Wild reindeer in Norway – population ecology, management and harvest

• Published in: Rangifer
• Main Author: Eigil Reimers
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Septentrio Academic Publishing 2007
• Subjects: game management; population ecology; wild reindeer; harvest; Animal culture; SF1-1100; Norway; Snøhetta; Nordfjella; Norefjell; Rangifer; reindeer husbandry
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.7557/2.27.3.268; https://doaj.org/article/b5433972484744359a78731d9e84434b

Wild reindeer in Norway, presently (winter 2005-06) numbering some 25 000 animals, are found in 23 more or less separated areas in the mountainous southern part of the country (see map in appendix). All herds are hunted and management is organized in close cooperation between owner organizations and state agencies. I will provide a historical review of the wild reindeer management and research in Norway and conclude with the present situation. We identify 3 types of wild reindeer on basis of their origin: (1) the original wild reindeer with minor influence from previous domestic reindeer herding activities (Snøhetta, Rondane and Sølenkletten), (2) wild reindeer with some influx of animals from past domestic reindeer herding in the area (Nordfjella, Hardangervidda, Setesdal-Ryfylke) and (3) feral reindeer with a domesticated origin (reindeer released or escaped from past reindeer husbandry units; Forolhogna, Ottadalen North and Ottadalen South, Norefjell-Reinsjøfjell and several smaller areas). In Norway, genetic origin (wild or domesticated), body size and reproductive performance of reindeer differ among areas. Feral reindeer have higher body weights and enjoy higher reproductive rates than their originally wild counterparts. These differences may partially be explained by differences in food quality and availability among the populations. However, there is a growing suspicion that other explanatory factors are also involved. Wild reindeer are more vigilant and show longer fright and flight distances than feral reindeer. Number of animals harvested was 4817, or ca. 20% of the total population in 2005, but varies between 40% in feral reindeer areas to below 20% in some of the "wild" reindeer areas. Causal factors behind this variation include differences in age at maturation, postnatal calf mortality and herd structure. The Norwegian Institute for nature research (NINA) in cooperation with the Directorate for nature management (DN) allocate considerable resources to monitoring 36 wild reindeer herds and ...