Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that reindeer prefer to run uphill and upwind when escaping from man. Groups of wild and feral reindeer in Norway, Svalbard and on Wrangel Island were approached and their behaviour and direction of escape were recorded. Two stages of interaction with man were studied: first flight and final withdrawal. First flights proved to be away from man, upwind and uphill. Most final withdrawals were in the direction reindeer were moving when first observed.
Highlights
To our knowledge, no authors have undertaken analysis of patterns of flight direction by reindeer
Experienced herdsmen and native hunters often predict in fine degree the direction they expect reindeer to move when they are approached (Washburn & Lancaster, 1968; Baskin, 1970; Spiess, 1979)- Understanding reindeer escape behaviour is potentially important for management and for understanding anti-predatot behaviour
Wind direction did not influence the direction of final withdrawal in any of the populations
Summary
No authors have undertaken analysis of patterns of flight direction by reindeer. Experienced herdsmen and native hunters often predict in fine degree the direction they expect reindeer to move when they are approached (Washburn & Lancaster, 1968; Baskin, 1970; Spiess, 1979)- Understanding reindeer escape behaviour is potentially important for management and for understanding anti-predatot behaviour. A herder usually approaches reindeer in a way that will elicit a predictable escape response, and the essential part of hetding is being able to predict the direction of movement. If reindeer consistently use escape routes with cettain characteristics we could consider that behaviour as adaptive. Naumov (1933) desctibed a hunting method used by Nenets people which takes advantage of the tendency for reindeer in small bands, to move downwind of man. Herdsmen report that frightened teindeer usually run upwind and uphill (Baskin, 1974; 1991)
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