In previous materials, we have talked about the nature of the Republic of Tyva and admired its majestic mountains, steppes, and lakes, which attract travelers from all over the world. Today, we invite you to embark on an exciting journey through these places and discover the amazing plants and animals that inhabit this protected land in the heart of Siberia.

Without exaggeration, the forest is the main wealth of the republic. It covers a colossal area of more than 8 million hectares, forming the lungs of the region and serving as a home for countless species. The forest is dominated by mighty coniferous giants, such as the light-loving larch, the majestic Siberian cedar, pine, and spruce. Deciduous species, such as poplar and aspen, add to the landscape, creating a unique and beautiful environment.

The flora of Tuva is not just an endless taiga, but a complex mosaic of different altitude zones, each with its own unique character and species composition. The region's flora is incredibly rich, with over 2,070 species of vascular plants.

The high-altitude zone is striking for its harsh and diverse vegetation. Here, where the air is thin and the climate is cold, you can find:

• • shrubby thickets (erniks) – low-growing, creeping forms of willows and dwarf birches that have adapted to strong winds;
• • cold high-altitude steppes and mountain tundras, where only the most resilient species of mosses, lichens, and low-growing grasses survive;
• • Goltsy are peaks that are almost devoid of vegetation, a realm of stone and eternal cold;
• • bright mountain meadows that burst into color in the summer with alpine The mountain-taiga belt covers the middle mountains. The forests here, like real giants, climb the slopes of the Sayan Mountains. The main tree species are cedar and larch. Under their dense crowns, there is a thick ground cover of mosses, ferns, berry bushes, and shade-tolerant herbs.

The forest-steppe belt has a mosaic character. Sunny areas of steppes, dominated by grass-and-forb, shrub, and rocky communities, alternate with forest islands, which are represented by larch and birch-larch plantations. Meadow vegetation is mainly concentrated in river valleys and on the shores of numerous lakes, forming green oases among the mountains and steppes.

The flora of Tuva is not only beautiful, but also very vulnerable. 174 species of vascular plants in the Republic of Tuva are listed in the local Red Book. Among them are unique and beautiful representatives of the flora, such as the Altai onion, calamus, Dagan grouse, and Mongolian cotoneaster. These species are the living heritage of Tuva, and their preservation is of utmost importance.

The fauna of Tuva is as diverse as its landscapes. According to the latest data, the republic is home to 86 species of mammals, about 364 species of birds, 9 species of reptiles, and up to 40 species and subspecies of fish.

In the remote taiga, you can find classic Siberian animals such as brown bears, lynxes, wolverines, wolves, moose, sables, and marals. The region is also home to roe deer, and the Siberian mountain goat (Capra ibex) is a master of its craft on the steep cliffs. In addition to valuable fish species (grayling, ленок, and taimen), the rivers and lakes are home to otters. The world of taiga birds is filled with sounds, including the mumbling of the grouse, the calls of grouse and hazel grouse, the tapping of woodpeckers, and the cries of the pine grosbeak.

In the dry and sunny steppes, especially in the unique Uvs Nuur Basin, you can find the swift dzoeren, the miniature Daurian pika, the Tolai hare, the eared hedgehog, the jerboa, and the Mongolian gerbil. Among the reptiles, there are various lizards, such as the agile round-headed whirligig lizard. The predators include the corsac fox and the wolf, while the rare and cautious manul hides in the grass. The bird community of the steppes is represented by quails, rooks, crows, magpies, and jackdaws. However, the true treasure of these places is the red-listed bustard, or wild chicken.

The highlands are home to some of the rarest and most resilient species. In addition to the leopard, the region is also home to majestic mountain sheep (argali) and mountain goats. The skies are filled with the presence of the golden eagle, the osprey, the falcon, and the red-listed gyrfalcon.

The water bodies of Tuva are rich in life. There are about 20 species of commercial fish: lenok, taimen, grayling, pike, ide, perch, whitefish, and the relict sterlet. The Central Asian rivers of the Uvs-Naryn basin are considered unique.

The richness of the fauna also imposes a huge responsibility. 89 species of animals of the Republic of Tyva are protected and listed in the local Red Book. Among them are the main symbols of the region, the snow leopard, the curly–haired pelican, the otter, the bustard and many others.

That's how Tyva is – diverse and unique! Would you like to see this beauty with your own eyes?