Extinct reptile with 'toothy grin' found by fishermen as they rafted in remote area of the Yamal peninsula.

Novosibirsk is Russia's third city after Moscow and St Petersburg, and the largest in Siberia with a population of 1.47 million. An educational, scientific, cultural and entertainment centre, it also has significant industry. 

Hotel choice and standards in Novosibirsk are dramatically improving for business and budget travellers alike. The Doubletree by Hilton, opened in 2011, a pioneering new-build Western chain hotel in Siberia, offers all you would expect, with fabulous top floor gym, pool, and sauna facilities. 

Hugely improved is the Azimut Hotel Sibir and the River Park Hotel, close to a remarkable winter ice park. If you prefer the more intimate atmosphere of a boutique hotel, try either the Garden Apple Hotel or the Boutique Hotel Nord Castle.

Whether you're here for work, or a quick respite from crossing Siberia by train, Novosibirsk has a wide selection of places to stay, eat, drink and relax.

Divers brave minus 45C to place a 'New Year Tree' beneath the ice on bed of the mighty Lena River.

The swollen Amur River reached a depth of 910 cm near Komsomolsk-on-Amur on Sunday, with fears it could hit 940cm. 

Quadcopter makes monitoring bear population easier in Kuznetsk Alatau Nature Reserve.

Mysterious 'lakes of black oily liquid' found near Nizhnevartovsk.

Trendy Muscovites stay cool in fashionable ice terrace at the Reka restaurant with views of the Moscow River.

100-year-old woman among the hundreds who party the night away on the banks of a Yakutia river as temperatures fall to -43C.

Falling in love with a city starts with finding a place where you feel at home.