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Flora
The high degree of
biodiversity in the zakasnik is the result of its geographical position in the
basin, bordering lake Baikal as well as the “Morskoi” ridge, thus providing a
whole range of gradients in vegetation. Furthermore, large parts of the zakasnik
are still in their natural conditions, although logging activities have
increased considerably in recent years.
The Republic of
Buryatia hosts some 2,000 species of vascular plants, belonging to 75 families.
Of these, 9 species are endangered, 39 species are becoming rare, and 89 species
are under strong stress. Within the zakasnik, some 18 rare species are found
(see Annex II), which are enlisted in the Russian Red Book on endangered and
rare species of Buryatia (1988, Ulan Ude). The Red Book list is represented by
boreal, holarctic, European-Asian, south-Siberian species. Presently, the Buryat
Institute of Biology SB RAS is in the process of preparing publication of Volume
II of the Red Book, which may include other species not listed in Annex II.
Areas of special importance due to their high species diversity and presence of
numerous unique species, are the peatlands, which occupy large parts of the
zakasnik such as the delta of the Talanchanka river, Kika river, and lake Kolok.
These places need to be protected against any form of human impacts. Other areas
of special importance include single examples and groups of plants belonging to
the families of orchids and lilies, growing in the western parts of the
zakasnik, which is dominated by dark coniferous forest types.
In fact, very
little is known about the flora of the zakasnik and its present condition. The
21 zakasniks in the Republic of Buryatia present a unique possibility to improve
our knowledge on the indigenous flora and its ecology. Therefore, it is
necessary to start an extensive long term research and monitoring programme.
Meanwhile, it is crucial that these resources are well protectedbefore human
activities impact and alter the natural conditions.
The flora of
the Pribaikalsky district is distinguished by its biodiversу. Above the
mountain-taiga zone there are bald peak, sub-bald peak zones. Meadow and swamp
communities are found in flood land and lowlands.
Birch
Birch is one of
the most beautiful trees of the region. Its white trunks with black patterns are
of special charm.
The use of a birch tree is manifold. The birch fire wood yields much warmth. The
timber is used in making skis, brooms, furniture, different turnery goods etc.
Birch produces good excellent coal, tar.
Ledum
(Rhododendron)
It is found in
wetlands, mountain ridges, near swamps. One of its peculiarities is specific
odour. The plant is widely spread in the Republic of Buryatia. It is often
mentioned in folk songs, poems and legends.
Sagandalya,
Adams’s Rhododendron
It grows in the
rocky slopes of a range. The time of blooming is the second half of June-July.
Tops of the plant are gathered from the moment of it starts blooming till fruit
form. It is popular with local Buryats as a tonic. It stimulate the kidneys,
heart and brain. It increases potency, relieves from fatigue and hangover
Ordinary
Juniper
Juniper is a
coniferous shrub. Its blue juicy fruits have a sweet taste. They are used to
make a special kind of vodka and some other soft drinks. In medicine it is used
as a diuretic. Its needle branches smell good when burnt. They are used for
fumigation.
Great
bilberries
Great bilberries
is a low shrub. Its berries are edible. They are slightly watery but sweet.
Local people gather berries in large amount to make kissel, jam. They are also
used as stuffing for pies. It is one of the common plants of the Barguzin
districts
Cranberries
Cranberries is an
evergreen shrub. Application of its berries is varied and manifold. They are
harvested in big amounts. They are rich in vitamins and are well preserved. Jam,
kissel, beverages are made of them.
Сowberries
Cowberries is a
common kind of berries in Siberian forests. Sometimes cowberries fields look
like a carpet. They are usually gathered in August-September. For longer
preservation they are kept in sugar. It is a tradition to serve them with tea
after banya. The cowberries is a popular home-made remedy. It is used to bring
down fever. Tea with cowberry juice is used as a diaphoretic.
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