Abstract

The population differences in ecology and behaviour of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus spp.) is closely paralleled by the characteristic features of reindeer husbandry which reveals the close relationship between behaviour and husbandry. The western portion of the reindeer husbandry region in the USSR is vast. The reindeer are maintained on a semi-loose basis; the herd is scattered over the range; the social activity of the reindeer is lower; the herdsmen gather the herd using dogs, the herdsmen migr.ate together with the herd during the summer, grazing the herd in the vicinity of the tent for 2-5 days at a time. In the eastern portion of the region (Yakutia, Chukotka, Kamchatka), the ranges are more restrictive; the reindeer are grazed in a compact mass in summer; their feeding and movement are rigidly regulated; their social activity is high; the herd is gathered in foot without dogs. In summer, herdsmen follow the herd with light tents, the place of grazing being changed almost daily. In the taiga reindeer are raised mostly for transportation, although the hides and meat are also important; the reindeer are bigger, tamer and can be used for riding. The herds are small and the management of them is aimed at retaining the reindeer near home or the camp; migrations are short; often forest reindeer husbandry is of a sedentary nature. Attempts to change the pattern of reindeer husbandry and the methods of herding are not always successful. The harmony of environmental conditons, morphology, physiology, ecology and behaviour of reindeer and methods of husbandry are more easily disrupted than altered.

Highlights

  • The population differences in ecology and behaviour of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus spp.) is closely paralleled by the characteristic features of reindeer husbandry which reveals the close relationship between behaviour and husbandry

  • Regional variation in domestic reindeer may be explained by environmental conditons

  • Differences in ecology and behaviour of reindeer from different populations are revealed by habitat preferences

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Summary

Population differences due to peculiarities of the environment

Differences in ecology and behaviour of reindeer from different populations are revealed by habitat preferences. Near Lake Ayan (Putoran Mountains) backward, in cows. The antlers of where such mountain wastes reach the water, forest reindeer are shorther because of the flat bulk detoured the obstacles by walking uphill, lateral and antero-posterior curve of the main while cows svam around the slopes along the lake beam. Sobansky (1981), features are useful in the forest life. Noted that reindeer dwelling on the The European forest reindeer (R.t. fennicus) is uplands of Altai readily cross talus slopes. The northern Reduced development or absence of antlers in population uses ranges at an altitude of 400-1500 females is relatively common (up to 25%). M, where snow cover ranges from 130 to 250 cm

Reindeer in the taiga eat more lichens
The taiga zone has richer reindeer moss
Findings
The eastern Bolshezemelskaya Tundra has
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