Biogeographic Patterns of Formation of Two Reindeer Populations on the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago

The lack of knowledge about the Novaya Zemlya reindeer (Rangifer tarandus pearsoni) once led to the common belief that the archipelago was inhabited by a feral, domesticated subspecies that differed in appearance and behaviour from the so-called indigenous Novaya Zemlya reindeer. However, this view failed to consider various natural factors that could explain such differences, such as the islands’ significant size and diverse landscapes. This study aims to evaluate the potential biogeographical factors that resulted in reindeer being present on the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago, despite them initially differing in appearance. The distribution of Novaya Zemlya reindeer across different eras was determined based on literature sources, reflecting the archipelago’s environmental research history and the animals’ occupation of various landscapes from the 16th to the 20th century. For the first time, an attempt has been made to estimate the size of the reindeer population in Novaya Zemlya Archipelago based on data from harvested individuals. The existence of landscape refugia on Severny Island is discussed as an explanation for the differences in the reindeer’s physical appearance. Similarities are drawn with other subspecies and ecological groups of Arctic insular wild reindeer. This includes the ability of Novaya Zemlya reindeer to migrate or remain within a relatively small permanent habitat on a single island. The theory that Novaya Zemlya Archipelago is inhabited by two genetically distinct reindeer populations, which differ in morphology and behaviour, can be explained by the archipelago’s biogeographical characteristics.

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