Deep in the snow forest, or taiga, of northern Mongolia live the Dukha people. With a population estimated at less than 500, the Dukha – often referred to as the Tsaatan in the Mongolian language, literally meaning ‘reindeer people’ – have for generations lived lives structured around their animals. They move between seasonal locations from the east and west taiga of the Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake) Soum of the Khuvsgul Province.

According to a recent study, there are a total of 478 people from 84 reindeer families: 184 of those are children and teenagers (aged up to 18). A total of 48 of those are elderly, 22 are disabled and 2 are orphans. Working groups from the Mongolian State Great Khural (Parliament) have been visiting Khuvsgul in order to study the living conditions  of the Dukha – Tsaatan people and take steps to ensure their survival.

The number of reindeer increased by 56 percent in 2016 after the Mongolian Government began providing the Tsaatan with special benefits. This has enabled families to buy provisions rather than having to rely on their reindeers for food.