Mongolia’s reindeer population increases

Odonchimeg 2016-01-14 11:01

Economy

Mongolia’s reindeer population increases.

Mongolia’s reindeer population increases. In 2015, the number of the reindeer in Mongolia increased by 177 bringing the total number to 1855. The reindeer population increase is promoted by the government actions to encourage increase in reindeer population and to increase the income generation of reindeer herders by allocating monthly allowances. As a result of the government actions reindeer herders stopped killing reindeers for food. With improved livelihood the reindeer herders became able to send their children to school, be involved in medical check-ups and diagnostics. The Tsaatan or reindeer herders are the last reindeer herders who survived for thousands of years inhabiting the remotest taiga in northern Mongolia, moving between 5 and 10 times a year. Presently, only 44 families remain, their existence threatened by the dwindling number of their domesticated reindeer. The Tsaatan rely on the animal for most, if not all, of their basic needs: milk, which is also used to make cheese; antlers, which they use to make tools; and first and foremost, transport.