Abstract
Even’s reindeer herding methods and techniques are investigated in Sakha Republic, Russia. Daily herding is conducted as follows: in the morning reindeer which roam freely in the night are collected together at camp-site by a herdsperson. In the day time reindeer are kept around the camp-site. Whenever they are going to leave it, a herdsperson will follow them and put them back. At dusk reindeer are tolerated to move freely and put to the woods behind the camp-site. This form of reindeer herding seems to be simple and easy. However some characteristic techniques are used to herd reindeer smoothly. Generally reindeer like to ingest salt. Near the camp-site the salt is put on the stand, so that reindeer can ingest it freely. The setting of the salt-stand lures reindeer and helps to keep them around the camp-site. Use of bells is another technique. About 5-10% of individuals of the herd are worn collars with bell. Herdspersons are always attending the tinkle of the bells, and monitoring movement of the herd. This technique might utilize cohesive behavior of reindeer. There are another techniques for herding, such as use of herd dogs, lassos and reindeer-riding. In the future I would like to study these techniques for herding, and intend to understand Even's reindeer herding systematically.
