Descendants of dogs abandoned after the 1986 nuclear explosion inChernobyl have evolved in unexpected ways, researchers have found.
Despite the extremely hazardous conditions they live in, two stray canine populations have not only survived over the past 38 years, they’ve actually thrived.
One group roams near the former reactors of the Ukrainian power plant, while the other lives around 10 miles away, among the abandoned buildings of Chernobyl City.
A research group has been studying the dogs to better understand how they manage to live in and adapt to the radioactive environment, while also contending with chemicals left from the clean-up and other hazards, extreme weather and limited food sources.
One of the most interesting findings, according to the report, was that there are significant genetic differences between the two populations.
The study, published in the journal Canine Medicine and Genetics, said it was not yet clear if this was due to environmental stressors or a ‘genetic drift’.
Many pet owners were forced to abandoned their animals after the plant exploded and they rushed to evacuate the area – now known as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.
Many of the dogs who have inter-bred since form packs for protection and companionship, reports Earth.com.
(Picture: Getty Images)
What is the Chernobyl disaster?
The Chernobyl disaster saw two massive explosions at a nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine (then part of the Soviet Union) on April 25 and 26 in 1986.
The roof of one of the reactors blew off and 400 times more radiation than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima was released into the air.
Two workers died in the explosion and at least 28 more perished in the following months due to acute radiation exposure.
Over the years thousands of people who had worked or lived near the plant would show signs of ill health – including cancer.
The accident – which happened after a routine test – is seen as the worst nuclear disaster in history.
Some have even bonded with humans, including visitors to the site, such as scientists, and the 150 or so people that refused to leave the zone despite it being illegal to live there.
Over the years organisations have stepped in to help the dogs with vaccinations and medical care, and even adoption schemes.
The study, led by NC State University in North Carolina, in the US, marks the first time scientists have looked into the genetic makeup of stray dogs living near the former plant.
It’s hoped further research will help experts understand not just how dogs evolve in such a landscape, but how other animals and even people would be impacted in comparable circumstances.
One of the study’s authors, Dr. Matthew Breen from NC State, said: ‘By teasing out whether or not the genetic changes we detected in these dogs are the canine genome’s response to the exposures the populations have faced, we may be able to understand how the dogs survived in such a hostile environment and what that might mean for any population — animal or human — that experiences similar exposures.’
Armed with this knowledge, societies may have the chance to protect wildlife and people from future environmental disasters if and when they occur.
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