Environmental Knowledgeof the North

Reindeer were initially used only for transportation purposes. Over time, they were kept in larger herds in order to supply consistently available meat food. To this end, people had to adapt their way of life to the animals' pasture migrations. For many inland populations, reindeer still represent their main source of livelihood and also provide important materials for clothing.

Photo: Reindeer herd of Evens in central Kamchatka. E. Kasten