Peter the Great Gulf

Russky Island maintains natural populations of eastern roe deer, red fox (V. vulpes) and Siberian weasel.

It is also home to several reptile species, including some venomous snakes, notably the Central Asian pit viper (Gloydius intermedius) and Ussuri mamushi (G. ussuriensis), as well as the Japanese keelback (Hebius vibakari) and the steppe ratsnake (Elaphe dione).

[3][4][5] The gulf's coastline is also frequented by spotted seals (Phoca larga) and Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus).

Russia founded the outpost of Vladivostok in June 1860, and acquired the entire Maritime Province (the present-day Primorsky Krai) under the provisions of the Treaty of Beijing in November 1860.

Hostilities broke out around Peter the Great Gulf when the Russians tried to shut off gold-mining operations and to expel 1000 Chinese workers who were employed near Vladivostok.