Five rare species of birds were discovered by Scientists of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS) during an expedition to study biodiversity in the Norilsk industrial region

Chairman of the Ecology and Environmental Protection Commission of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Elena Sharoykina, said today on her VK channel that the white-tailed eagle, gyrfalcon, bean eagle, as well as the whooper swan and Siberian ash snail, which are listed in the Red Book of Russia, and which are protected in Krasnoyarsk region, were discovered during an expedition to study biodiversity in the Norilsk industrial region. At the same time, the bean goose and whooper swan are found in an area of significant industrial impact.

The study of biodiversity in this region is carried out as part of a joint project between Norilsk Nickel and scientists from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. It was which was launched in 2020.

“Our Ecology Commission is closely monitoring the progress of its implementation and welcomes the company’s activity in the field of biodiversity conservation. Thus, last year we held a presentation of the results of the Great Scientific Expedition, which covered the Trans-Baikal and Krasnoyarsk territories and the Murmansk region (link in the first comment). Then As part of the project, comprehensive work was carried out, during which the boundaries of the zone of influence of Norilsk Nickel industrial enterprises on the environment were determined, negative factors and threats to the diversity of animals and plants were identified, and the current state was assessed.The identification of protected bird species in the Norilsk industrial region, then the next step - to develop and launch a program for their additional protection. It is important to create conditions so that industrial impact does not threaten the population, and as a result contributes to the conservation of unique biodiversity. I am confident that scientists will find optimal solutions. For its part, the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation is ready to provide a platform for expert discussion of this issue,” she said.