As part of the Year of Ecology in Yamal, specialists from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution (IPEE) named after A.N. The Severtsov Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences continues to study the musk ox population on the territory of the Ingilor Natural Park, the official website of the government of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (YaNAO) reports.
In March, scientists conducted the first stage of studying a unique wild animal and put satellite collars on two males and one female from the formed free herd.
This time, experts will collect material for genetic research, which will help determine the degree of inbreeding (crossing of closely related forms) in the captive population of animals, assess current risks and develop measures to minimize it.
It is also planned to carry out a total aerial survey of animals on a territory stretching over 4.6 kilometers of the Autonomous Okrug and the adjacent mountainous part of the Komi Republic, with the help of light aircraft. This will allow us to estimate the total number of "free" musk ox population and its distribution in the habitat.
“As an experiment, we put a GSM collar on one of the musk oxen. Previously, satellite collars were used, but their service life is much shorter, which made it difficult to get a complete picture of the movement of the musk ox in the district, as well as to identify seasonal habitats and their migration routes, ”said Taras Sipko, senior researcher at IPEE RAS, whose words are quoted on the website .
By the end of the year, specialists will prepare a report based on the results of processing the data received and submit it to the district department of natural resources and ecology for subsequent decisions on breeding and resettlement of the musk ox in the district.
“With the help of science, we will for the first time conduct genetic studies of our musk oxen and a large-scale search for animals in their natural habitat and develop common approaches and principles used in the resettlement of such valuable animals as the musk ox,” the website quotes the head of the Department of Specially Protected Natural Territories and Wildlife Monitoring of the Department natural resources and ecology of YNAO Vitaly Borisyuk.
The musk ox nursery in the Polar Urals is the largest in the world. The population of this animal is growing steadily, this year 22 calves appeared there.
