Changing Taiga

by the surrounding mountains. However, predicted climate warming in Mongolia (Gomboluudev 2008) could mean more frequent icing of pastures, difficult years with reduced production, and more insects. When summers are hot and there are no snow patches, reindeer have nowhere to escape from insects, which can compromise the physical condition of animals (Hagemoen and Reimers 2002).

children the Tuvan language is essential to preserving the traditional knowledge of the reindeer herding culture and ensuring the recruitment of the next generation of herders. Environmental and climate change: Herders from both the East and the West Taiga are concerned about the environmental changes that are taking place in their homeland. They report that snow seems to take longer to melt during springtime. Summers seem shorter and hotter, making it more challenging for the reindeer that prefer cooler temperatures. Patches of snow and ice that used to last through summer are now disappearing in mid-July. The rivers have less water and the soil is dryer. There are fewer mushrooms and flies. This is supported by the Environmental Inspector in Tsagaannuur sum , who has also noticed decreasing water flow in the region’s rivers. Herders note that autumn seems colder and longer. The winters are generally colder and have more snow, though 2011 had little snow compared to other years. Herders were not concerned about dzuds , or extreme winter weather conditions, as reindeer are well adapted to cold winds and deep snow. The herders sometimes experience frozen pastures (as in August 2009). While frozen pastures are a disaster to tundra reindeer husbandry, the taiga herders can find alternative pastures in forests sheltered

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CHANGING TAIGA: CHALLENGES FOR MONGOLIA’S REINDEER HERDERS