Abstract
In arctic and sub-arctic regions semi-domestic reindeer management forms an important livelihood which should be able to provide enough income for herders. Reindeer management has natural limits of growth. Consequently it should be managed to optimise both the use of reindeer pastures and herder income. Reindeer pastures should be grazed at the economic carrying capabity level. This gives the maximum sustained harvest from reindeer stock and also the maximum sustained foraging from pastures. How is this to be accomplished? First, reliable knowledge about reindeer pastures in time and place is necessary: to estimate the quantity and quality of specific reindeer pastures within each management district, as well as the productive capacity and the changes in condition and productivity of those pastures. Secondly, data is needed on the accurate productivity of reindeer stock and the production costs for each management district. Thirdly, study the relationships between pasture resources and productivity of reindeer stock together with the effects of long-term reindeer densities on pasture condition and productivity. Finally, knowledge is needed about the effects of herd structure on reindeer stock productivity as well as the factors which restrict the use of reindeer pastures. Models based on adequate data could provide a useful tool for optimising the use of reindeer pastures and herder income. First the economic carrying capacity of reindeer pastures should be studied. Subsequently the economy of reindeer husbandry could be modelled with respect to reindeer stock density. Also the economy of reindeer husbandry based on different levels of feeding, and the effects of this husbandry practice on pastures, should be modelled. Models should be accurate and flexible enough to use when looking for solutions to practical questions and challenges in reindeer management.
Highlights
A n ecologically stable way to utilise natural resources in semi-domestic reindeer {Rangifer t. tarandus) management means primarily a stable way to use reindeer pastures
The use of reindeer pastures and the profit of management should optimised at the same time
Finnish semi-domesticated reindeer management has gone through several changes during the past decades
Summary
A n ecologically stable way to utilise natural resources in semi-domestic reindeer {Rangifer t. tarandus) management means primarily a stable way to use reindeer pastures. As the result of a new management strategy and favourable winters, the stock of Finnish semi-domesticated reindeer made a continuous increase beginning in the 1980's (Fig. 1). Previous to this increase, reindeer numbers oscillated at relatively low levels. Supplementary feeding at reindeer densities above the carrying capacities of the range may cause more complex problems The origin of these problems can be found when we compare the needs of today's reindeer management to expand, to the limited natural resources within which that expansion is meant to take place (Fig. 3). The overall result likely will be a strengthened controlling system imposed on reindeer management
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
