Ministerial Decree No. 158 of 1996

The Government decrees as follows: 1).To establish that the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources is authorized to keep up Red Book on the basis of periodically updated data on state and proliferation of rare and endangered species (subspecies, populations) of wildlife species and growing wild plants and mushrooms (biodiversity), living (growing) on the territory of the Russian Federation, on its continental shelf and its Exclusive Economic Zone. Red Book is the official document containing codified data regarding the above-mentioned species, as well as the necessary measures for their protection and reproduction. 2).Wildlife and plant species recorded in the Red Book are under special protection. Removal of wildlife and plant species recorded in the Red Book from their natural habitat is authorized only in exceptional cases in accordance with the modalities established by the Russian Legislation. 3). To authorize the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Federal Fisheries Committee, the Federal Forest Service, Regional Executive Bodies and the Russian Academy of Sciences to make decisions concerning recording in Red Book or cancellation of wildlife and plant species as well as to determine the modalities and measures for their protection. 4). To establish that printing of Red Book must be carried out not less than once in 10 years.