×
Enjoying ad-free content?
Since July 1, 2024, we have disabled all ads to improve your reading experience.
This commitment costs us $10,000 a month. Your support can help us fill the gap.
Support us
Our journalism is banned in Russia. We need your help to keep providing you with the truth.
Contribute today

Russian Poachers Are Going After Musk, the 'Gold of Siberia'

By Héloïse Bargain

The musk deer — a small species of deer native to the republic of Altai in Russia — is an unassuming source of what locals call “Siberian gold.”

But its musk, which is believed to have antiseptic properties in Chinese medicine, can sell for an average of $200 per gram. Although the musk deer is listed as an endangered species, poachers have run rampant since the fall of the U.S.S.R., trafficking this precious substance as a way of life.

We took a journey into the Siberian forest with a nature reserve inspector who is hunting these poachers and fighting to save this species.

Read more about: Animals

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

More videos

tmt lecture series

Global Sanctions and Russia: Lessons for International Business

Nabi Abdullaev, a partner for Russia & Former Soviet Union at Control Risks, looks at the impact of Western sanctions on businesses.
1 Min read
'going to be tougher'

Russians React to New U.S. Military Aid for Ukraine

The United States last week approved billions of dollars of crucial military aid to Ukraine following months of wrangling with Republicans in Congress...
1 Min read
Crocus City Hall

Who Do Russians Blame for the Moscow Concert Attack?

At least 133 people were killed and 152 others were wounded when camouflaged gunmen stormed a concert hall in a Moscow suburb and set fire to the building...
1 Min read
'crudely altered'

Do Muscovites Believe Russia's Election Results?

Russian President Vladimir Putin secured a fifth term in power after he took home more than 87% of the votes in the 2024 presidential race, election officials...
1 Min read