Birds and small animals of the taiga
Most of the birds that live in the taiga migrate south during the winter, while two species (the European red crossbill and the white-winged crossbill) have adapted to resist this season, feeding on one of the most abundant and nourishing products of this biome: conifer seeds (pine kernels). Pine kernels are enclosed within strong woody cones and can only be pulled out by skilfully using the crossbills’ adapted beak: the European red crossbill (Scandinavia and Russian Confederation) and its American counterpart, the white-winged crossbill, have beaks that criss-cross at the tip, which are therefore extremely useful to pull out conifer kernels. Other common animals are ants, wood wasps, xylophagous beetles (i.e. that feed on wood) and flies. Specially harmful for some trees are some species of butterfly larvae, commonly known as processionary moths.
Special reports
-
29 May 2017
The universe of Primo Levi
Primo Levi was not only a writer, but also a chemist, linguist and artisan...
6 February 2017
Robotics: environmental monitoring and more
More than 830 events were organised in 30 countries during the European Robotics Week (18-27 November)
-
22 September 2015
An artificial paradise under the sea
Artificial reefs are submerged man-made structures fostering marine biodiversity...
10 February 2014
Coral turns pale!
The coral reef is one of the ecosystems with the richest biodiversity...
29 April 2013
Intruders in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea has always been considered of fundamental importance...
-
1 August 2012
Holidays, yes! but they must be sustainable!
Lately we have been speaking of sustainable behaviours to apply to our daily life...
-
29 May 2017
The universe of Primo Levi
Primo Levi was not only a writer, but also a chemist, linguist and artisan...
6 February 2017
Robotics: environmental monitoring and more
More than 830 events were organised in 30 countries during the European Robotics Week (18-27 November)
-
22 September 2015
An artificial paradise under the sea
Artificial reefs are submerged man-made structures fostering marine biodiversity...
-
10 February 2014
Coral turns pale!
The coral reef is one of the ecosystems with the richest biodiversity...
29 April 2013
Intruders in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea has always been considered of fundamental importance...
-
29 May 2017
The universe of Primo Levi
Primo Levi was not only a writer, but also a chemist, linguist and artisan...
-
6 February 2017
Robotics: environmental monitoring and more
More than 830 events were organised in 30 countries during the European Robotics Week (18-27 November)
From the Multimedia section
Facts
-
From game “preserves” to natural reserves
In the old times, parks were set up as game "preserves"...
-
16 May 2011
From game “preserves” to natural reserves
In the old times, parks were set up as game "preserves"...
17 May 2011
Myths and legends of the forest
The dark and mysterious shadows of the forest are populated by...