The rarest plants in the world. Red Book: rare and endangered plants of Russia.

In most cases, people are becoming less responsible every day for the flora representatives, namely the consequences of their negative activities: the structure of plants and factories, the release of waste, which leads to environmental degradation and massive deforestation. All this perishes at the hands of mankind. Man kills nature, and very few people know that the atmospheric state depends on plants first of all, and it is representatives of the fauna that supply us with oxygen. The planet’s territory consists of half of the taiga, but you don’t need to think, we will live only with coniferous forests, for which you don’t need to worry, on the contrary - already today the environment dies from insufficient vegetation, the surrounding background worsens every year, which is detrimental in the first place in humans.

This article presents the 10 most rare plants that in a few years can disappear forever. Unfortunately, this list is not exhausted, the Red Book is annually updated, and even plants familiar to us can be in danger.

  The population of this plant was engaged in 1864, when only one hundred copies remained. Nobody believed that Agave could survive, because attention turned too late. But contrary to forecasts, the plant was able to cope with a decrease in population. To date, only two species have been preserved, which are protected by the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. The birthplace of this representative fauna is the mountains of New River and Sierra Ankas. At one time, the leaves of most species of agave served for the manufacture of ropes, household utensils, coarse fabrics; the waste went on wrapping paper. Basically, agave was bred in a tropical climate, more so for fiber extraction. Such species as Agave sisalevia, which produced sisal, furkeid Agave, are a hekenem, the Yukatan sisal, Agave cantalus, and others have disappeared forever. Agave fibers were compressed and made targets for darts games.

9. Enrubio

According to the data of 1995, there are only 150 representatives in the world. Enrubio is a shrub that grows in areas of Puerto Rico. The plant is accustomed to a mild climate. The bush has sharp thorns that are able to protect in case of a fall. The reason for the disappearance of Enrubio is that the plant is eaten by livestock, which graze where the plant grows.

  Mountain Goldenrod Washita, unfortunately, shared the fate of the above-mentioned representatives of the plant world. Scientists claim that this species germinated more than 25 thousand years ago throughout the planet. To date, it is found only on the border of the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma, because the local climate is able to support the livelihood of Goldenrod. It is from here that the name of the shrub originated, this is the location of the Washito mountain range. At the foot of the Waushita Mountains there is a suitable, humid, cool climate. Now counted about 130 representatives.

  Most botanists believed that this shrub from the mint family became extinct at the beginning of the 21st century. But not so long ago, a sample was revealed that could be whitened in that Stenogin Kanehoana did not completely disappear. Shrub suitable hot climate, the reason for the disappearance was the beneficial property of the root of the plant, it is actively used in medicine. Externally, the plant has dense leaves, on which over time (in an adult plant) fluff appears. Stenoghin is protected in the national park of the island of Oahu, in the Hawaiian Islands in the mountain ridges of the Uoin. This species has every chance of survival, as the scientists managed to grow a plant in captivity.

6. Zelapodium Kovelli (Thelypodium howellii)

  This representative of the fauna, which gave a very strange name, trying to keep in Oregon, in the northeast. There are a total of 5 specimens on Earth that are protected by a local reserve.

According to the data, at the end of the 20th century, the population of Zelaipodium reached 30 thousand populations, but for 10 years a rare bush began to rapidly disappear, the reason for this was mowing the grass. The corresponding measures were taken very late, and the bush does not leave a chance for survival. In the next 7 years, the plant may disappear forever.

Wild Texas rice was given a second name, Zizania Teksana, a flower that has no positive future prospects. If you believe the data of numerous examinations that were carried out in the Center for the Conservation of Flora, Zizania is on the verge of extinction, the cause of which is the reduced water level. This is due to interruptions in the operation of the Spring Lake dam located in the state of Texas near the San Marcos River. There are the most favorable conditions for this shrub.

  Completely - Akalifa viginsi, it can be called the "aborigine" of a small island in Galapagosse. The main factors that influenced the process of extinction of the population of this species are changes in the flower’s habitat and large-scale construction work.

The British Charity Foundation claims that Akalifa needs immediate rescue, as it is at the critical boundary of extinction.

  Another representative of the fauna, which is dying out. Asters Georgia are mainly found in the southeastern United States. The conservation organization Nature Serve claims that this plant used to grow very violently in the form of small bunches, unfortunately, today there are only about 57 representatives. To save the endangered plant, they created an institution that specializes in the preservation and continuation of the species - “Association of Asters of Georgia”.

  An endangered plant of the Lubov family is found exclusively in the US states, but can sometimes be found in the Midwest. The plant is considered the rarest. The Coalition of Endangered Species has determined that at the moment there are only 172 species of this flower in the world, and a few of them are only one hundred copies. This type of orchid is a wetland plant, it sprouts in the hollows of the prairies and ancient glacial indents, which left their traces about 30 thousand years ago. Global warming can be called the main cause of the disappearance of this flower, fires caused no less harm to the population, as well as being eaten by cattle grazed near the orchid's habitat.

Sigillaria  (lat. Sigillariafrom lat. sigillum  “Seal”) - treelike spore-like spruce plants common in the coal and Permian periods. They belong to the class of hemispheric, order lepidodendrovye ( Lepidodendrales). Family Sigillariaceaetypical type Sigillaria  . Sigillaria are governing fossils.

Sigillaria reached 20–25 m in height and up to 1.5 m in thickness. Judging by the structure, sigilarias were characteristic of swampy areas, in which they formed whole forest thickets.

Straight, sometimes only split or branched trunks to the top, densely planted with hard, needle-shaped leaves with a three-sided cross-section pressed to the trunk, resembled a giant broom or a lamp brush. Consisting of concentric rings of different structure, the wood is very weak and friable, surrounded by thick and strong bark.

Due to the weakness of the wood, the trunks of sigilaria found in coal deposits are compressed, flattened, and the wood itself is compressed into a thin plate, and the bark is usually turned into a carbonaceous mass.

The bark has a very characteristic external appearance due to parallel grooves running along it from the root to the top, between which there are steep rows of scars marking the places of attachment of leaves. The scars of two adjacent rows alternate with each other, stand out sharply on the bark and have a variety of outlines that are typical of certain types, resembling a print of a seal, from which the name of these plants originates ( sigillum  - print). The shape of the scars changes with the age of the tree, and also depends on the nature of its preservation.

Charred bark is usually easily divided into layers; on the surface of each layer, the shape of the scars is different, and special decorations are also observed on the inside of the bark adjacent to the wood; These features have long contributed to significant confusion in the systematics of sigilaria, based mainly on the shape of the scars. The peculiar rhizomes of the sigilarias and some other close genera are so sharply distinguished by their external decoration and internal structure from the trunks of the sigilarias that for a long time they were considered completely independent plant forms and were described as stigmaria.

Streboriza  (lat. Streblorrhiza) - monotypic genus of plants of the legume family ( Fabaceae). The only view is Strebloriza is beautiful  (Streblorrhiza speciosa); The plant was found only on Phillip Island (South Pacific, 6 km from Norfolk Island) and disappeared in the middle of the 19th century.

DISAPPEARED FOREVER. "BLACK LIST" OF PLANTS.

According to the World Conservation Union, over the past 500 years, 844 animal and plant species have become extinct. But this “black list” is far from complete. A recent Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 report states that the current extinction of animals is the largest since the extinction of dinosaurs.

The “black list” is a list of those species that have become extinct since 1600. The existence of these species was recorded in the monuments of culture. There is information about the observation of these animals by naturalists or travelers. That is, these species are clearly recorded in the living state. But today we can say that they no longer exist. These types are listed in the "black list".

Extinct plants can be divided into two groups. The first is plants that disappeared during evolution. And the second - plants, in the disappearance of which the person and his economic activity are guilty.

The first group deals with the science of paleobotany. This direction arose in the thirties of the XIX century and developed in parallel with botany and geology.

DISAPPEARED FOREVER (by region):

Kladonia stellate: Kladonia stellate The ground bushy lichen is up to 30 cm tall, but only 2-3 cm of depressed specimens are found in Moscow.
Goodayer creeping - Goodyera repens (L.) R. Br. 0
Star Cladonia - Cladonia stellaris (Opiz) Pouzar & Vezda 0 (Moscow region)

Family Asteraceae
Wormwood Barguzin Artemisia bargusinensis
Family Sedge Cyperaceae
Sword - common grass Cladium mariscus
Family Bean Fabaceae
Astragalus Norwegian Astragalus norvegicus
Watching Lotus praetermissus
Family Plantain Plantaginaceae
Plantain Krasheninnikova Plantago krascheninnikovii
Family Poaceae Cereals
Whose brilliant Achnatherum splendens
Family Nornichnikovye Scrophulariaceae
Veronica nettle-leaf Veronica urticifolia (Bashkortostan)

Blackberry folded, antler deer, mytnik Kaufman (Latvia)

Liparis Lesel - Liparis loeselii, Orchus helm-bearing - Orchis militaris, Primrose Cortusoid - Primula cortusoides (Perm Territory)

Potentilla Volga-Potentilla volgarica Juz, Rosaceae family - Rosaceae - a plant not found anywhere else on the planet. (Saratov region)

Heather ordinary, shrub cherry, feather grass beautiful and Zalessky, onion trellised, black alder. (Omsk region)

The main causes of concern associated with the problem of extinction of species:

1 The disappearance of species as biological entities is an important factor both as a decrease in the wealth of nature, and as a moral issue for those who believe that people are obliged to preserve the natural environment;

2 Destabilization of ecosystems - it becomes well understood when the link of the food chain disappears from the ecosystem;

3 Threat to other species - when one species disappears, very often population changes in the number of secondary species occur. A situation may arise when an ecosystem changes noticeably and irreversibly;

4 Loss of irreplaceable genetic material - each species carries unique genetic material in its DNA and produces unique chemical compounds according to the genetic instructions embedded in them. For example, annual wormwood is a plant that is the only source of artemisinin, a drug that is almost 100 percent effective against malaria. If this plant disappeared, then control of malaria (even today, which is a serious disease) in the poorest regions of the planet would decrease.

"Black Book" or "Black List" is a signal of alarm to all mankind from our planet.

PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT!

The red flower depicted below is rafflesia, or the stinking corpse lily, the largest flower in the world and extremely rare. Growing mainly on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, it blooms only for about six days, reaching 1m in diameter. In addition to the huge size of this flower has a very unusual property - the disgusting smell of rotten meat! However, this smell has its own purpose: it attracts flies, which pollinate the flower.

Recently, a special cultivation technique has been developed, and rafflesia can be saved.

In the UK, meanwhile, a brilliant program was developed, known as the Millennium Seed Bank. Launched in 2000 (hence the name), the program was organized by professional botanists and named "Noah's Ark for Plants." Around the world, in connection with diverse human activities, many plants turn out to be on the verge of extinction. Some types of plants, resulting from the continued evolution of millions of years, have already been irretrievably lost.

But seeds, as far as is known, can be stored for very long. There are even cases when seeds germinated, whose age was calculated in centuries, despite the fact that they were not stored frozen. Therefore, for seeds that scientists plan to store at very low temperatures, the forecast is promising. In 20 years, it is planned to place approximately 20% of all known plants in this bank. This enterprise, valued at millions, was sponsored by industry. Obviously, this is a very valuable investment of capital, if in this way we can provide salvation and the subsequent return to the planet's ecosystem of a huge number of “lost” plants.

Short fact:Wild orchids are particularly vulnerable, the cost of which is very high and which, due to the thoughtless mass gathering, is on the verge of complete disappearance.

Other data:  Many plants are currently threatened due to massive collection, as well as ongoing changes in their natural habitat and exposure to chemicals; It is important to try to preserve rare plants in the places of their natural growth, since many of them die in an artificial environment.

Take care of nature, because without it a person will not live

We publish an interesting review of the rarest plants listed in the Red Book of Russia.

Every day, rare plants are becoming less and less.

Almost always the reason that some representatives of the fauna has become less is a man and the negative fruits of his activities, deforestation, and environmental degradation. The latter is also associated with human activity. People destroy nature, and the nature of the atmosphere and a lot of things vital depend on nature. And even if we now have over 50% of the country’s territory - taiga, this does not mean that we need to cherish coniferous forests, on the contrary - ecology is saved by just such a number of trees, plants, and there will be fewer of them - the surrounding background will noticeably worsen even in comparison with today.

But even those who are not always in deed with absolute respect for the green wealth of the country are perfectly aware of the value of this intangible wealth. But the rest, of course, one of the first national treasures, which are proud of - this is the nature of Russia.

The red book contains sections on animals and plants. The volume devoted to rare representatives of the flora of Russia was republished last time in 2008, the lists are constantly updated, but it is worth considering that the picture is only approximate: it is impossible to determine the number of natural specimens by any method, everything is only approximate, the state of some species cannot be assessed at all.   According to the latest reissue, the Red Book includes 652 plant species and 24 species of fungi.

Each rare or endangered representative of the flora has any of the 6 statuses: Likely extinct species of Russia, Species of Russia with undetermined status, Recovering species of Russia, Disappearing species of Russia, Rare species of Russia, Shrinking species of Russia.

Many regions of Russia have regional Red Books, which contain information about endangered plants and animals.

The largest flora of species (over 11,400 species) in the flora of Russia is the vascular plants.  It includes all higher plants (terrestrial), except for mosses: ferns, horsetails, psilotovy, lymphypids, gymnosperms and angiosperms.

“440 species of angiosperms, 11 species of gymnosperms and 10 species of ferns, that is 4% of the flora, are included in the Red Book. Experts believe that at least 2 to 3 thousand species of vascular plants are in danger of varying degrees of danger. ” .

In addition to the listed plants, some species of lichens, mushrooms, and moss are listed in the Red Book of Russia.

Vascular plants

“The abundance of vascular plant species listed in the Red Book of Russia is quite original. In addition to the highs in the centers of increased biological diversity, where the species come from adjacent territories (Caucasus, mountains of southern Siberia, Primorye, Sakhalin and Kuriles), there are also regional centers that have no analogues in other groups. An increased number of rare plant species is characteristic of the steppe zone (usually 15–30 species), which, of course, is due to its deep anthropogenic transformation. The local maximum exists in Chukotka (11 species) due to the penetration of a number of American species here, as well as on the southern shores of the Gulf of Finland and its islands (27 species), where a significant number of West European plants grow. In the vast expanses of Northern Siberia, rare plant species are unknown. The maximum number of rare plant species is observed in the Prikhankaysky lowland - 66 and at the western tip of the Russian part of the Caucasus - 65 ”(Biofail.ru).

Despite the "medical" name - it is clear to all, the most common, surrounding us from all sides, especially in summer, plants.

Fluuniform - a division of higher spore plants, similar in structure to mosses.

There are only 4 representatives on the list of Piscivorous plants listed in the Red Book of Russia: Hemispheric Asiatic, Hemispheric, Northern Hemisphere, Hemisphere Bristly.

The list of angiosperm plant species listed in the Red Book of Russia contains more than 90 items. Some of the most famous:

Pictured snowdrop flat leaf

A beautiful flower, fully corresponding to the first part of its name, blooms growing out of the snow in spring. It is found in Georgia and North Ossetia.

On photo Volodushka Martyanova   (rare view)

The plant grows predominantly only in Russia, in the Altai, in the Sayan mountains.

In the photo Colchicum cheerful

It occurs mainly in meadows and in the steppes of Ciscaucasia.

In the photo Rhododendron Schlippbach   (population is declining)

Deciduous shrub, one of the most beautiful among similar. In Russia, there are specimens only in the Khasansky district in the south of Primorye on the mountain slopes.

Rhododendron Fori on the photo   (rare view)

In the photo Saffron is beautiful

On photo Lily lantsetolistnaya

In the photo the Tulip dwarf

On photo Magnolia obovate

Flowering plant. In Russia, it meets and feels good on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. In the Botanical Garden of the Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Vladivostok there are 15 magnolia trees, also in the Moscow Region, Voronezh, and St. Petersburg. However, in colder regions it is heavily frosting in winter, heat-loving. Decorative breed, deciduous tree with very beautiful flowers that bloom in May and June.

Nuts Lotus (one of the rarest and most beautiful flowers)

How lotus flowers are blooming in Russia (Vladivostok) in the plot of a local TV Company:

The lotus is found in Russia mainly in the regions adjacent to Asia, in the Far East in the lower reaches of the Amur, in the Ussuri river basins, on the shores of the Caspian and Azov seas. Disappears mainly due to carelessness, for example, the lotus root is considered a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, in connection with which - the flower is often destroyed for eating; near the swamps and on the shores of it are eaten by wild boars, cows.

Pictured Mountain Peony

On the photo Mack East

Pictured Buttercup Sayan.

Despite the prevalence - listed in the Red Book as a rare species. It occurs mainly in Siberia.

On the photo Violet incised   (population is declining)

On a photo the Ginseng ordinary

This is a very useful plant, it is used in medicine, the raw material from ginseng root has powerful immunomodulating, stimulating properties. It grows mainly in the territory of the Russian Federation: in the Far East of Russia - in the south of the Khabarovsk Territory, in the Primorsky Territory.

In the list of fern plants listed in the Red Book of Russia, about 10 plant species, one of the representatives:

On the photo Marsilia Egyptian   (view disappears)

On the photo Juniper high

Symbol of the Crimea.

An evergreen coniferous tree 10–15 meters high, species of the genus Juniper, family Cypress. In general - the symbiosis of juniper, cypress and pine. Lives on average 2 centuries, distributed in the Crimea, Asia Minor, in the Caucasus. Status - endangered view.

In the photo is Olgin larch

It is found in the south of Primorsky Krai, along the coast and along the eastern foothills of the Sikhote-Alin. Relic rock occupies less than 1% of the forest area in which it grows. In the Red Book, under the status is an endangered species.

Lichens

According to the information at the end of 2013 - 29 species of lichens are included in the Red Book. What kind of plants are these and where do they most often grow?Lichens are organisms that combine the features and structure of terrestrial algae, fungi, mosses, and there are about 25 thousand species in the world. Important for soil formation, deer feed on deer in the Far North, insects hide and live in dense vegetation, lichens are necessary to maintain environmental balance, are used in traditional medicine, some of them prepare exquisite dishes, do not survive in “dirty” air, and therefore are indicators of environmental conditions.

“Of the approximately 3,000 species of lichens in Russia, 29 are listed in the Red Book. It should be noted that these materials are far from complete. The lichen flora, the distribution of certain species of them are far from sufficiently studied for the territory of Russia, especially considering their high role in the formation of the Arctic, subarctic and boreal ecosystems. In addition, lichens are very sensitive to external influences, especially air pollution, which makes them especially vulnerable. The same property makes us consider the group as an important indicator of the general state of the natural environment.

The flora of moss in Russia is now estimated at 1370 species, of which 22 are listed in the Red Book of Russia. But the moss flora has been studied even worse than lichens, so these data are indicative in nature ”(Biofile.ru)

On the photo Lobarium pulmonary

On photo Letharia wolf

Mosses

The list of moss-like plants listed in the Red Book of Russia numbers over 60 items.  "Mosses is a department of higher plants, numbering about 10,000 species, combined into approximately 700 genera and 110-120 families." Widely distributed in swampy areas, in coniferous forests. Participate in important natural processes to maintain the balance of the environment of soil, air, water, ecosystems. All plants have their own functions, their place, and without moss there would be no peat, there would be no alternative to the most powerful natural sponge holding a large amount of water, which would negatively affect the state of the landscape as a whole. Some species of mosses are used in medicine for the preparation of drugs. Mosses and lichens on very important roles are involved in soil formation processes.

Alaskan Fossombronia photo (rare species)

On the photo Skapaniya ballonosnaya

Mushrooms

The list of mushrooms listed in the Red Book of Russia has 17 species.  The kingdom of nature, especially the forests of Russia, is impossible without mushrooms. And basically we all sympathize with oil, champignons, mushrooms, boletus, but besides them there are a lot of "unsightly", inedible, moreover - poisonous mushrooms, which for some reason take their place in the world of flora. Fungi - decomposers (collect and process dead remains into inorganic compounds), increase soil fertility, are used for food and medical purposes, and can be harmful (for example, poisoning caused by the use of fungi). There are many inedible mushrooms in the Red Book of Russia (but there are also permitted for consumption), which makes us happy: it means that there are plenty of edible, you just have to get up earlier during the harvest season.

Pictured Amanita pineal

On the photo Sparasis curly (edible)

Pictured white aspen

On liability for violation of the preservation of specimens of plants listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation:

"According to the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (Article 8.35), the destruction of rare and endangered plant species listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation or protected by international treaties, as well as an act (inaction) that could lead to the death of such plants, or getting , the collection, maintenance, purchase, sale or transfer of these plants, their products, parts or derivatives (derivatives) without proper permission or in violation of the conditions provided for permission m, or in violation of another established procedure, entails the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of from one thousand five hundred to two thousand five hundred rubles with confiscation of the tools of obtaining plants, as well as the plants themselves, their products, parts or derivatives, or without it; on officials - from fifteen thousand to twenty thousand rubles with confiscation of the tools of obtaining plants, as well as the plants themselves, their products, parts or derivatives, or without it; for legal entities - from three hundred thousand to five hundred thousand rubles with confiscation of the tools of obtaining plants, as well as the plants themselves, their products, parts or derivatives, or without it ”

If the party is particularly large or the collection of rare plants has led to their complete destruction - there comes criminal liability.

National programs for the preservation of endangered plant species are being implemented in nature reserves, game reserves, national parks, fines and administrative (sometimes criminal) measures are imposed for violating the safety of natural specimens. In total, there are 66 reserves, 103 reserves, 47 national parks in the territory of the Russian Federation.

  The history of science knows many plants that have ceased to exist due to the fault of man. As a result of emissions of industrial waste into the atmosphere, the nature around us is continuously getting poorer. On the slopes of the mountains, where lush forests once grew, in places only bare rocks remained.

Some representatives of the flora continue to struggle, but they are on the verge of extinction - these are Kladofora spherical, Alga naya finest, Yellow water lily, Lilia saranka, Dolomit bell and many others. Human activity leads to devastating consequences, as a result of which the Barguzin wormwood, Norwegian Astragalus, Chii brilliant, Volzchatka Volga, Heather vulgaris, Crawling Goodyera, Plantain Krasheninnikov and other rare species were completely erased from the face of the Earth.

Terrifying stats

According to statistics, about 1 percent of tropical rainforests disappear every year. At the same time, almost 70 species of plants and animals are dying out on the planet every day, which is about 3 species per hour. The tenth part of the zone of greatest biodiversity in the shallow waters of coral reefs has already disappeared, and about 30 percent of it will be destroyed in the coming decades. Mostly corals die due to global climate change, water pollution and warming, uncontrolled catch of reef fish and the death of symbiotic organisms.

Plant protection

Rare plants such as Amur velvet, Tis ordinary, Lotos, Pitsunda pine, Boxwood, as well as many other types of grass, shrubs and trees listed in the Red Book are under strict protection in the Russian Federation. Their protection is extremely important, since the disappearance of the food chain from the ecosystem leads to its complete destabilization.

When one species disappears, population changes in abundance in secondary species occur quite often, which may have irreversible consequences. Each plant produces unique chemical compounds, and also stores in its DNA unique genetic material that disappears without a trace with it. For example, the only source of artemisinin, the most effective drug for malaria, is wormwood. The black book, which contains all the missing plants, is a wake-up signal to humanity from the planet.

The natural conditions of the mountains are significantly different from the plains. In the mountains there is more rarefied air, less vegetation, and moisture is not available everywhere. This causes the characteristic features of mountain animals and plants.

Bighorn sheep - the card of the mountains

This beautiful animal with massive, twisted in a ring horns, lives in the most inaccessible rocky places. They feed on the sparse vegetation of the mountains, cereals and lichens, and sometimes - and dried grass. Often, sheep eat old dry fungi, in which insect larvae breed - this helps them to meet the need for protein. By the way, despite the impressive horns, the researchers have not seen a single battle between the male sheep.

Edelweiss - a beautiful mountain plant

The delicate edelweiss flower has become the central character of many legends, where it symbolizes courage, eternal love and luck. Edelweiss flowers are found in the highlands of Europe and Asia. The surface of the flower is covered with tiny villi that protect the plant from the scorching mountain sun and prevent excessive evaporation of moisture. Previously, it was almost impossible to get edelweiss, but now these beautiful flowers are successfully grown on alpine hills in country houses.

The popularity of edelweiss is so high that many enterprises, restaurants and residential complexes are named after him.

Irbis is a big mountain cat

The irbis, or snow leopard, is a feline predator. Irbis is found in the mountains of central Asia. The beautiful thick skin of the leopard with long fur and leopard spots on a smoky background made the animal a popular object of hunting. As a result, the number of irbis has sharply decreased, and now the beast is listed in the Red Book. The leopard rarely makes contact with people and lives in solitude, so his behavior and habits are still poorly understood.

Blue Spruce - Highland Tree

Blue spruces, often appearing in large parks and squares by the administration, live quite high in their natural environment. These trees grow in the mountain valleys of North America and often reach the mark of 3000 meters above sea level. Soft blue needles were eaten by the discoveries, and they wanted to grow this beauty on the plain. However, the hotter climate of the surface adversely affected the seedlings. The solution was found by the Soviet scientist I. Kovtunenko. He grew spruce in a substrate of spruce and pine cones. This method quickly spread throughout the country and brought the Stalin Prize to a biologist.

One of the first blue firs appeared in Russia is the trees near the Kremlin wall.

Yak - Tibetan pack animal

In the highlands of Tibet, yaks replace cows. These strong massive animals are used for the transport of goods, as well as being raised for meat. Tibetans drink yak's milk and weave cloth from thick shaggy wool. Also, these animals were popular among the nomads of the mountainous places of India, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Nepal, China. Wild yaks are not adapted for living alongside people, therefore their livestock is steadily declining. But domestic yaks remain - they are smaller and quieter.

The ecological system is an unstable phenomenon: the species of living organisms are constantly changing, appearing and disappearing for many different reasons. But since the appearance of man on Earth, another reason has been added to these reasons — human activity. She caused the disappearance of dozens of different types of animals.

Study of extinct animals

It is impossible to say exactly how many species disappeared from the face of the planet through the fault of man. Representatives of the human race occupied a dominant place in nature for several tens of thousands of years ago, in prehistoric times, and scientists cannot say which species could have suffered from their activities at that time. One can more or less accurately judge the influence of man on the state of the ecological system since 1500: approximately from this time one can speak about the authenticity of the existence of certain organisms that have already become extinct, since the observations of natural scientists are preserved. According to research, the list of extinct animals since the beginning of the XVI century is 884 species, of which several dozen have ceased to exist due to the fault of man.

Extinct species of animals

In 1741, the zoologist Steller discovered a new species of sea animal - the sea cow from the siren squad, which was later named Steller's in his honor. Only thirty years after this event, these large mammals remained to live: in 1768 they were destroyed for the sake of nutritious and tasty meat.

Dodo - one of the most famous extinct creatures on the planet. These flightless birds lived on the island of Mauritius and have not met anywhere else (perhaps even on the nearby islands of Renon and Rodriguez). In 1598, Dutch navigators saw these animals as the first European. They began to explore the island, naturalists at this time were studying the structure and behavior of large birds, so there remained a lot of evidence of the existence of the dodo or Dodo, as the colonists called them. But the arrival of Europeans was the cause of the rapid disappearance of the species: cats, dogs and other animals, who arrived along with people on the island, began to destroy nests. People also did not lag behind: the meat of the birds was delicious, and the hunt was not a big deal - the dodos could not fly and did not resist. In 1761, the effects of a representative of this species died.

The man had a hand in the disappearance of the African species of zebras - quagga. This animal was tamed and used to protect herds. Their skins were considered valuable, and wild representatives of the species were killed for profit. In 1878, the last wild quagga was killed, and the last tamed animal of this species died in the zoo in 1883.

The aborigines of New Zealand gradually destroyed the gigantic birds of Moa, which resembled ostriches and weighed several hundred kilograms. This happened before the year 1500, but a lot of evidence remained of the Elephant bird, as the locals called it. There is also evidence that they were noticed in the XIX century. But today the species is considered extinct.

The man also destroyed species such as the Falkland fox, the Tasmanian marsupial wolf, the Chinese river dolphin (presumably extinct), the wingless auk, the wandering dove.

The climate of the northern latitudes does not allow nature to experiment with plants, and therefore the inhabitants of the tropics sometimes amaze with their size. On the Mediterranean coast, for example, Dracunculus is often found - its flower is up to half a meter in diameter. The bulb, from which a fast-growing pedicle is up to a meter high in spring, is also very large. On the stem is a pair of carved leaves, shaped like deer horns. Then a huge bud appears, growing day by day, but at the moment of discovery it may disappoint lovers of the beautiful. The dracunculus is pollinated by beetle bugs, and it attracts them with the smell of rotten meat. Therefore, often the plant is planted not in front of the windows and not in the recreation area, but at a distance - thus you can admire its magnificence without suffering from the aroma. This flower grows in Crete, in Greece, in Turkey and in the Balkans. At home, not popular and is considered a weed. The plant is thermophilic, loves sunny places, but it can tolerate frosts down to -5 without harm.

Eucalyptus mostly grow in Australia, being food for koalas. But besides this, the well-known eucalyptus on the Philippine island of Mindanao grew rainbow eucalyptus, which was later brought to South Florida. The cool climate of the inhabitants of the tropics is not too well suited, and up to 70 meters, as in its homeland, it does not grow, but its bark is still painted in all the colors of the rainbow. The bark and leaves of the tree renew throughout the year, and the young bark has a bright green color. Aging and darkening, it takes on shades of purple, blue, burgundy, orange. Alternating on the trunk, layers of multicolored bark resemble the artist's palette. His photos are often taken for the works of artists. The plant is grown for decorative purposes, although the useful qualities of this tree a lot. Pests do not damage these trees, and they barely get sick, and eucalyptus wood has a uniform, quite ordinary color, despite the variegated wrapper.

Rich grass

Representatives of this type of perennial herbs in varying degrees contain in their leaves:
- mucus-forming substances (approximately 44%);
- proteins;
- fatty oils;
- tannins;
- organic acids;
- saponins;
- carbohydrates;
- vitamin C;
- carotenoids;
- alkaloids;
- Chlorophyll and choline;
- phytoncides and polysaccharides;
- flavonoids.
This is just a small list of the main chemical components. The mineral series is represented by magnesium, calcium, potassium, boron, bromine, barium and copper.

Medicine underfoot

The most pronounced medicinal properties of plantain are large, flea and Indian. In pharmacology use leaves, roots, seeds. Plantain extract is part of many cosmetics.

The medicinal properties of the plantain are known even to children - to a fresh abrasion, cut, bruise, insect bite (bees, wasps, spiders) or to the broken nose, it is enough to attach the plantain leaf and after a few minutes you can forget about the problem.

In addition to anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties, infusions and decoctions of plantain leaves have an enveloping, powerful expectorant and tonic effect, perfectly reduce pressure and successfully heal wounds of different etymologies (eczema, erysipelas, snake bites); shown in various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (colitis, ulcers, gastritis, catarrh, flatulence, etc.), the oral cavity and eyes.

Infusion of seeds also has an expectorant, enveloping, penetrating effect. It is taken for diabetes and infertility in men and women (associated with low hormonal levels).

Plantain juice is able to suppress pathogenic microflora (Pseudomuscular and Staphylococcus sticks), is indicated for disorders in the gastrointestinal tract and for the restoration of the cornea, has proven itself in the treatment of toxicosis. Alcohol-preserved, it is especially effective in treating tuberculosis and whooping cough.

Contraindications are increased acidity, low blood clotting, individual intolerance. Prolonged use of drugs can lead to the same effects.

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Today, new technologies are constantly being created in the world, cities, factories, and houses are being built. To do this, use materials that gives nature. Many animals and plants in the struggle for life lose to man. The consequence of this is the extinction of some of their varieties. If you do not create protection for them, they can disappear altogether, like some extinct species of plants and animals.

Vanished plants

Extinct plant species are divided into two groups:

• those who disappeared during the revolution;
• those who are affected by the disappearance of man.

Because of people, many plants have disappeared, various sources say this. Nature gradually gets poorer, as industrial waste is released into the atmosphere. Many of the mountain slopes deprived lush forests of humanity.

There are rare and endangered plant species that still continue to fight for life. Vivid examples are:

• yellow water lily;
• dolomite bell;
• kladofora spherical;
• lily Saranka and others.

The activities of people influenced nature is not the best way. At the moment, you can list such extinct plant species:

• barguzin wormwood;
• whose brilliant;
• norwegian Astragalus;
• plantain Krasheninnikov;
• lapchatka Volga;
• creeping creepers;
• common heather and other plants.

Statistics

Extinct plant species are counted every year. Statistics show that annually 1% of tropical rainforests disappear, about 70 species of animals and plants are dying out. 10% of the biological diversity in the shallow water, namely coral reefs, has disappeared. It is estimated that another 30% will disappear in the next ten years. There are such changes due to the fact that the climate has greatly changed, the waters are polluted, they catch a large number of reef fish.

Plant protection

Endangered plant species in Russia are under strict protection. These include:

• amur velvet;
• boxwood;
• yew ordinary;
• pizza trees;
• lotus and other types of shrubs, trees, herbs that are in the Red Book.

If you do not create proper protection of these plants, then in the future this will lead to complete destabilization. Indeed, in the ecosystem there is a food chain.

It was observed that as a result of the disappearance of a certain species, the number and other inhabitants of nature also change. Each plant carries a specific DNA molecule. If it disappears, the genetic material will also disappear irreversibly with it. For example, only able to cure malaria, as it contains artemisinin in the composition, which was not observed in any other plant.

Reasons for concern

Endangered species of animals and plants should be known to everyone. There are certain reasons for this:

1. Biological entities disappear, which reduces the richness of nature.
2. Destabilization of ecosystems. In nature, everything is interconnected, so the extinction of one species destroys the whole chain.
3. Other species are at risk of extinction. After the disappearance of a certain species, other plants and animals can reduce their numbers. From this changing ecosystem.
4. Lost unique genetic material.

List of some endangered species

There are such endangered species of plants of the Red Book, which need protection:

1. Lily is crispy. This is a graceful plant that is able to please yourself for several years in a row. Flowers appear in the summer. They are pink with purple stamens. The leaves are very original, speckled.
2. Strodia belong to the orchid species. It is in danger, as it may soon be added to the list of “Extinct Plant Species”. Photos can be viewed in different sources, each of them depicts a tall, grassy perennial up to 1 meter long. The plant has no leaves, but pleases with flowers gathered in a brush. In the fall it gives fruit with seeds.
3. Japanese bearded coat. The plant is able to grow by 20-40 cm in height.
4. Lunik is coming to life.
5. Thyphoid nymphoid flower. It belongs to the rotational family. The plant has oval leaves, floating in the swamp.
6. Pygmy Euonymus. It is a beautiful shrub that constantly pleases with its green leaves.
7. Vasilek Taliyev. It has amazing pinnatie leaves that adorn baskets of cream colored inflorescences.
8. Ginseng. It is considered a true miracle of nature.
9. May lily of the valley. The flower, which is loved by many, is on the verge of extinction.
10. Astrantia is big. The plant lives for several years. It is very high, grows up to 70 cm.
11.   Belongs to the family Peony, pleases the eye with its flowers shade of raspberry.
12. Helm-bearing orchid.
13. White water lily. It is a very beautiful plant.

Red Book

All endangered species of plants of the Red Book were grouped into sections and categories depending on their status and degree of protection. There are five of them:

1. The first category included the species that are subject to extinction. If people do not apply protection measures, then it will be impossible to save them. These include: big horsetail, royal fern, white fir, primrose tall, boron willow, lady's slipper.
2. The second category. Here are recorded plants that have a high population, but it is rapidly decreasing. From this can disappear a number of plants. These include: baranets ordinary, bear bow, lake hemisphere, European swimsuit,
3. The third category attributed those plant species that grow in limited areas. They have a small amount. They are not threatened with extinction. This list includes: water fern, rhododendron yellow, small bean, Siberian lashes, forest anemone, ivy, water chestnut, dwarf birch.
4. Fourth category. It describes plants that are poorly understood, but their numbers are small. They are: a wispy lily, magenta violet, and a hogweed.
5. The fifth category includes species that have undergone restoration. This was facilitated by special security measures. But among plants there are very few such species.

Some species requiring special attention

There are some rare plants that require human attention and protection. One of these is Arizona agave, the number of plants is rapidly decreasing. Some species grow in the Arizona National Forest.

It should be noted that Enrubio bush is close to extinction. This is due to the fact that it is eaten by many animals. But the number of these plants is not as deplorable as the western steppe orchid. She is on the verge of extinction. Now it grows only in 5 states of the USA, mainly in wetland conditions. Due to global warming, grazing animals, the plant gradually disappears from the face of the earth.

findings

Disappearing species of animals and plants are replenished with new ones every year. If a person does not take action, it will lead to destabilization in the ecosystem. As a result of the extinction of some species, others will die, since in nature there is a chain of life, everything is interconnected.

In the future, the extinction of species can lead to a big catastrophe all over the world. Therefore, it is required to create proper protection for all plants and animals, but to pay special attention to rare species. After all, their existence depends on humanity. Every person should think about it and

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