An updated edition of the Red Book was presented in Belarus

An updated edition of the Red Book has been presented in Belarus. It was first published in 1981, and now it is reissued and supplemented every 10 years. The new edition includes 23 species of wild animals and 32 species of plants. In total, 213 representatives of fauna and 310 of flora are under protection in the country.

The capricious and harsh Redwing is a northern species rare for southern Belarus. It is not among the protected species but requires special attention. The same cannot be said for its relative, the Song Thrush. They look similar, but the Song Thrush is widespread and found in various types of forests: coniferous and deciduous.

The list of rare bird species in the new edition has been expanded. It includes two species: the European Turtle Dove and the Boreal Owl. The Boreal Owl was previously included in the Red Book but was excluded due to a temporary increase in its population. However, in recent years, amid environmental changes, including windfalls and bark beetle infestations, this species has practically disappeared and has been re-added to the list.

Scientists from the National Academy of Sciences conduct field research: they count migratory birds, study their aggregation sites, and carry out banding. The criteria for including a species in the Red Book are strict: population decline, the need for international protection, and habitat vulnerability.

International cooperation is crucial for preserving natural diversity.