'Influential businessman' Evgeniy Romanov, 52, avoids jail, despite a host of other 'trophies'.

Animal charity WWF Russia in plea for help to prevent repeat of 1980s winter crisis that killed 90% of species in the region.

More than a dozen animals killed by self-appointed executioner and dumped by a river near lakeside town.

The hungry feline terrorised a village snatching and eating guard dogs in Aleksey-Nikolskoye, even forcing scared children to miss classes.

Earlier reports suggested organised gangs seek to sell gyrfalcons on the black market for as much as $50,000 each. 

Separately, 18 frozen bear paws hidden in coal cargo train nabbed by customs.

Foreigners should be invited to pay $10,000 per animal in novel way to fund cull needed to save reindeer and horses.

Skin and skull of rare animal was hidden in the suspect's car.

Amur leopards now number more than 100 for first time in decades, say experts.

Unraveling the truth about a mysterious maritime disaster off the Kuril Islands in which at least 16 are feared dead.