🦌 Yamal Nenets

Yamal Nenets

Yamal Nenets (approximately 10,000-15,000) herd reindeer across the Yamal Peninsula—extreme Arctic tundra with -50°C winters, permafrost, polar night, and massive natural gas reserves. They endure conflict between traditional nomadic routes and industrial gas extraction, anthrax outbreaks from thawing permafrost, rapid climate change, and modernization pressures. Annual 1,000+ km migrations with reindeer herds, chum tent dwelling, shamanic traditions, and navigating between traditional life and Arctic industrialization characterize Europe's last large-scale nomadic reindeer culture.