All chapters:

Introduction

Climate

Waters and water management

Ecosystems and ecoregions

Species diversity and use of biological resources

Nature conservation: econet and protected areas

Countries & cultures

Economy

Land use

International policy

The rare Siberian Spruce Grouse (Dendragapus falcipennis) inhabits dense taiga forests in eastern Siberia and could well become an important symbol for protection of old growth boreal forests in the Russian Far East. This non-migratory species nests in remote fir and deciduous forests, preferring to remain near swamps and other areas with abundant berry bushes.  The males put on remarkable displays during the mating season in spring, fanning their tails, stretching their necks, and hopping up and down while singing their howling song.
The habitat and range of the Siberian spruce grouse is shrinking rapidly due to human pressures.  In the Russian Far East, the bird is found in fragmented patches in Khabarovsky Province, and northern parts of Primorsky and Amurskaya Provinces.  Numbers of spruce grouse are low throughout its range.  However, the species is relatively common in remote and inaccessible areas of the Amur-Heilong basin, particularly in the upper reaches of the Selemdzha, Bureya, and Amgun Rivers and along the Okhotsk Sea coast. 
The main reasons for the decline of the Siberian spruce grouse are logging in virgin dark conifer forests, forest fires, and illegal hunting, since the birds are easily approached and are unafraid of people. 
Conservation of Siberian spruce grouse could be organized around a revival of legends in cultures of native peoples of the Russian Far East.  The species could well be an indicator of the integrity of old growth boreal forests.  This could yield far-reaching impacts similar to those associated with conserving the northern spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.