In this installment of the Wildlife Tour series, we will be trekking north to Lake Baikal in Siberia, the deepest and largest lake in the world (by volume)! This beautiful, icy world is home to so many different creatures that it has even been called "the Galapagos of Russia".

Topics covered include (minor changes may occur based on student interest):
1) The geography and ecology of Lake Baikal
2) Characteristics of the water - hydrothermal vents, high dissolved oxygen levels, ice bubbles
3) Case studies on several local species including nerpa seals, Eurasian wolves, Siberian musk deer, Baikal omuls (whitefish), and several types of aquatic invertebrates
4) Conservation threats - poaching, pollution, and development

If time allows, we will discuss the mythical lake monster Lusud-Khan (the Water Dragon Master)! 

This class will be an interactive lecture using slides, photos, and videos, as well as discussions throughout the class.