There are many reasons for the dramatic decline in Greenland’s sled dog population, the researchers say. According to Professor Meldgaard from the Natural History Museum of Denmark, sled dogs should be awarded UNESCO world heritage protection, these animals are part of the culture and should be protected to keep the population for generations to come.
Greenland is known for its unique sled dog culture, but there is a huge risk to lose them because the number of dogs has been decreased by 50 per cent since 1997. The recent research shows there are around 15,000 sled dogs in Greenland but the numbers are falling.
How to keep the sled dog population and how to avoid its disappearing? Professor Morten Meldgaard helped produce 22 recommendations, which could help in the increasing the population.
Sled dogs as a cultural heritage
The researchers insist on the importance of sled dogs as the part of cultural heritage. Their recommendations even suggest that Greenland’s dogs should be awarded UNESCO world heritage protection.
“Many don’t know how fantastically unique the dog culture is. It’s a part of Greenland’s identity, over 1,000 years old, and the biggest working dog culture in the world.
Professor Meldgaard said and added that genetically, sled dogs are also extremely strong and resilient. But people should take care of dogs whose population is decreasing rapidly over two decades.
