December 29, 2022

Fields of Poison


Fields of Poison
Dead crane in a field in Stavropol. Investigative Committee of The Russian Federation for the Stavropol Krai.

Thousands of common cranes and other animals have been found poisoned with illegal pesticides in Stavropol Krai, Kommersant reported on December 23.

In November, social media posts began to appear showing masses of dead birds and other animals scattered across fields in Stavropol. Some of the subspecies of dead cranes documented are on the Red List of Endangered Species. In the wake of the posts, 43,000 persons have signed a petition demanding an end to the killing. 

Investigators found that the birds ingested grain infused with zinc phosphide, a banned chemical used as a rodenticide on agricultural land. The substance's destructive potential on the agricultural systems and land is concerning. The inspections identified 12 agro producers as possible culprits. Officials have drawn up protocols against them for "improper handling of pesticides and agrochemicals."

Whether these will turn into prosecutions remains to be seen.

 

You Might Also Like

Not in the Job Description
  • December 13, 2022

Not in the Job Description

The director of a nature reserve near Novosibirsk has been arrested for illegally hunting inside his park.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955