The team found that the strays had formed into packs, like wild dogs and wolves, but the groups were living close together, a behaviour not seen in undomesticated animals. Since the nuclear catastrophe took place in April 1986, the area surrounding the nuclear power plant has largely been abandoned by humans.īut although radioactive contamination devastated wildlife populations there, some animals survived and continued to breed – including feral dogs, some of whom may have descended from domestic pets. Scientists found that strays living in the exclusion zone of the Ukrainian disaster have developed distinct DNA and behaviour from other canines. The immediate ecological effects of the Chernobyl disaster were significant, with swathes of pine forest destroyed and major radioactive contamination causing reductions in some populations of flora and fauna.ĭespite evidence to suggest some mammals are thriving in Chernobyl, the long-term effects of radiation on animals in the Exclusion Zone is still unclear and scientific studies concerning the effect of low-level, long-term radiation on animal welfare remain inconclusive.Living amid the fallout of the world’s worst nuclear disaster may not seem like a sensible lifestyle choice, but the dogs of Chernobyl may have evolved to make it work, a study suggested. In the 30 years since the explosion the numbers of animals in the in the Exclusion Zone seem to have rebounded, but at what cost remains to be seen. 'The red fox's versatility and eclectic diet are likely to ensure its persistence despite changes in landscape and prey base.' A happy home? 'The adaptable and opportunistic red fox has the widest geographical range of any member of the order Carnivora across the entire northern hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to North Africa, Central America and the Asiatic steppes.' If any species could still make it in such desolate conditions, it would be the almost ubiquitous and resourceful red fox. He says, 'When I first looked at the image I wasn't surprised to see a fox in such a bleak environment. Roberto Portela Miguez, Senior Curator in Charge of Mammals at the Museum, suggests we should not be bewildered by the fox's presence in the Exclusion Zone. Without industry or traffic to contend with, habitats are protected from the threat of human interference. Species of elk, roe, deer, wild boar, wolves and other animals roam freely in an environment which has abundant vegetation. The concert halls, leisure centres, cinemas, fairgrounds, town halls, cafes and train stations remain barren of human presence, but wildlife is making its mark. If you're found to be contaminated, you are stripped and hosed down, and your clothes are disposed of.' A resourceful predator 'We were a bit nervous getting screened at the checkpoints. The Geiger counter gives you an indication, but it doesn't stop the paranoia from setting in. 'You can't see the radiation, so it is difficult to know when you are in danger. Nature is slowly reclaiming the land we stole and spoiled.'ĭespite having an experienced guide with them to avoid the most heavily contaminated areas and keep them safe, the radiation still had an effect on Adrian. 'I later found out that in the absence of humans, wildlife is thriving. 'This fox was scavenging and it must've learnt that its best pickings were to be found in Pripyat, the most famous and frequently visited part of the Exclusion Zone
'I was thrilled to capture what seemed to be this rare living thing in such a bleak, desolate place,' says Adrian. The result was a spine-tingling picture, highly commended in the Urban Wildlife category of the fifty-fourth Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Seizing the opportunity in front of him, Adrian quickly captured his photograph just seconds before the fox relinquished its search for food and jumped out of a nearby window.
The fox's brazen, unexpected entrance was a chance encounter and a welcome surprise. Adrian was photographing the canteen of Middle School Number Three - one of the most iconic rooms in the Exclusion Zone - when the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes) trotted through the strewn gas masks.
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