Long-term census data reveal abundant wildlife populations at Chernobyl
Relative abundances of elk, roe deer, red deer and wild boar within the Chernobyl exclusion zone are similar to those in four (uncontaminated) nature reserves in the region and wolf abundance is more than 7 times higher. Additionally, our earlier helicopter survey data show rising trends in elk, roe deer and wild boar abundances from one to ten years post-accident. These results demonstrate for the first time that, regardless of potential radiation effects on individual animals, the Chernobyl exclusion zone supports an abundant mammal community after nearly three decades of chronic radiation exposures.
Publication Date: 2015
Credits: Current Biology October 5, 2015
Fair Use OK
DOWNLOAD FILE — PDF document, 124 kB (127,384 bytes)
