Geographical variability and cultural diversity of reindeer pastoralism in northern Russia: delimitation of areas with different types of reindeer husbandry

Abstract Traditional reindeer husbandry in Russia is a fascinating phenomenon of northern pastoralism and nomadism. home to over two-thirds the world’s total domesticated herd. Reindeer practised by 15 indigenous peoples, some whom still pursue nomadic lifestyle. The purpose this article visualise husbandry, together with its hosting biophysical social environment, as socio-ecological system or pastoralist landscape, present diversity geographical landscape zones regions. Such holistic approach rooted ecology reflects basic patterns husbandry’s connections surroundings. research includes 3 stages. We started dividing entire area Russian North into several focusing on predominant migration herders, such reflect interaction environment whole. next stage was zoning cultural types husbandry. In final stage, we divided particular areas smaller regions according local features pastoralism. has resulted map traditional zoning. This embraces whole territory where exists comprises 35 units (reindeer landscapes) related four taxonomic levels. scheme is, one hand, result but, other tool for further within approach.