Eleven animal species in Russia are “probably extinct”, says the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
In the statement released on Thursday, 2nd August, the Ministry wrote: “Nine species and subspecies of animals have disappeared from the territory of Russia in the last 400 years alone, including the tura, the steppe tarpan, and the Morus cow.
“Another 11 objects of the living world, according to the results of the latest inventory, are classified as rare 0, that is, probably disappeared.
“Among the extinct species are the population of the Atlantic sturgeon in the Black Sea basin, the native population of the Baltic sturgeon, the red-legged ibis, the black-bellied capercaillie, Yankovsky’s bunting, monk seal, kulan, Przhevalsky’s horse and others.”
Onager (Equus hemionus), one of the 11 species of animals that are recognized as probably extinct by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia on 2nd September 2021. 
Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii), one of the 11 species of animals that are recognized as probably extinct by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia on 2nd September 2021.
The Ministry’s statement appeared to blame “development of industry, the growth of cities and environmental pollution” for the species’ presumed disappearance.
Rare species in Russia are listed in its ‘Red Data Book’, meaning legislative measures will be introduced and “significant” funding allocated to try to guarantee their continued existence.
The first edition of the Red Data Book was published in 1983, with plants being listed alongside animals in the book for the first time in 1988.
Despite efforts to conserve the species in the book, it is constantly growing, despite around 240 million hectares (593 million acres) – some 13 per cent of Russian territory – being demarcated as protected areas.
The Ministry hopes the development of ecological tourism will help to reverse the tide.
Jankowski’s bunting (Emberiza jankowskii), one of the 11 species of animals that are recognized as probably extinct by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia on 2nd September 2021. 
Monk seal, one of the 11 species of animals that are recognized as probably extinct by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia on 2nd September 2021.
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Story By: William McGee, Sub-Editor: James King, Agency: Newsflash
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