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Rosneft Conducts Field Studies of the Reindeer Population in the Tyumen Region
23 December 2022
As part of Rosneft’s biodiversity conservation programme, the first summer field studies of the reindeer population in the Tyumen region have been completed. The forest subspecies of this animal is endangered and is listed in the region’s Red Book.
RN-Uvatneftegaz, part of the Rosneft oil and gas production complex, together with the Tobolsk Integrated Research Station of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has launched a long-term programme to study and conserve the reindeer population in the Uvat district of the Tyumen region in 2022.
The first field surveys and their interpretation were carried out from May to October over an area of more than 62,000 hectares (including within the licensed areas of RN-Uvatneftegaz). Based on the analysis of around 22,000 high-resolution digital aerial photographs taken by UAVs, the first encouraging results were obtained - individuals of forest reindeer (8 adults and 2 calves) as well as their numerous trails were identified. The data proves that animals both migrate through the territory of the Uvat district and breed here.
The scientists proposed measures aimed at preserving and further increasing the number of forest reindeer in the study area, and outlined a plan of specific measures for 2023, including the organisation of artificial salt licks, installation of camera traps to obtain more complete information about their lifestyle and characteristics, and winter tracking of animals. Exploration of new areas is also planned.
RN-Uvatneftegaz plans to use the research results to develop the Uvat project’s fields as part of a package of measures aimed at preserving an endangered symbol of the Siberian taiga.
The enterprise intends to pay particular attention to environmental education work among the region’s population. This year, for example, RN-Uvatneftegaz supported publication of the first book on specially protected natural areas in Tyumen region. It includes information on 102 nature reserves and nature monuments that form the ecological backbone of the region, as well as Red listed and rare birds and animals found there, including the forest reindeer.
Environment protection is an integral part of Rosneft’s corporate culture and one of the Company’s key operation principles. The Company has been a member of the UN Global Compact for more than 10 years, reaffirming its commitment to 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Rosneft implements a number of programmes to study and conserve flora and fauna in the regions of its operations as part of its strategy. Since 2014, more than 20 projects have been completed, including research of rare animals, birds and fish, as well as preserving national culture of indigenous ethnic minorities.
Note for Editors:
RN-Uvatneftegaz performs exploration and development of a group of fields located in Western Siberia in the Uvatsky District of Tyumen Region. The Uvat project includes 19 license blocks with a total area of more than 25,000 square kilometres. Under the existing agreement between Rosneft and the region, the enterprise actively supports regional social programmes and promotes the development of Uvatsky District.
RN-Uvatneftegaz implemented a grant project to study the fauna and status of populations of red-listed bird species within the riverside valley of the Irtysh River (Uvatsky District, Tyumen Region) in 2022. During the expedition, scientists found representatives of 70 bird species belonging to 10 groups, including 11 rare and protected species.
Rosneft
Information Division
December 23, 2022