Baikal. How many times this place flashed through my head when I was choosing a place for a trip, but unfortunately I never visited this wonderful lake. Russia is a huge country and there is a lot of beauty in it. I would call our country a New Year tree, hung with beautiful toys, and on the top of the head there is a large and beautiful star. Yes, the star is Lake Baikal. But why does every Russian, at least once, want to go there? Even not only our population, but also residents of foreign countries. What attracts everyone? What is unique about this lake?

Lake Features

The origin of this lake is tectonic. It is located in the southern part of Eastern Siberia.

The uniqueness of water:

• ecological formula.
• The acidity of the water.
• Energy of melt water.
• The unique composition of water.
• The taste of pure water.

The purest water from all lakes on the planet. different from sea water. Many times less minerals than in other sources. Saturation with oxygen.

Baikal is protected by UNESCO.

A unique view of flora and fauna, geological objects. All of them are of great importance for the planet.

The oldest lake, about 30 million years old.

One of the deepest lakes. Its depth is 1637 meters.

Water transparency can reach 40 meters.

The eighth wonder of the world or why it is worth visiting Baikal

Definitely, from my point of view, Baikal is one of the wonders of the world. At least once in a lifetime, but it is worth visiting this unique lake. Feel the scale of this planet. Soak up this air. Touch this water. Just enjoy your existence. Here are a few reasons why you should visit this unique creation of nature:

1. Variety of terrain. Colorful landscapes.
2. Lots of interesting myths around this lake.
3. Local settlement. Interesting culture of the peoples inhabiting this place.
4. Baikalsk. Ski resort.
5. Variety of local dishes.
6. Flora and fauna.

You won't find a better place on the planet. Definitely a miracle of this planet.

The scale is striking. Nature surprises. The features are discouraging. What could be more beautiful than mother nature. If our planet had a face, it would definitely be Baikal.

Such a contrast is collected in one place. Well, isn't it unique?

An object world heritage"Lake Baikal"

Lake Baikal refers to world objects natural heritage. In 1996, Baikal, together with the coastal zone, with a total area of ​​about 8.8 million hectares. was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Baikal holds the world championship in several important parameters at once. Lake Baikal is the oldest freshwater reservoir on our planet - its age is estimated at 25 million years.
Baikal, which occupies a huge ancient graben (tectonic fault) belonging to one of the world's largest rift systems, is recognized as the deepest lake in the world - its maximum depth exceeds 1600 m. In terms of size, Baikal is also one of the largest lakes in the world: it has a length of 636 km, and its water surface extends over an area of ​​3.15 million hectares (in Russia this is the most large lake, in the world - in 6th place).
Lake Baikal contains a gigantic amount of fresh water - approximately 20% of all world reserves. The transparency of Baikal waters is also amazing - individual objects are visible at a depth of up to 40 m.

The lake is distinguished by the richest and most unusual freshwater life: out of several thousand species and varieties of plants and animals inhabiting this lake, 3/4 are recognized as endemic, which is an exceptionally high indicator by world standards. Among the endemics are such key elements of the lake ecosystem as the epishura crustacean, Baikal omul and seal (Baikal seal), as well as viviparous fish - golomyanka, as well as a number of rare forms of aquatic invertebrates (sponges, amphipods, etc.) .
Baikal is a valuable fishing reservoir: out of 50 species of fish, 17 are of great commercial importance; this list, which begins with the most famous Baikal omul, also includes sturgeon, whitefish, grayling, etc.

Baikal is famous for its beauty, which attracts tourists from all over the country and from abroad to its shores, this is one of the most popular areas in Russia for eco-tourism (animal watching, educational trails), as well as sports (mountain and water trips) and trade tourism (gathering gifts from the taiga, hunting and fishing). There are many picturesque bays, there are excellent beaches, the coast is decorated with bizarre cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Water excursions are carried out on the lake, and along the southwestern shore you can ride along the old Circum-Baikal railway (1905), with a mass of tunnels and bridges, which is a real monument of engineering art.
On the shores of Lake Baikal (which was discovered by Russian pioneers in the middle of the 17th century), traces of settlements from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, ancient burials were found. There are many interesting historical and cultural monuments here. Currently, around the entire Baikal is being designed big Baikal trail.

The area of ​​Lake Baikal stands out for its high biodiversity. Thus, the local flora is represented by more than 800 species of higher plants, including a number of endemic and rare forms. Among the approximately 50 species of mammals that live in the coastal zone in swamps, in the steppes and forest-steppes, in foothill and mountain forests, as well as in the middle of high-mountain bald mountains and tundra, the most typical are such as wild reindeer, maral, elk, musk deer, wild boar, Brown bear, wolf, fox, sable, ermine, weasel, squirrel, chipmunk, tarbagan marmot, otter and muskrat. Among the birds (about 250 species in total) the rarest listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation are: peregrine falcon, osprey, golden eagle, black crane and white-tailed eagle (the last two are also in the International Red Book).

State natural biosphere reserve"Barguzinsky"-first state reserve Russia - established in 1916 in order to preserve the Barguzin sable from complete destruction, restore its range and abundance on the northeastern coast of Lake Baikal, and also to promote the restoration of the sable population in the country.
The reserve is located on the territory of the Republic of Buryatia and has an area of ​​374.3 thousand hectares, including 15.0 thousand hectares in the water area of ​​Lake Baikal and 111.2 thousand hectares is occupied by a biosphere test site.
In 1986, the Barguzinsky Reserve was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The reserve occupies the northeastern coast of Lake Baikal and the western slopes of the Barguzinsky Range. The maximum heights of the ridge within the reserve are up to 2668.2 m, the minimum ones are from 455.9 m. In the valleys of the Ezovka, Bolshaya, Talamush and Davsha rivers there are thermal springs with water temperatures in some of them above 70 ° C.
The reserve is located in several high-altitude zones. The coast of Lake Baikal is bordered by larch forests, followed by mountain-taiga forests. The upper border of the forest is formed by birch, fir and spruce forests with powerful developed tall grass and shrub thickets. About 32% of the territory of the reserve is occupied by the high-altitude bald belt.
The flora contains 876 species of higher vascular plants, 1241 species of algae, 132 species of fungi, 212 species of lichens and 147 species of bryophytes. Their endemic species include trihedral astragalus, Turchaninov's meadow, Smirnov's bluegrass, among the relict species - lanceolate vine, three-flowered bedstraw, common grasswort. 5 species of flowering plants and 3 species of lichens are included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, 31 species of flowering plants and 6 species of lichens are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Buryatia.
The fauna of the reserve is typically taiga, but with some features caused by the close proximity of Lake Baikal. Five species of mammals - Barguzin sable, reindeer, red deer, brown bear, black-capped marmot - are among the most valuable representatives fauna.
The main route of communication in the reserve, given the inaccessibility of the territory, is water, along Lake Baikal, along which winter period it is possible to travel on the ice road by car.
Baikal State Natural Biosphere Reserve organized in 1969 on south coast Lake Baikal, in the region of the Khamar-Daban ridge.
The purpose of creating the reserve is to protect in its natural form the unique landscapes of the Southern Baikal region.
The reserve is located on the territory of the Republic of Buryatia and has an area of ​​165.7 thousand hectares. The state natural reserve "Kabansky" was transferred to the reserve.
In 1986, the Baikal Reserve was given the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The territory of the reserve "Kabansky" in accordance with the Ramsar Convention is classified as a wetland of international importance as a habitat for waterfowl.
The relief of the territory was formed about 1 million years ago. The seismicity of the axial part of the Khamar-Daban ridge is estimated at 7 points. The length of the northern slope of the ridge facing Baikal reaches 35 km with a height difference of 1,860 m, the southern slope is 12-15 km with a height difference of up to 1,550 m. The ridge is characterized by alpine-type landscapes with sharp mountain peaks and steep slopes.
The flora of the reserve is typical for the mountains of Southern Siberia and includes more than 800 species of higher vascular plants, 308 species of mosses, 651 species of lichens (9 species of lichens are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation). More than 60% of the territory of the reserve is occupied by forests. Starting from an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, the alpine belt begins, represented by low-grass meadows, mountain tundra, and scrub wastelands.
The fauna of the reserve is typical for the mountains of Southern Siberia. The mammalian fauna is represented by 49 species (sable, deer, elk, Siberian roe deer, musk deer, etc.), the ichthyofauna - 17 species (grayling, lenok, taimen).
The Baikal Reserve has a number of routes for scientific and ecological tourism.

State natural reserve "Kabansky" It was founded in 1974, has an area of ​​18.0 thousand hectares and is located in the delta of the Selenga River.
On the territory of the reserve in in large numbers mallard, gray duck, red-headed pochard, crested duck nest; colonies of gulls, river terns, gray herons settle. During the migration period, thousands of ducks, waders, gulls and other birds find favorable conditions for rest and feeding here.
Of the birds that live in the reserve, the following are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation: the white-tailed eagle, the Siberian Crane, the black stork, the Sukhonos, the golden eagle, the gyrfalcon, the peregrine falcon, the saker falcon, etc.

State nature reserve"Baikal-Lensky" located in the Irkutsk region and covers an area of ​​659.9 thousand hectares. The reserve was established in 1986 in order to preserve mountain-taiga landscapes and a number of natural phenomena.
The reserve is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal, in the region of the Baikal Range. Altitude fluctuations are quite significant - from 455 m (the level of Lake Baikal) to 2 thousand m or more.
By the nature of the relief, the territory of the reserve belongs to the Sayano-Baikal mountain-folded region; there are also glacial landforms.
The hydrographic network of the reserve is exceptionally rich and varied. The Lena River originates here, the length of which within the reserve is about 250 km.
Vegetation is represented by seven types: forest, steppe, shrub, tundra, meadow, swamp and water. The dominant type of vegetation is forest. The forest area is 86.4%, dominated by larch, pine, and cedar. There are areas of relic Dahurian steppes.
922 species of vascular plants, 133 species of mushrooms, 312 species of lichens, 179 species of mosses are represented in the reserve. Of the vascular plants, 54 species are endemic to the Baikal region and southern Siberia.
Protected species include Rhodiola rosea, Altai onion, dwarf lily, Turchaninov's pike, etc.
Animal world the reserve is diverse: taiga species - brown bear, squirrel, sable, elk, chipmunk, nutcracker, capercaillie, hazel grouse; steppe species - long-tailed ground squirrel, Daurian jackdaw, shelduck, etc.; southern taiga species - Siberian roe deer, red deer; wetland species - gray crane, black stork.

National Park "Pribaikalsky" located within the Slyudyansky, Irkutsk and Olkhonsky districts of the Irkutsk region. Founded in 1986, it consists of several plots with a total area of ​​417.3 thousand hectares.
There are 3 key bird areas in the park international importance: "Island of Olkhon and Priolkhonye" with an area of ​​220 thousand hectares; "South-Baikal migration corridor of falconiformes" with an area of ​​7.5 thousand hectares; "The source and upper reaches of the Angara River" with an area of ​​2.5 thousand hectares.
The relief of the park is characterized by extreme dissection with small elevation differences. The hydrographic network is very well developed: about 150 different watercourses (rivers, rivers, streams, etc.) flow here, 60 of which flow directly into Baikal. The park has about 80 lakes of various origins.
On the territory of the park, 5 species of lycopsform plants, 37 species of ferns, 13 species of gymnosperms and 1277 species of angiosperms have been noted. 16 species of plants are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation (Altai onion, calypso bulbous, Olkhonsky astragalus, etc.).

Of the representatives of the animal world, 25 species of fish, 4 species of amphibians, 5 species of reptiles, 320 species of birds (including 200 nesting species), 63 species of mammals live here. The southwestern coast of Lake Baikal is a “route” for the massive autumn migration of birds of prey (up to 2,000 per day).
One of the main activities national park"Baikal" is the development of natural and historical and cultural tourism. There are a lot of interesting places in the park: majestic cliffs, rocks, picturesque bays and coves, caves; about 1 thousand archaeological sites: ancient settlements, rock paintings, stone "tent" graves, etc.
Zabaikalsky National Park located on the territory of the Barguzinsky district of the Republic of Buryatia. The park was founded in 1986 and has an area of ​​268.1 thousand hectares, including the water area of ​​Lake Baikal - 37.0 thousand hectares.
Two ridges stretch across the territory of the park: Barguzinsky (the highest point is 2376 m above sea level) and Sredinny (the highest point is 1877 m above sea level).
The largest inland lakes of the park are Arangatui and Maly Arangatui, as well as Lake Bormashovoe, famous for its mineral waters. The most famous outlets of thermal waters are the Zmeiny, Nechaevsky, Kulinoe springs.
In the structure of the vegetation cover, the vertical zonality characteristic of the mountains of Transbaikalia is clearly traced. The forests are dominated by coniferous species (pine, elfin cedar, cedar, larch, fir).
The flora of vascular plants includes more than 700 species, among which there are many endemic, rare and relict ones.
The fauna of mammals includes about 50 species, the fauna of birds - about 250 species, the fauna of reptiles - 6 species and amphibians - 3 species. The Ushkany Islands host the largest population of seals in Baikal. The Siberian sturgeon belongs to a particularly valuable and rare species.
One of the main activities of the park is the development of nature tourism. Large recreational objects are marked here: Chivyrkuisky and Barguzinsky bays, Svyatoy Nos peninsula, Barguzinsky ridge and Chivyrkuisky isthmus. The wetland ecosystems of the Chivyrkui Isthmus are one of the largest bird nesting sites on Lake Baikal. The thermal springs of Zmeeva Bay are famous for their healing properties.
To object World Heritage Site "Lake Baikal" also includes: a small part of the Tunkinsky National Park and the Frolikhinsky State Nature Reserve.

Tunkinsky National Park is located on the territory of the Tunkinsky district of the Republic of Buryatia and covers an area of ​​1183.7 thousand hectares. The park was created in 1991.
Tunkinsky Goltsy, the Khamar-Daban ridge and a chain of intermountain basins stand out within the park. Mineral water The Tunka depression has a wide range of healing properties.
The dominant type of vegetation in the park is taiga. More than 40 species are distributed here. rare plants, many of which are relics and endemics.
More than 300 species of vertebrates are represented in the national park. There are more than 230 species of birds, including 200 nesting species. IN last years attempts are being made to restore the population of the two-humped camel in the Tunkinskaya valley, which was common here in former times.
One of the main activities of the Tukinsky National Park is the development of natural, historical, cultural and health tourism.

G State natural reserve "Frolikhinsky" located on the territory of the Severobaikalsky district of the Republic of Buryatia. It was formed in 1986 in order to preserve the number and reproduction of wild animals, their habitats, as well as to protect rare and endangered species and protect natural monuments, such as the Singing Sands of Turali, Papakha Rock, Lake Frolikha, Ayaya Bay, Cape Khaman -Kit, Frolikhinsky source, etc.
The area of ​​the reserve is 109.2 thousand hectares. Most of the territory is occupied by conifers. taiga forests, the main forest-forming species of which are Siberian pine, Dahurian larch, spruce, fir, and dwarf pine. The hunting fauna of the reserve includes the following species: elk, red deer, musk deer, wild reindeer, bear, lynx, wolverine, sable, squirrel, red fox, capercaillie, hazel grouse.

Baikal is a World Natural Heritage Site. In 2016, it will already be 20 years since Lake Baikal was included in the World Natural Heritage List. This happened on December 5, 1996 by decision of the 20th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in the Mexican city of Merida. Russia has filed an application for the inclusion of Baikal in the World Natural Heritage List.

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To be inscribed on the Natural World Heritage List, a candidate property must meet at least one of four criteria:

• to be an outstanding example representing the main stages of the development of the Earth, including evidence ancient life, significant geological processes in the stage of formation of landforms, geomorphological and physiographic elements of great importance;
• or be an outstanding example representing ecological and biological evolutionary processes, the development of ecosystems and terrestrial, river, coastal and marine plant and animal communities;
• or represent natural phenomenon or an area of ​​exceptional aesthetic value;
• or contain habitats of the most representative and important species for the conservation of biological diversity, including those areas where species of outstanding importance are conserved. global importance in terms of science and conservation, and endangered.

Baikal met all four criteria.

Of the thousands of natural sites on the List, just over a dozen meet the four criteria.

The decision adopted by the UNESCO Committee noted:

Lake Baikal is a classic case of a World Heritage Site, fulfilling all four natural criteria.

Baikal itself is the main object of the nomination. The features of the lake, hidden to a greater extent from the eyes of water, are of the main value for science and protection. The lake is surrounded by mountain-taiga landscapes and specially protected natural areas, mostly preserved in their natural state and representing additional value.

Lake Baikal is a limnological wonder and a territory with the following excellent qualities:

• The geological rift system that gave rise to Lake Baikal was formed in the Mesozoic period. Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest lake on Earth. Various tectonic forces still continue their action, as evidenced by the outlets of thermal flows from the depths of the lake.
• The evolution of aquatic organisms that has taken place throughout this long period has led to the formation of unique endemic flora and fauna.
• Lake Baikal is the "Galapagos Islands of Russia" and is of exceptional value for the study of evolution.
• The picturesque landscape around the Baikal basin with mountain ranges, boreal forests, tundra, lakes, islands and steppes provides an exceptionally picturesque environment for Lake Baikal.
• Baikal is the largest reservoir of fresh water on Earth (20% of all world reserves), which additionally characterizes it as a unique phenomenon.
• Lake Baikal is one of the most biodiverse lakes on Earth, with 1,340 animal species (745 endemic) and 570 plant species (150 endemic). In the forests surrounding the lake, there are 10 species of plants listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and a complete composition of typical boreal species is presented.

When Baikal was included in the World Natural Heritage List, the Russian leadership was given special recommendations:

• accept the federal law about Lake Baikal;
  re-profiling the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill in order to eliminate it as a source of pollution;
• reduce the discharge of pollutants into the Selenga River;
• increase the resource support for the activities of nature reserves and national parks adjacent to the lake;
• continue support scientific research and monitoring at Lake Baikal.

World Natural Heritage Site along with others Russian objects: "Virgin forests of Komi", "Volcanoes of Kamchatka", "Golden Mountains of Altai", "Wrangel Island", etc.

The list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites includes areas of outstanding global natural resource values. In addition, the desire of the country in which this site is located is necessary to protect and preserve it.

Re-profiling the BPPM so that it ceases to be a source of pollution;

Reduce the discharge of pollutants into the Selenga;

Allocate additional funds to ensure the activities of nature reserves and national parks;

Provide and strengthen support for scientific research and monitoring on the lake. .

Many of these issues, unfortunately, have not yet been resolved. However, it is impossible not to note a number of serious environmental measures that have been implemented to date.

Source: knowledge: textbook. allowance / N. S. Berkin, A. A. Makarov, O. T. Rusinek. - Irkutsk: Publishing house Irk. state university, 2009

- Natural World Heritage Site

On December 5, 1996, by decision of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee at its XX session, held in the Mexican city of Merida, the lake was included as a natural site in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The committee's decision notes: “The lake is a classic case of a World Heritage site that satisfies all four natural criteria. The lake is located in the central part of the site. The features of the lake, hidden to a greater extent from the eyes of water, are of the main value for science and protection. The lake is surrounded by mountain-taiga landscapes and specially protected natural areas, mostly preserved in their natural state and representing additional value.

The lake is a limnological wonder and an area with the following excellent qualities:

The geological rift system that gave rise to the lake formed during the Mesozoic period. The lake is the oldest and deepest lake on Earth. Various tectonic forces still continue their action, as evidenced by the outlets of thermal flows from the depths of the lake.

The evolution of aquatic organisms that has taken place during this long period has led to the formation of an exceptionally unique endemic fauna and flora. The lake is the "Galapagos Islands of Russia", is of exceptional value for the study of evolution.

The picturesque landscape around the Baikal basin with mountain ranges, boreal forests, tundra, lakes, islands and steppes provides an exceptionally beautiful environment for the lake. - the largest reservoir of fresh water on Earth (20% of all world reserves), which additionally characterizes it as a unique phenomenon.

The lake is one of the most biodiverse lakes on Earth and is home to 1,340 animal species (745 endemic) and 570 plant species (150 endemic). The forests surrounding the lake are home to 10 plant species listed in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and a full range of typical boreal species.”

Source: Volkov, S. Po y / Sergey Volkov. - M. : AST: AST Moscow, 2010. - 568 p.

Read in

Terms

1. Tourism (anthropogenic influence)
2. Assignment of the status of a World Natural Heritage Site
3. Adoption of the law on e. Ecological zoning of the bsky natural territory
4. Central Ecological Zone BNT
5. buffer ecological zone
6. Ecological zone of atmospheric influence
7. Creation of a network of specially protected natural areas
8. A set of other environmental measures

Other resources

1. Natural phenomenon a // Goldfarb S.I.
2. as a World Heritage Site // Karnyshev A.D.
3. Baikal // Geography and Natural resources, 1988. No. 2. - S. 31-39.
4. Grishchenko V.I., Ryabtsev B.V. To the 20th anniversary of the Pribaikalsky National Park: results, main problems // Proceedings of the Pribaikalsky National Park. Issue. 2. - Irkutsk: Irkut Publishing House. state un-ta, 2007. - S.362-387.

Links

• Lake | Fund ”Natural Heritage Protection” //nhpfund.ru
• Russian National World Heritage Committee
• World Heritage Sites in the Russian Federation (English)
• World Heritage Sites in the Russian Federation (Russian)
• Greenpeace Russia Project "World Heritage"
• Russian natural objects included and prepared for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List
• Directory of links on World Heritage in Russia (eng.)

Notes

1. Ryashchenko S. V. Site of the world natural heritage "Lake" in the international and national dimensions // Volna. - 2007, No. 1 (45). – P. 40–43.

Lake Baikal.

Baikal was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 according to four natural criteria:
(vii) The property is a natural phenomenon or space of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.
(viii) The property is an outstanding example of the main stages of the history of the Earth, including a monument of the past, a symbol of ongoing geological processes in the development of relief, or a symbol of geomorphological or physiographic features.
(ix) The property is an outstanding example of ongoing ecological or biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and plant and animal communities.

(x) The property includes the most important or significant natural habitat for the conservation of its biological diversity, including endangered species of exceptional global scientific and conservation value.

The lake is in Russian Federation, on the border of the Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia, stretches from the northeast to the southwest for 620 km in the form of a crescent. The width of Baikal ranges from 24 to 80 km.

Baikal is the deepest and oldest lake on earth. The maximum depth of the lake is 1642 m. It is located at the point with coordinates 53°14′59″ N. sh. 108°05′11″ E (established in 1983 by the expedition of the GUNiO MO, confirmed in 2002 as a result of the Belgian-Spanish-Russian project to create a new bathymetric map of Baikal)
Baikal is located in the mainland basin: the lowest point of the basin lies 1187 m below sea level
The average depth of the lake is 744.4 m. The water surface of the lake covers an area 31,722 km². Fresh water reserves in Baikal - 23,615.39 km³ (about 19% of the world's lake fresh water reserves)
The geological rift system that gave rise to Lake Baikal was formed in the Mesozoic period. The age of the Baikal basin is estimated at 20-25 Ma. The Baikal rift zone belongs to areas with high seismicity; earthquakes regularly occur here, the strength of which is one or two points.
336 rivers and streams flow into Baikal. The largest of them are Selenga, Upper Angara, Barguzin, Turka, Snezhnaya, Sarma. One river flows out of the lake - the Angara.

(View from a height of 734 km, altitude: 952 km.)

The Svyatoy Nos peninsula is the largest peninsula that separates the Chivyrkuisky and Barguzinsky bays. The largest island of the lake is Olkhon. The Ushkany Islands are four islands in the middle part of Lake Baikal: Big, Round, Thin and Long. By area, they are about 10 sq.m. Small Toynaki.
In the north of the lake are the islands of Yarki and Millionny.
The Ushkany Islands are known for the largest rookery of the Baikal seal. The Baikal seal is an endemic of the lake and a landmark of the Zabaikalsky National Park.

Baikal seals.

Seal cub.

There are about 2600 species and subspecies of living organisms in Baikal.
About 1000 species are endemic.
The most famous fish of Baikal: Baikal omul, grayling, whitefish, Baikal sturgeon, golomyanka.
A number of rare forms of aquatic invertebrates (sponges, amphipods) live in the lake.

The crustacean Baikal epishura plays a very important role in the ecosystem of the lake. This representative of the planktonic crustacean species, 1.5 mm in size, consumes organic matter by passing water through its body. Being a natural filter, the Baikal epishura purifies the water of the lake.

On the eastern shore of Lake Baikal is the Zabaikalsky national park, on the west coast is the Pribaikalsky National Park.
The flora of the coastal zone of Lake Baikal is represented by more than 800 plant species.
Among about 50 species of mammals that live in the coastal zone in swamps, in steppes and forest-steppes, in foothill and mountain forests, high-mountain areas: wild reindeer, deer, elk, musk deer, wild boar, brown bear, wolf, fox, sable, ermine , columns, squirrel, chipmunk, tarbagan marmot, otter, muskrat.

About 250 species of birds live in the Baikal area. Most rare species: peregrine falcon, osprey, golden eagle, black crane, white-tailed eagle.