The scientific journal Science Advances published a paper titled ‘The Dogs of Chernobyl: Demographic Insights into Populations Living in the Nuclear Exclusion Zone’.
‘In the 2,600 ㎢ surrounding the nuclear power plant site, which is an off-limits zone for Chernobyl, there are wild dogs that are not cared for by people.
The researchers analyzed the genetic makeup of 302 blood samples from dogs living in the area.
The analysis showed that Chernobyl dogs had genetic characteristics that set them apart from purebred dogs and other free-breeding populations.
The researchers found 15 ‘families’ within the dogs of Chernobyl, the largest of which was found across all sampling sites within the Radioactive Exclusion Zone.
Dr. Elaine Ostrander, co-lead author of the paper, explained that this study is a groundwork for answering the key question: “How can we survive for 15 generations in such an inhospitable environment?”
“This is the first study to characterize the domesticated species living in Chernobyl,” he added.