The official website of the Mayor of Moscow reported that last year, as a result of monitoring studies, experts identified 408 animal species, which is 136 more than the year before. At the same time, 157 species of them are listed in the Red Book of Moscow. Their number also increased compared to 2023.
The studies were conducted in 111 natural and green areas of the city. Specialists kept records of animals using a scientifically based methodology using observation, identification by voice and traces of presence. The results of the work indicate that the ecological situation in the capital continues to improve.
"Every year in Moscow, not only the number of familiar inhabitants of natural territories, such as the European elk, raven, common nightingale and jay, is growing, but also the appearance of rare and endangered species is recorded. This indicates an improvement in the ecological situation in the capital. The results of the animal census will become the basis for the development of new environmental initiatives and strengthening nature protection measures," the report says.
Among the rare mammals that experts noticed are the European hare, the common beaver, the forest marten and 7 other species. 74 rare bird species were recorded, for example, the stock dove, the peregrine falcon, the little bittern, the marsh harrier and the black-necked grebe. Rare species of reptiles, amphibians, fish, mollusks and insects were also noted.
One of the most amazing findings of the 2024 monitoring was the Montagu's harrier. This bird of prey belongs to the zero category of rarity. This means that such animals inhabited the territory of a certain area, but now their presence in nature has not been confirmed. The discovery of the Montagu's harrier suggests that the metropolitan green areas have preserved the conditions suitable for this species. A significant discovery was also the discovery of the golden-pitted ground beetle, a rare beetle with a bright metallic color.
During the monitoring in Moscow, such vulnerable species as the long-eared owl, the poplar admiral and the Camilla ribbon were noted. For the first time in recent years, a greater spotted eagle, a large bird of prey listed in the Red Book of Russia, has been recorded. In addition, experts counted 57 species of butterflies, including rare representatives such as the swallowtail and the mourning cloak. A special achievement of the past year was the identification of a rare day butterfly - the Laodice pearl butterfly.
Blogs
