Olenich was observed along the coast in the Kronock reserve, located in Kamchatka.
In the chilly landscapes of Kamchatka, a rare and intriguing event has taken place. A female reindeer, known locally as snow sheep, was spotted on the shore of Olga Bay in Kronotsky Reserve, marking an unusual early descent from the mountain tundra.
This female reindeer, which inhabits coastal terraces and behaves similarly to its reindeer counterparts, is a resident of Kronotsky Zapovednik, the only place on Kamchatka where a large herd of endangered northern reindeer has been preserved. The reindeer's early arrival at the coast may be due to a snowy winter and mild frosts, according to experts.
The encounter was made by the reserve's staff during their lunch break, and the reindeer was discovered near the shore, possibly seeking to replenish its mineral reserves by consuming seaweed and seawater. This behaviour is not uncommon for reindeer during winter, as they may also go to the shore to lick salt and drink saltwater.
The reindeer's diet, however, is more diverse than what one might expect. While people were enjoying lentil soup with meatballs, the reindeer preferred a more exotic diet, feeding mainly on lichen in winter, which they dig up on open areas where snow is blown away by the wind. In the Tyshevka River's large tundras, reindeer can find food if there's little snow.
The early sighting of the reindeer has added excitement to the ongoing conservation efforts. A three-year project to conserve Kamchatka's wild northern reindeer began in 2024, supported by the Far East and Siberia Ecological Systems Conservation Foundation. The main focus of the project is combating poaching and protecting the territory for the reindeer.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has also joined the efforts, supporting the protection of wild reindeer in Kamchatka since 2024. The goal is to preserve the species and their natural habitat, as part of the "Natural Systems of Siberia, the Far East, and other regions of Russia" program.
Lyana Varavskaya, a state inspector at FGBU "Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve", expressed her excitement about the encounter, stating that it underscores the importance of their conservation work. As the reindeer continues to explore the coastal terraces, the hope is that it will encourage more efforts to protect these fascinating creatures and their habitats.
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