Pictures of Mongolia's Reindeer People

Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Dukha Boy with Squirrel Skins from Hunt
Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Dukha Hunters Search for Game in Mountains
Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Boy in Typical Dukha Camp Scene
Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Dukha Hunters Ride into Taiga Forest
Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Dukha Hunters Kill Moose for Food
Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Young Dukha Maid Grazes Reindeer
Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Dukha Woman Ties Down Reindeer
Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Dukha Shaman Sits by Ancestral Rags
Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Dukha Boy Rides Bucking Reindeer
Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Wildlife Biologist Takes Blood Sample
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Mongolian Reindeer Pictures: Dukha Boy with Squirrel Skins from Hunt
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A Dukha boy holds on as his reindeer releases some energy. The Dukha, unlike other reindeer herders, have selectively bred their reindeer for strong backs so people can ride the animals over long distances through the mountains.

These particular genetic characteristics lead biologist Kirk Olson, among others, to caution against crossbreading the reindeer with other species. When wild bulls mated with females from the Dukha herd, the offspring were aggressive and had weak backs, rendering them useless to meet the needs of the Dukha.

Read the news story about these people and their reindeer.

See today's top stories from National Geographic News.

Photo gallery by Chelsea Lane-Miller
—Photograph copyright Hamid Sardar
 

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