Iskaten Range, Chukotka, Russia.

Chukotka, part 7: Mountains

Mountain ranges cover most of Chukotka. Although the highest peaks only reach 1200-1800 m (4000-6000'), these extensive, frigid highlands have little vegetation except in lower parts f the slopes, and are seldom visited by people.

On the summit of Dionisia Mt.

Primula (Primula cuneifolia), Dionisia Mt.

The foothills, however, are full of life. Wildflower blooms here are among the best in the Arctic, and there's a lot of wildlife.

Ledge stonecrop (Rhodiola integrifolia), Dionisia Mt.

Foothills of Iskaten Range near Egvenkinot.

Snow arnica (Arnica frigida), Iskaten Range.

Winter storms fill valleys with deep snow that takes a long time to melt, so summer doesn't come here until July.

Northern arnica (A. latifolia), Iskaten Range.

Iskaten Range.

Great knot (Calidris tenuirostris) chick, Iultin.

Plants and animals of the mountains are different from lowland tundras, although most montane species sometimes descend to dry, rocky habitats near the sea level. Rock ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) replaces willow ptarmigan (L. lagopus) at higher elevations, but there's a lot of overlap. A few waders, such as great knot (left), and silver voles (Alticola macrotis) prefer mountains to valleys.

Rock ptarmigan chick, Ichuveem Range.

Highlands of Golden Ridge (left) and Dionisia Mt.

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) nest, Dionisia Mt.

Endless talus slopes and rocky outcrops above 500 m also have some wildlife, but it is very difficult to find.

Peregrine falcon chicks, Dionisia Mt.

Snow sheep (Ovis nivicola), Iskaten Range.

Snow sheep, Iskaten Range.

The rarest creatures of high mountains are the snow sheep. They inhabit remote ridges and cliffs, but sometimes descend to Alpine meadows. Only a few hundred are left on Chukotka.

Snow sheep, Iskaten Range.

Golden Ridge.

Brown bear (Ursus arctos), Iskaten Range.

Chukotka is one of the few places in Russia where brown bear numbers haven't been severely depleted by poaching for gall bladder and trophy hunting.

Brown bear tracks, Belyaka Spit.

Brown bears, Iskaten Range.

Brown bear, Iskaten Range.

In summer, they prefer foothills near snow fields and coastal spits. Most are very light- colored.

Brown bear, Iskaten Range.

Mountain lake, Iskaten Range.

Mountain lake, Iskaten Range.

Hundreds of beautiful lakes are hidden in the mountains. Some have endemic fish species and even genera.

Iskaten Range.

View from Golden Range, Chukotka, Russia.

Part 8. Mountains (continued)

Back to Part 6