Pleistocene Park Winter 2022 update

Dear friends!

We didn't do updates for quiet a while. I think it is time to fix that.

Shortly Pleistocene Project is functioning, animals are grazing, grasses are getting better and our plans to create a world largest and richest ecosystem is not getting reconsidered, despite the circumstances.

Since our last updates there hasn't been too many things happening in the Park. We did not plan any new animal introductions this year, and routine process in the Park -animals just roam around and graze/browse:)

Two images from the same location 2014 and 2022. Only animal impact. 

Only big project we been working on is the renovation of the big fence we had from 2005-2006. We are adding new posts between already existing ones and are attaching second layer of metal net, which is 2.5 meter tall (versus 1.5 meters in the old fence).  The process is taking a really long time, and we are currently only around 60% done. The longest is to drill the permafrost in order to install posts. Since we do not have a machinery drill we are using the "steam machine" which is melting the permafrost  and creating a well, into which we insert a log, and it freezes back.  There is a chance we will be able to purchase a machinery drill next year, but it is not 100% certain. In any case hope will be able to finish in 2023.

Here with red indicated new/improved part of the fence. We have around 40% of the perimeter left and it is all on the floodplain (green line).  Difficulty is that in the second part of the summer thaw depth in the floodplain is getting deeper and our tractor might get stuck there, so under current mechanic possibilities we are limited to only short period of time, when it is already warm, but vehicles can still move through the terrain. 

We have succesfully made the preparations for the current winter. We transported all neccesary forage for animals, and all other needed supplies

Difficulty this year, is that in October what snow was already on the ground, we had a very strong storm on the river which led to quiet dramatic water level increase. All our lowland pastures got flooded and since it was negative temperatures, ice formed on the pastures and they are not accessible for animals. This way our grazers (mostly horses) are having much less pastures available, so we will have to provide more forage to them. Presumably our supplies will be enough, but maybe will have to transport some through the winter roads from the mainland in February-March. 

Animals in the Park to well. Our new herd of bison had a mating period in the autumn, so expect new kids next year. First herd of bison had 2 babies last year, and 2 babies this year. Since second herd is entirely on their own and have no support from us, it is a very good result, and indicating that we can create a sustainable population of bison in the Arctic. 

All other new dwellers from last year are also doing good. Camels are really cool animals, and goats are doing quiet good and gave birth to more than 10 babies. 

Now for the future plans.  First of all it is really hard to predict or plan anything in Russia these days. And clearly main barriers for Park development are laying in political and military fields.  Will not go into deeper details here.  But as a born optimist hope that in 2023 we will have a lot happening. Including bringing more animals (musk ox are the main priority, but as always the most complicated). Also we are getting closer to the point that we will need to expand the Park territory. There is a chance work on that will start in 2023. 

Also want to thank you for your support. We are still able to get the money from Patreon for Park support and development. So this is much appreciated.

Hope all of you are doing good.

All the best

Nikita Zimov