The wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus: Cervidae, Mammalia) on the arctic islands of Russia: a review

Abstract

The article presents summary data on the wild reindeer's (Rangifer tarandus) distribution on islands in the Russian Arctic. It discusses the abundance, diet, and general state of knowledge about the species in remote areas, especially on Novaya Zemlya and Wrangel Island. Brief data are provided about domestic reindeer grazing on the Arctic islands. Literature data are complemented with research findings in recent years. A negative trend is demonstrated in the wild reindeer abundance; also the need for studying isolated populations is emphasised.

Keywords

• abundance
• Arctic
• distribution
• domestic and wild reindeer
• living environment
• Novaya Zemlya
• nutrition peculiarities
• Wrangel Island