INTRODUCTION :

Taxonomic status - with an indication of belonging to definite class, order and family. Genus - latin genus` name with an indication of the author and the description`s year as well as the russian name. Species - latin and scientific name with an indication of the author and the description`s year as well as the common  name and synonyms. Species' characteristic - the basic distinctive species` features and what is more for each species of animal an illustration or photo is given. Then the brief systematic part follows, in which the basic characteristic species` features are presented with the indication of main subspecies and ecological forms. Sometimes explanations about others standpoints on the structure of the present species and subspecies are given.

Distribution - the skeleton map and verbal description of species` spreading in the world, in Russia and contiguous territories. Natural habitat, lost habitat`s part and new habitat as the result of introduction are represented by various graphical symbols. Maximum size, mass - known maximum sizes and mass limit of some juvenile animals are given.

Way of living - the basic facts on species` biology are briefly introdused: habitats, nutrition, development, maturing and reproduction. Species` status - trade species` value and its inclusion to The Red Books of the Russian Federation and ICNP. Certain attention is focused on animal`s species which are included to "The Red Book of the Russian Federation".