A new method for counting ungulates will be developed by scientists from the Katunsky Reserve

The press service of the Ministry of Natural Resources reported that scientists from the Katunsky Reserve in the Altai Republic are developing a new method for counting roe deer and marals in the warm season. Traditionally, such counts are carried out in winter following the tracks of animals. However, it is at this time of the year that ungulates migrate from Altai to the territory of Kazakhstan to the Katon-Karagai National Park.

Experts note that at the moment the methodological basis for accounting during the migration period is not well developed. In this regard, they are forced to adapt the available methods to the conditions of the reserve. Specialists from Kazakhstan also take part in this work, since part of the Altai Republic in Russia and the bordering East Kazakhstan region in Kazakhstan are included in the transboundary biosphere reserve "Greater Altai"

“Russian scientists are working on adapting accounting methods together with colleagues from Kazakhstan. This process is not fast, it’s been going on for the second year. Thus, during recent field work, specialists from Russia and Kazakhstan examined one of the roe deer migration corridors via camera traps," the statement said.

Corridor surveys are also important because disappearances or appearances in new locations can indicate significant changes in species abundance as well as climate change. In order to preserve transboundary groupings of animals in the transboundary biosphere reserve "Greater Altai", it is necessary to ensure that there are no linear structures on the border that can drastically affect migration corridors.

Scientists note that the species composition of ungulates in the border area has not changed over the past 15 years.