#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. The musk ox population on Taimyr is estimated to be around seven to eight thousand, significantly lower than the previously anticipated 13 000 to 15 000. This information comes from a study conducted by Siberian Federal University (SFU) in collaboration with the United Directorate of Taimyr Nature Reserves.
Researchers from Norilsk and Krasnoyarsk undertook a comprehensive review of existing data throughout 2024, marking the first such assessment in a decade to examine the population of this unique animal.
“We consolidated all our data with the reserves’ directorate and believe that the musk ox population on Taimyr is around seven to eight thousand individuals”, said Alexander Savchenko, a professor at SFU and the scientific leader of the musk ox research project, in an interview with TASS.
The counting of musk oxen was conducted using aerial photography and observations from specialists in Taimyr’s protected areas.
Professor Savchenko emphasized that it is misleading to claim a decline in the musk ox population, as the earlier estimate of 13 000 to 15 000 was more of an approximation. Comprehensive studies across the entire species range had not been conducted for many years. He also noted that the musk ox population on our peninsula is thriving and expanding its range – females with calves can now be found in Western Taimyr, where only solitary males were previously seen.
It’s worth mentioning that musk oxen were first bred in Russia in the Far North. In 1974, the Canadian government gifted the Soviet Union ten musk oxen, which were delivered to the Bikada river area. Later, an additional shipment was brought from the United States. A total of 20 musk oxen were sent to Taimyr, and another ten to Wrangel island. A small team of researchers from the Institute of Agriculture of the Far North invested significant effort and patience to raise these magnificent animals. The musk oxen adapted well, flourished, and became self-sufficient.
A bronze sculpture of a musk ox outside the United Directorate of Taimyr Nature Reserves commemorates the scientific achievement of the team led by Grigory Yakushkin.
In the past, Leonid Kolpashchikov, the head of the scientific department of this environmental organization and a doctor of biological sciences, shared with Severny Gorod about the revival of the musk ox herd on Taimyr, highlighting that the meat of this exotic game is highly prized and tastes similar to beef. An adult musk ox can yield up to 200 kilograms of pure meat and six to eight kilograms of wool. The hides of adult musk oxen are heavy and coarse, and after shearing, they are used to produce high-quality leather and warm winter footwear. The fur of newborn calves resembles sheepskin, making it much sturdier and warmer than the fur of reindeer fawns. It is used to make very warm and durable clothing and sleeping bags. The hair coat of the musk ox is twice as long and thinner than the down of Angora goats.
Professor Alexander Savchenko from Siberian Federal University believes that a program for studying and preserving this species is essential.
“It’s important to note that as the hunting quota for wild reindeer on Taimyr decreases, the hunting pressure on the musk ox population significantly increases. Almost all musk oxen encountered by people near settlements, factories, and hunting areas on Taimyr are harvested. In addition to tightening control, we need to conduct educational efforts about the importance of conserving this species as a crucial component of Arctic ecosystems”, Savchenko stated following the research findings of 2024.
The results obtained are just the first step in establishing monitoring for particularly valuable species in Taimyr’s fauna. With adequate financial and informational support, along with scientists’ recommendations, it will be possible to organize a new level of annual research and conservation activities for musk oxen.
Earlier, Severny Gorod reported on the outcomes of a two-year study of the Putorana subspecies of snow sheep by the Taimyr Nature Reserves and the beginning of a new phase of research on the red-listed thick-skulled sheep under the auspices of Nornickel.
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Text: Larisa Fedishina, Photo: Taimyr Nature Reserves directorate