Page 25 - Microsoft Word - geo class task.docx

Charlotte Johnson TAIGA-riffic!

[ Large ecoregion in east Russia
[ 1,505,700 miles squared
[ Climate: subarctic (tropical deciduous –
shedding leaves and coniferous); high
continentally (40 degrees to -62 degrees)
[ Winters tend to be long and dry and very
cold. Summers are temperate and usually
quite warm for a northerly region
[ Topography: wide, flat plains with karst
topography; contrasted to the west of Siberia
which has wet bogs and wetland areas.
Drunken Forest, when the permafrost thaws,
nearby trees with very short roots to lean in a
depression
[ Flora: vast, dense forests with Cranberry and Bilberry bushes dominating; pine forests composed of
birch and poplar and there is the Angarra River basin
[ Fauna: brown bears, Eurasian wolf and moose/reindeer; Siberian Tiger
[ Conservation status à protected but is listed as ‘relatively stable/intact’ Main Threats: poaching and
clear-cut logging in the southern and central portions of the region; protected by WWF however, the
diversity of the taiga ecosystem is not completely represented and protected areas are located far
apart à animal species will soon disappear and become extinct due to human hunting

THREATS and MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES à

l THREAT - Hydroelectric power: damaging water systems, affecting flow patterns and disrupting the
landscape/more awareness of the negative effects of hydroelectric power
l STRATEGY – People should inform themselves of human impacts and the dangers that can affect the
biome. More advertising and awareness needs to be distributed.
l THREAT – Deforestation: Humans need wood and therefore trees are chopped down to be used as
pulp and paper; animals lose their habitats and have no where else to live
l STRATEGY – Parts of the Taiga are being protected by organisations to save the trees; recycling paper
can reduce the amount of logging for trees; more awareness through websites such as WWF are
promoting the protection of Taiga regions
l THREAT – poaching of moose and reindeer
l STRATEGY – enforce laws that restrict poachers (especially without a license to partake in that
activity); placing logistical support and assistance on the ground within the forest ecosystems so there
is constant monitoring; patrolling and monitoring
l THREAT – Clear cut logging
l STRATEGY – choosing to partake in selective logging as well as making a conscientious effort to
reforest and replenish

TAIGA’s and their contribution to the world à

[ The glaciers that melt during the summer provide fresh water to approximately 40% of all people on
earth