During the expedition, pinniped rookeries were examined and biopsy samples were taken. In addition, the researchers equipped the animals with satellite transmitters.
Members of the expedition of the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Institute of Ecology and Evolution. A.N. Severtsov RAS in two weeks covered more than 1800 nautical miles on a sailing yacht from the port of Tiksi to Naryan-Mar.
It is expected that their study will make it possible to develop effective measures for the protection of the walrus subspecies listed in the Red Book of Russia. Walruses in the Laptev Sea are still poorly studied, as they live in a remote area.
The first task of the expedition was to visit all the places where, according to the literature and survey data, walruses could be found. In total, scientists managed to discover and examine five rookeries ranging from 50 to 1000 individuals. Each was filmed using drones so that the exact number of animals could be counted.
In addition, the experts were able to take about 50 biopsy samples, which is considered a very solid sample. Genetic analysis of these samples will finally close the question of the status of the Laptev walrus subspecies. The fact is that experts disagree on whether the Laptev walrus is a separate subspecies or whether it is a population of the Pacific walrus subspecies that lives to the east.
Also, tissue samples will be tested for the presence of organic contaminants and heavy metals, which can affect the immunity of animals, their general condition and ability to reproduce. These studies are especially relevant in the context of the development of the Laptev Sea and the active development of navigation on the Northern Sea Route.
The installation of satellite tags for 15 animals can be considered a great success. A small transmitter allows you to track the movements of walruses. The tag can work for several months, but some walruses manage to throw it off earlier. This often happens on the rookery, when walruses lie on the shore, toss and turn and rub their backs against the ground.
The first satellite data have already surprised scientists: one of the “marked” walruses from the coast of Taimyr moved to the New Siberian Islands, covering more than 800 kilometers in a week. Experts continue to monitor the travels of pinnipeds, in parallel with the analysis of biological samples and collected materials, which will take several months.
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