E-Red Book of Primorye

Now everyone can find necessary information on rare and endangered animals and plants of Primorsky krai by visiting a new website www.redbookpk.ru specially designed for scientists, students, teachers and everyone concerned about our nature.

“Regional Red Book” is a widely used definition among scientists, conservationists and nature lovers in Russia. Unfortunately, not all regional Red books are available for the general reader, not to mention specialists who are involved in biodiversity conservation in Russia. The explanation is very simple; the books were published in a limited edition and disseminated only among local authorities and state institutions. For example, “Red Book of the Russian Federation. Animals” was published in edition of 3,000 copies and “Red Book of the Russian Federation. Plants” – 1,000 copies, “Red Book of Primorye. Plants” – 4,500 copies, and “Red Book of Primorye. Animals” – 4,000 copies. Moreover, not all animals were illustrated in paperback editions. Nowadays, these books are in great demand, especially on the periphery of Primorsky krai.

The analysis of Red Books revealed that 24 species of animals listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation were not included in the Red Book of Primorsky krai for some reasons. The Phoenix Fund specialists decided to produce an electronic version of the Red Book of Primorsky krai for general use and include all missing species in it.

The design and production of the electronic version of the Red Book of Primorsky krai became possible thanks to support from the Global Greengrants Fund. The product was posted on the Internet thanks to assistance from the design studio WebSee. The e-Red Book contains over 800 images and photographs, 62 bird sound recordings and 19 videos demonstrating the behavior of animals and birds.

At present, Phoenix and the specialists of Primorsky Institute for Further Training of Educators are holding seminars for teachers of biology, ecology and geography to introduce them the e-Red Book and teach them to work with it. Phoenix has already received several requests from some administrative districts of Primorye to help them develop their local endangered species lists.

We hope that now there will be more knowledgeable people who will love and care about our nature.