Researchers at the Sayano-Shushensky Reserve determined the number of Siberian ibexes living there. According to the latest expert estimates, about 1,500-1,600 ibexes live in the reserve.
Autumn accounting, which allowed to fix the final data for 2019, was carried out in the animal habitat - from the Kara-Kem river to the southern border of the Sayano-Shushensky reserve.
As told to EcoTourism Expert, work on counting mountain goats is carried out as follows. In the early morning hours, when animals descend to the watering hole, specialists approach the coast on a boat at a speed of 15–20 km / h and keep away at a distance of 100–150 m from the coast. Scientists count the species and note the gender and age of ibexes, the time and place of observation of individual groups, the total number of animals in the herd, their distance from the coast.
The reserve reported that the fall count coincides with the rutting period of the Siberian ibex. At this time, you can most accurately determine the proportion of males in the total number of groups. The mating season in capricorns can last until December. After 5.5-6 months, the female gives birth to a kid. Twins and triplets are born on rare occasions. However, the results of spring calculations of 2018 and 2019 show that the birth of twins have recently increased, which in earlier years occurred rarely.
"During the autumn we counted more than 500 ibexes. Herds are dispersed along the slopes from the ridge to the reservoir. Large groups of the Siberian ibexes are found both in the upper part of the mountains and in the lower one. This is due to the lack of snow and a rather warm and humid autumn. The amount of water there is enough for the animals, so they do not often go down to the reservoir,» said Roman Afanasyev, senior researcher at the Sayano-Shushensky Nature Reserve.
The ibexes are counted twice a year - in spring and autumn. Thus, in the autumn the scientists can receive the final numbers.
Over the past two years, the experts have noted an increasing number of surviving cubs. This is due to snowy winters, which make it possible for «youngsters» to survive. There’s no snow in the territory of the reserve, and the animals can easily get food. The surveys of 2020 will show the Siberian ibexes lived through the winter period.
Blogs
