A lake in the Primorye region containing an endangered species of lotus flower has dried up.
The Solenaya Pad reserve was home to the Komarov Lotus Flower, which is featured on the international red-list of critically endangered species. Many other rare and protected species shared this unique ecosystem.
The lake was bought by businessmen in 2008 and locals hold them responsible for its demise.
Environmentalists flagged the danger early last year, and in December the lake became state property. But by then it was already too late.