抄録
In the taiga, domesticated reindeer have been, and remain, the most important livestock used for travel, transport, and milk production. However, the research about reindeer herding in the taiga is sparse and much about reindeer management methods is yet unknown.
This article reports reindeer herding methods of the Tsaatan, who live in the taiga area of northern Mongolia. This article details seasonal changes of daily herding processes and livestock-leading techniques. Also the two major characteristics of reindeer herding in this area are indicated.
First, dairy does are grazed in day-trip herding from spring to autumn. This method is favorable for daily milking, as the does can be gathered around the camp site regularly. Pastoralists need a variety of effective procedures to tie livestock to the camp site for day-trip herding. To do so, the Tsaatan used the “kidnap” method in spring and summer, and the herd leading method in autumn.
Second, in spring and autumn reindeer are grazed two by two in order to restrict their mobilities. Reindeer are highly mobile in these seasons because of their dietary and reproductive ecology, so restriction of mobilities is important for herders to graze reindeer safely.
