Scientists from the Russian Arctic National Park and the Arctic and Antarctic Museum are headed for the park to continue studying the polar bear and other endangered mammals in a joint project with the Russian Geographical Society.

The research period began in the Franz Josef Land Wildlife Refuge in April, when Russian Arctic National Park scientists, led by park director Roman Yershov and his deputy for research, PhD Maria Gavrilo (Biology), launched a project to study the habitat of rare marine mammals, including the polar bear.

The goal of the project is to develop a programme for saving these animals in Franz Josef Land. The archipelago is crucial for maintaining the population of rare marine mammals of Russia’s west Arctic regions.

The scientists will mark on a map the sites where rare marine mammals, including the polar bear, live in the Franz Josef Land Wildlife Refuge. They need this in order to develop methodological recommendations for monitoring the seasonal distribution of the mammals.

The data collected during this project will be used to study the bionomics and behaviour of different species, to improve the system of protecting rare mammals and their habitat, as well as to develop measures for their protection, above all for purposes of ecotourism. The studies conducted during this year’s field season are especially important in view of the ongoing climate change and the resulting reduction of the ice area and the growth of anthropogenic risk.

The results of the expedition, which will last until September 5, will be used for environmental protection projects in the Russian Arctic National Park.