#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. This year’s first expedition to study polar bears, organized by Rosneft and the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, to the Franz Josef Land archipelago has ended.
According to experts, there are from 22 to 31 thousand individuals of the planet’s largest land predator in the world. However, how many bears live in the Russian segment is still unknown. This master of the Arctic, located at the top of the food chain, is an indicator of the Arctic ecosystem.
Scientists were studying the polar bears during a very important period for them – the time when females left their ancestral dens. On the territory of more than one and a half thousand kilometers, scientists counted 15 individuals. The health diagnosis of the nine individuals was studied using temporary anesthesia that is safe for animals. Experts measured the animals, took blood and wool samples.
Three females were supplied with satellite transmitters collars. Researchers are tracking the movement of the female bears. Now, for example, the females, together with cubs, are migrating along the fast ice from the island of Alexandra Land to the island of Georg’s Land.
In August-September 2021, another expedition to the Arctic is planned. The place of research is Cape of Desire of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.
As a reminder, Rosneft has been studying polar predators for seven years already. For large-scale research, aviation, scientific vessels, icebreakers and ground transport are involved. This will allow not only to receive new information about bears, but also to develop a plan for their protection.
Follow us on Telegram, Instagram and Facebook.
Text: Angelica Stepanova, Photo: open sources
