KRASNOYARSK, February 13. /TASS/. The musk ox population on the Taymyr Peninsula in the Krasnoyarsk Region's north is 7 or 8 thousand, not 13-15 thousand animals, as specialists assumed earlier, scientific director of the musk oxen research project, professor at the Siberian Federal University (SFU), Alexander Savchenko, told TASS.
Over 2024, scientists from the Siberian Federal University and the Taymyr Nature Reserves' Directorate for the first time in the recent decade, studied the population to review available data. The Taymyr Nature Reserves is Russia's largest protected area, formed in the spring of 2013 as a merger of three northern reserves in Siberia - Putoransky, Bolshoy Arctic and Taymyr. The total area is almost 12 million hectares.
"Having analyzed our data and the reserves' data, we believe that the musk ox population on the Taymyr is 7-8 thousand animals," the scientist said, adding experts had used aerial photography as well as observations at the nature reserves.
It is not a decrease in the musk ox population, he continued, since the earlier rate of 13 - 15 thousand animals was rather an estimate: large-scale studies within the entire range have not been conducted for many years. The scientist noted the Taymyr musk ox population was doing well and expanding its range - females with cubs have been seen in Western Taymyr, where earlier specialists could see only single males.
Russia needs a program for the study and conservation of this species, he said. "It is important to note that with a decrease in the limit to hunt wild reindeer on the Taymyr, the hunting pressure on the musk ox population has been increasing significantly. Almost all musk oxen, encountered by humans near settlements, industrial facilities and fishing points on the Taymyr, are hunted. In addition to stricter control, it is necessary to explain to people the importance of preserving this species as an important element of the Arctic ecosystems," the scientist said.
In his opinion, the North's indigenous small-numbered peoples should be attracted to expedition groups studying wildlife. "Results of our study are just the first step in establishing the system to monitor particularly valuable species on the Taymyr. In case of practical implementation of these recommendations with due financial and informational support we will organize a system of annual research and of measures to protect musk oxen at a new level," the expert said in conclusion.
About musk oxen
The musk ox is a massive animal with a large head, short neck, and powerful rounded horns. Adults have thick and long hair hanging to the ground. Males weigh up to half a ton, females - less. The musk ox lives in the foothills and mountain ranges of the Arctic.
Archaeology finds prove musk oxen lived in the vast expanses of Siberia, including on the Taymyr Peninsula, about 3,000 years ago. Their herds grazed next to mammoths and woolly rhinoceroses. Climate change and human hunting have led to the animals' extinction in that area. The reintroduction (the return of wild animals to areas where they used to live, but disappeared for whatever reasons) of musk oxen in Siberia began 50 years ago. In 1974, Canada's government donated 10 musk oxen to the Soviet Union. They were brought to the Bikada River area, and later on another batch of 40 animals (28 females and 12 males) from the USA was delivered to the Taymyr Peninsula.
About the university
In 2006, four universities in Krasnoyarsk were merged into the Siberian Federal University - one of the largest universities in Russia's eastern part.