System analysis of biogeocenoses of the Yamal Peninsula: Simulation of the impact of large-herd reindeer breeding on vegetation

The systemic approach based mainly on computer simulation has been used to assess the dynamics of ecosystems of the Yamal Peninsula, which have been exposed to the impact of numerous reindeer herds because of extensive development of reindeer breeding during the past decades. This type of development has been demonstrated to result in degradation of vegetation, whose profound changes preclude further development of reindeer breeding in the same way. The current situation requires major amendments to the ethnic-cultural and economic policy in the region.