Il8 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OK FISHERIES. 



LIMITED CAPACITY OF THE ISLANDS. 



Although the Pribilof Islands afford a favorable habitat for reindeer it is plain that 

 their relatively small size will not permit an unlimited increase, though larger herds 

 than now exist can undoubtedly be supported. As the summer food is practically 

 unlimited in quantity, the main factor limiting the size of the herd seems to be the 

 quantity of the various lichens which constitute the main source of food in winter. 

 These lichens are not evenly distributed over the islands, but occupy certain fairly 

 extensive areas. Unlike the grasses and herbaceous plants which die down and renew 

 their growth annually, the lichens grown persistently but very slowly, and when once 

 destroyed do not restock a given area for a long time, perhaps as long as 20 years. 

 Detailed study of the habits of the animals in their special haunts, and of the areas 

 drawn upon for their subsistence must precede any definite prediction as to the number 

 that the islands can maintain permanently. It is certain, however, that the herds can 

 be increased considerably over their present numbers. Observations made while this 

 increase is going on should lead to a better understanding of the actual relation of the 

 animals to their present habitat and make it possible to avoid letting them increase 

 beyond the danger point. 



Since with a few exceptions none of the animals have been killed, it foUows that 

 there is now a considerable number of males in excess of the actual breeding require- 

 ments of the herds. A reduction in their number should of course be made as an aid in 

 conserving the food supply. Diseased animals should be killed and the meat utilized 

 for the foxes. Other males should be killed from time to time and utilized to the best 



advantage. 



INDIFFERENCE OF NATIVES REGARDING REINDEER. 



Although the reindeer were introduced primarily for the benefit of the natives, 

 they take practically no interest in the animals. For many generations these people 

 have lived and died among the seals and foxes. The direct or indirect results of the 

 exploitation of these animals have formed their sole means of livelihood and have satis- 

 fied their every need. It is very difficult therefore for them to realize that these new 

 animals can ever prove of any real benefit to them, especially as no benefit has yet been 

 realized. On each island two natives are paid $2.50 each per month to care for the 

 reindeer. With only this small reward, unsupported by any natural interest in the 

 animals, it follows that the so-called herders never see the animals they have in charge 

 unless told to look them up, and even when this occurs their observations are more or less 

 inaccurate or misleading and are seldom of much value. This is only one manifestation 

 of the native's inherent lack of interest in any project or occupation apart from sealing. 

 This apathy will be difficult or impossible to overcome, although certain ones among the 

 natives will doubtless show more aptitude than others in this and other new lines of 

 work. But unless natives are found who will take a real interest in the reindeer, their 

 services except for work which is mainly mechanical will be of little use. The animals 

 undoubtedly need closer attention. They should be herded and driven often enough 

 to become accustomed to their attendants so that when it becomes necessary to corral 

 them they may be more readily handled. At present they are scarcely seen from 

 month to month wth the natural result that they are more or less wild and intractable 

 and difficult to impound or to observe. 



