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Abstract

<jats:p>Reindeer were introduced to Wrangel Island in the 1940s. By 2002, the population numbered about 8,000 individuals. With the onset of unfavorable weather conditions in the seasons 2003/2004 and 2004/2005, the number of deer decreased almost threefold; subsequently, the number continued to decline under pressure from wolves and wolverines living on the island, which ultimately led to the complete disappearance of reindeer. Musk oxen were introduced to Wrangel Island in 1975. Their numbers was growing at a slow pace until 2005. After a sharp decline in the number of reindeer on the island, the growth of the musk oxen population accelerated somewhat and quickly reached a number of 1000 individuals. Currently, the increase in the number of musk oxen has stabilized, possibly due to the influence of wolves and the complete settlement of the island.</jats:p>

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Keywords

island number reindeer musk oxen

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