Abstract
The relevance of the familiar area hypothesis to the behaviour of the wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus Lönnb.) was studied in a Fenno-Soviet project by radio and field tracking of these ungulates in Karelia, Northern Europe, in 1978 - 1985. This subpopulation (500 - 600 exx.) has a tradition of overwintering in a restricted area around Lake Lentua (ca. 1000 km2). The spring migration period is shorter in length than the autumn migration. The migration routes are generally the same in autumn and spring, although exceptions occur, indicating exploratory behaviour. The large winter herds disband into small groups or lone individuals for the summertime, when this subpopulation is spread over a much wider area (ca. 5400 km2). It is concluded that the observations made support the familiar area hypothesis in all essential points.
Highlights
The long-distance seasonal return migrations of the woodland-tundra transition demes of Rangifer tarandus are often easy to detect and follow, while the movements of the woodland demes of the species are much more difficult to study
Seasonal return migration system may develop between these two areas
Material and methods A census of the Kuhmo subpopulation was conducted by helicopter in March - early April 1981 - 1985, when the reindeer were in or near their traditional wintering area, Lake Lentua (Pulliainen et al, 1983)
Summary
The long-distance seasonal return migrations of the woodland-tundra transition demes of Rangifer tarandus are often easy to detect and follow (review in Kelsall, 1968; Baker, 1978), while the movements of the woodland demes of the species are much more difficult to study. The basic movement behaviour patterns of the woodland demes can be assumed to be similar to those of their woodland-tundra and tundra counterparts, but their potential summer and winter habitats are located so close together that the pattern of their use possesses special interest, especially in the light of the familiar area hypothesis of return migration put forward by Pulliainen (1974), Baker (1978, 1982) and Pulliainen et al (1983). The purpose of the present study is to document the migration patterns of the Kuhmo subpopulation of the wild forest reindeer {Rangifer tarandus fennicus) in Karelia, N o r thern Europe, and see, if they fit the familiar area hypothesis
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.
