are the main supplier of timber and raw materials for paper production. Many conifers are very popular in landscaping cities, and as garden ornamental plants. There are relatively few species of coniferous plants, but they play an important ecological role.
coniferous forest animals
The mammals that inhabit these places are mostly herbivorous and live on a diet of moss, pine needles, bark and cones. Insectivorous birds are rare compared to those that feed on the seeds and buds of conifers. Forest fires are infrequent in these places, and usually occur in the spring, when there is little sap in the trees. At this time, vast areas can be devastated.
coniferous forest animals
Predators - lynx and wolverine - cause great damage to the taiga inhabitants. Their prey is often not only large birds and hares, but also such animals as roe deer and musk deer. Extremely cautious, these insidious predators hunt at night and at dawn, waiting for prey in ambush on the trails.
There are fewer water bodies in the taiga than in the tundra. There are also fewer waterfowl here. And duck-gogol, characteristic of coniferous forests, nests in hollows. The snow in the forest is even, loose, shallow, from under it you can get a wintered berry or cedar cone. Therefore, many taiga birds - capercaillie, woodpeckers, crossbills, nutcrackers, etc. - do not fly far for the winter, but wander from place to place within the zone.
coniferous forest animals
The taiga is rich in fur-bearing animals. Squirrels and sables, Siberian weasel and ermine, hare and marten are found here. Many valuable game birds - hazel grouse, capercaillie, black grouse.
Before the arrival of man, the bear was considered the master of the taiga: in Eurasia - brown, in North America - grizzly. And now even travelers who spent the night in the taiga wilderness often joke: “Here Uncle Misha will come to check documents ...” The bear moves well through the impassable taiga, quickly climbs trees. In the northern regions, the brown bear hibernates for the winter. But he sleeps very sensitively and, if he is awakened, leaves the lair.
Even in the last century, huge wild bulls - bison lived in a significant number in the broad-leaved forests of Europe. They inhabited the forest regions of Central Europe and northwestern Russia. Predatory hunting and wars led to their almost complete extermination. Huge work has been done in our country to restore the number of bison. Purebred bison are kept and successfully breed in the reserves of Belovezhskaya Pushcha and Prioksko-Terrasny. Now the number of bison in the USSR has increased significantly. Bison feed on grasses, buds, leaves and bark of deciduous trees.
Animals of mixed and broad-leaved forests
River beavers were also found earlier in the zone of broad-leaved forests. The fur of these animals is extremely highly valued, so they have long served as an object of intensive hunting and at the beginning of the 20th century. were almost completely destroyed. Now in our country these animals are protected by law. Work is underway to resettle them. Beavers live on quiet forest rivers, the banks of which are densely overgrown with deciduous trees. They feed on tree shoots and bark, and from branches they build their dwellings - huts, from trunks and branches - dams, which block the riverbed, arranging artificial backwaters. The size of the huts is different. They serve the beavers for many years, are annually repaired, completed and sometimes reach enormous sizes. So, in the Voronezh Reserve there is a hut, the height of which is 2.5 m, and the diameter of the base is 12 m. But usually they are smaller: 1-1.5 m high and 3 m in diameter.
Animals of mixed and broad-leaved forests
The sparse forest, tall grass glades and bushes are the favorite habitats of the red deer and roe deer. The pine marten is one of the most valuable fur-bearing animals. She arranges her nests at high altitude in hollows. More often than other animals, squirrels suffer from this predator. The marten's nocturnal lifestyle gives it huge advantages in hunting squirrels, since the squirrel is a diurnal animal and sleeps soundly in its nest at night. It is not difficult for a marten to capture her sleeping. Having reached the squirrel's nest, the marten looks for an inlet, which the squirrel closes from the inside with a cork made of some soft material, and, bursting into the nest, grabs the sleeping hostess. The marten also eats plant foods: fruits, berries. She loves honey very much. Having found a nest of wild bees, the marten sometimes lives near it for a long time; often several martens gather at the nest.
