Reindeer in northern Russia

• Russia

• Rangifer tarandus - Reindeer

Fauna and flora of the Arctic are under increasing pressure from industrial developments and global warming. This applies in particular to the charismatic mega-fauna of the region, such as wild reindeer and polar bear. The disappearance of these species would not only be a major biological, but also economic and cultural loss, in particular for the local and indigenous people of the Arctic.

Yamalo-Nenetsky National Okrug

One of these populations, the Nadym - Pur River population, is under heavy pressure. It is suffering from the impact of the gas industry since 1960-s, which has lead to a fast decline of the population. There are multiple causes for this ecological disaster: exploitation of gas fields, geological investigations, construction and operation of pumping stations and pipelines. Additional pressure is being built up by the construction of a new pipeline, which will be linked to the Baltic Pipeline and deliver gas to Germany, the Netherlands, and UK.

Wild reindeer compete with domestic reindeer. Since 1991 Nenets people have been involved in market economy and increased the number of domestic reindeer almost two-fold. The carrying capacity of pastures has been already exceeded and an ecological disaster is approaching.

Russian oil- and gas companies provide a significant amount of money for nature conservation. However, contributions to wild reindeer conservation are insufficient. Lack of knowledge on home range structure, critical habitats and migration corridors impedes serious conservation action.

On the base of in-depth analysis of the recent situation - design an action plan to improve the situation of wild Reindeer populations and achieving agreement on its funding and implementation.

Running reindeer

The main goal of the project is to maintain the wild reindeer population of the Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous District in collaboration with the oil and gas industry, and indigenous communities of reindeer herders to ensure that management practices avoid conflicts with the biological and ecological requirement of wild reindeer.

A special survey should be conducted on the status of wild reindeer, as well on the status and distribution of domestic herds, critical habitats and major threats, with recommendations to improve the situation. This report will be reviewed by a group of national and international reindeer experts.

€ 33.000,- to start the first phase of the project. Already €7.500 is covered by the INNO fund, WNF.

High
Increasing industrial developments, in combination with warming of the arctic accelerate the pressure on wildlife. It is therefore most important to increase conservation measures now and to seek support from the oil and gas industry, which poses one of the main threats to wildlife, to stop the negative trend. Domestic reindeer populations have exceeded the carrying capacity of pastures in the Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous District, which could lead to a break down of the population in the near future and create increasing competition with wild reindeer. Urgent action is required to stop this trend.