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Rosneft Supporting Research on the Population of Rare Siberian Musk Deer in Evenkia
10 December 2024
With the support of Vostsibneftegaz, a subsidiary of Rosneft, specialists from the Central Siberian State Nature Reserve searched for habitats of the Siberian musk deer in Evenkia. Their research has not only confirmed the presence of a rare species of musk deer in the area, despite it being previously thought unsuitable, but has also estimated the size of the population, which is now 300 individuals.
The Siberian musk deer is a small species of ungulate found in Siberia and the Far East. It is listed as endangered in the Red Data Books of several Russian regions, as well as on the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. It is a very cautious and secretive animal. Mountainous taiga landscapes are considered to be the ideal habitat for the species, which is why the south-western part of the Evenki district was chosen for the study. Biologists analysed satellite imagery and surveyed ground routes along the deer's presumed habitat, identifying the population's food sources.
As part of a series of measures, ten camera traps were installed in the Stolbovaya River basin. Ecologists analysed over 5,500 images and identified Siberian musk deer in areas around the mouth of the Krutenky River and the Kulina-Stolbovaya interfluve. Data from the last three years of research opens up new possibilities for protecting the small population of Siberian musk deer from predators. Scientists are investigating the possibility of setting up a farm to breed the deer. This would create additional employment opportunities for indigenous northern communities and protect the population from poaching. The musk produced by the abdominal gland of male deer is valuable and is used in both formal and folk medicine.
For reference
The Siberian musk deer is the smallest species of deer found in Russia. Its maximum height at the withers is around 70 cm. It is an excellent jumper and is very agile and manoeuvrable. It can turn 90 degrees at a gallop without slowing down. The East Siberian Oil and Gas Company, a subsidiary of the Rosneft Oil Company, is developing the Yurubcheno-Tokhomskoye oil and condensate field in the Evenki District of the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
Supporting the culture and traditional way of life of the indigenous Evenki people is one of the Company's key social initiatives. During its many years of operating in the region, Vostsibneftegaz has implemented numerous social, charitable and grant programmes to help preserve the unique national culture, traditional way of life and identity of the indigenous Evenki people.
Department of Information and Advertising
Rosneft
December 10, 2024