Semi-domesticated Reindeer Research Articles

Wind farm construction impacts reindeer migration and movement corridors

Over the last decade, we have seen a massive increase in the construction of wind farms in northern Fennoscandia. Wind farms comprising hundreds of wind turbines are being built, with little knowledge of the possible cumulative adverse effects on the habitat use and migration of semi-domesticated free-ranging reindeer. We assessed how reindeer responded to wind farm construction in an already fragmented landscape, with specific reference to the effects on use of movement corridors and reindeer habitat selection. We used GPS-data from reindeer during calving and post-calving in the Malå reindeer herding community in Sweden. We analysed data from the pre-development years compared to the construction years of two relatively small wind farms. During construction of the wind farms, use of original migration routes and movement corridors within 2 km of development declined by 76 %. This decline in use corresponded to an increase in activity of the reindeer measured by increased step lengths within 0–5 km. The step length was highest nearest the development and declining with distance, as animals moved towards migration corridors and turned around or were observed in holding patterns while not crossing. During construction, reindeer avoided the wind farms at both regional and landscape scale of selection. The combined construction activities associated with even a few wind turbines combined with power lines and roads in or close to central movement corridors caused a reduction in the use of such corridors and grazing habitat and increased the fragmentation of the reindeer calving ranges.

Calf mortality in semi-domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in a Scottish herd: the impact of maternal age and individual differences between cows

AbstractHigh calf mortality rate is a significant problem facing semi-domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) production around the world. Mortality rates, commonly due to predation, can range from 5 to 70%, which constitutes a great welfare concern. This study examined the influence of quantifiable maternal characteristics on reindeer calf survival. Data were compiled from 18 years’ worth of records on the survival of calves in the Cairngorm reindeer herd (Scottish Highlands, UK). Overall, mortality rate of calves (n = 635) in the herd was 34.9% to six months old, rising to 47.8% by one year old. For both Total Calf Survival (including perinatal losses) and Postnatal Calf Survival (excluding perinatal losses) of calves up to six months old, the only maternal trait found to significantly influence calf survival was the age of the cow at calving. Calves of very young and old cows showed higher mortality rates. Only 40% of the cows were associated with 77% of calf deaths and it was demonstrated that there were significant individual differences between cows in relation to their ability to consistently rear calves successfully. These findings can be applied to reduce calf mortality within herds, guiding selection towards females with successful reproductive histories and with ages falling in the prime productive range (3-11 years old). Additionally, annual variation had a highly significant influence on calf survival with rising mortality over the recorded period, indicating a role of environment on survival and an avenue for further research to investigate the impact of external factors, such as climate and pathogen load on post-natal loss.

The grazing impacts of four barren ground caribou herds (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) on their summer ranges: An application of archived remotely sensed vegetation productivity data

Barren ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) herds experience significant fluctuations in abundance through time. A proposed hypothesis for these fluctuations involves the overgrazing of vegetation on herd summer ranges at high herd densities resulting in a reduction in available forage. Semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) herds in Scandinavia negatively affect vegetation productivity at high herd densities and exclosure experiments have indicated that overgrazing may also affect barren ground caribou herds. However, overgrazing of summer range vegetation has yet to be tested at the landscape level or related to herd densities for barren ground caribou herds. Accordingly, the question examined in this study was — does barren ground caribou herd density have an effect on summer range vegetation productivity? To answer this question, summer home ranges for four herds in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada, were delineated using caribou telemetry data. Yearly overall productivity and vegetation seasonality (the change between the maximum and minimum productivity throughout the year) metrics were calculated by year using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer data and related to herd densities. Overall vegetation productivity was negatively related to herd density, indicating that some summer range degradation may have occurred at high densities. Conversely, and contrary to our expectations, vegetation seasonality was positively related to herd density. The Bathurst herd, which experienced densities more than three times those of the other herds examined, had the least negative association with overall productivity. Given the negative relationship detected between each herd's densities and overall vegetation productivity, it is likely that some summer range degradation occurred as herd densities increased. Considering the results of the Bathurst herd however, it is difficult to conclude that overgrazing has been a major factor governing herd abundance in the herds examined here. This study demonstrated the utility of archived remotely sensed productivity data and how productivity indices can be useful tools for providing information on large mammal grazing impacts.

A lymphatic dwelling filarioid nematode, Rumenfilaria andersoni (Filarioidea; Splendidofilariinae), is an emerging parasite in Finnish cervids.

BackgroundRecent studies revealed expansion of filarioid nematodes into northern Finland. In addition to Setaria tundra, an abundant filarioid, Rumenfilaria andersoni, was found inhabiting the lymphatic vessels of reindeer. Our study explores the dynamics of the rapid geographic expansion of R. andersoni, defining prevalence and density of microfilariae among 4 new cervid host species in Finland while developing a context for host-parasite ecology in Fennoscandia and more broadly in the Arctic and boreal regions.MethodsBlood samples were evaluated for presence of microfilariae from 1576 semi-domesticated reindeer, 8 captive reindeer, and free-ranging cervids including 105 wild forest reindeer, 862 moose, 114 white tailed deer and 73 roe deer in 2003–2006 (−2010). Additionally, the prepatent period and the efficacy of ivermectin treatment were investigated.ResultsRumenfilaria andersoni was found to be a common and abundant parasite in reindeer (0-90%) and wild forest reindeer (41-100%). Also moose (0-12%), white-tailed deer (15-22%) and roe deer (3%) were revealed as definitive hosts. Ivermectin was not effective against adult parasites. The prepatent period was estimated to be about five months.ConclusionsRumenfilaria andersoni was identified in 3 endemic cervid species and the introduced white-tailed deer, all constituting previously unrecognized host species in the Palearctic. Among moose, the prevalence and intensity were substantially lower than levels observed among subspecies of reindeer. White-tailed deer had a relatively high prevalence and density of R. andersoni microfilariae (rmf), whereas our limited data for roe deer indicated that the nematode may not have been abundant. Density and prevalence of rmf in moose and white tailed deer suggests the nematode may be adapted to these species, and that these cervids may be among the primary hosts of R. andersoni and reservoirs for transmission in Finland. Our current data suggest that R. andersoni became established in Finland recently, coincidental with introduction of white-tailed deer from North America in 1935; subsequent invasion and emergence in the past 70–80 years appears driven by climate-related factors. An alternative hypothesis for a temporally deeper occurrence for R. andersoni in Fennoscandia, representing post-Pleistocene range expansion with moose tracking deglaciation, is not firmly supported.

Sámi reindeer herders' perspective on herbivory of subarctic mountain birch forests by geometrid moths and reindeer: a case study from northernmost Finland.

IntroductionGeometrid moths and semi-domesticated reindeer are both herbivores which feed on birch leaves in the subarctic mountain birch forests in northern Fennoscandia. The caterpillars of autumnal and winter moths have episodic outbreaks, which can occasionally lead to extensive defoliation of birch forests. Earlier studies have shown that reindeer have a negative effect on the regeneration of defoliated birches by grazing and browsing their seedlings and sprouts.Case descriptionWe interviewed 15 reindeer herders in the Kaldoaivi and Paistunturi herding co-operative in northernmost Finland in order to analyse their past, present and future views on the behaviour of moths and the growth of mountain birches. We investigate the behaviour of the two herbivores by combining the indigenous knowledge (IK) of Sámi herders with the results of relevant studies in biology and anthropology, applying niche construction theory (NCT) in doing so.Discussion and evaluationIn the first stage, the niche constructors (moths, reindeer, herders, mountain birch and other organisms) are looked upon as “equal constructors” of a shared niche. As changes unfold in their niche, their role changes from that of constructor to key constructor. The role and importance of niche constructors were different when nomadic pasture rotation was used than they are today under the herding co-operative system. Niche construction faced its most radical and permanent negative changes during the border closures that took place over the latter half of the 19th century. The large-scale nomadic life among the Sámi herders, who migrated between Finland and Norway, came to an end. This phase was followed by stationary herding, which diminished the possibilities of reindeer to look for various environmental affordances. Difficult snow conditions or birch defoliation caused by moth outbreaks made the situation worse than before. Eventually reindeer became key constructors, together with moth larvae, leading to negative ecological inheritance that forced herders to use new, adaptive herding practices.ConclusionsBoth the scientific data and the IK of herders highlight the roles of reindeer and herders as continuous key constructors of the focal niche, one which stands to be modified in more heterogenic ways than earlier due to global warming and hence will result in new ecological inheritance.

Eimeria rangiferis (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) reported from caribou in Ameralik, West Greenland

In recent decades the native Barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) south of the Godthaabs fjord (Nuup Kangerlua fjord) in West Greenland have mixed with semi-domesticated Norwegian reindeer (R. t. tarandus) imported in 1952 from Finnmark Norway and released onto the range of the Ameralik caribou population. Fecal samples from three calves of the Ameralik caribou population were examined for the presence of nematode eggs and eimerid oocysts. Two distinct nematode egg types were observed: the first, Nematodirella longissimespiculata, was found in all calves, while the second, a strongylid nematode, was detected in one calf. The coccidian eimerid Eimeria rangiferis was identified in all calves. This host-specific eimerid is found in Icelandic feral reindeer, which were also imported from Finnmark Norway. We suggest that Finnmark reindeer were the source of Eimeria rangiferis observed in Ameralik caribou today. There are three possible origins for the presence of N. longissimespiculata in Ameralik, 1) arrival with colonizing caribou from North America within the past 4000 years, 2) the 1952 introduction of semi-domesticated Norwegian reindeer, or 3) the current immigration of muskoxen.

What are the impacts of reindeer/caribou (Rangifer tarandus L.) on arctic and alpine vegetation? A systematic review

Abstract Background The reindeer (or caribou, Rangifer tarandus L.) has a natural range extending over much of Eurasia’s and North America’s arctic, alpine and boreal zones, yet its impact on vegetation is still unclear. This lack of a common understanding hampers both the management of wild and semi-domesticated reindeer populations and the preservation of biodiversity. To achieve a common platform, we have undertaken a systematic review of published studies that compare vegetation at sites with different reindeer densities. Besides biodiversity, we focused on effects on major plant growth forms. Methods Searches for literature were made using online publication databases, search engines, specialist websites and bibliographies of literature reviews. Search terms were developed in English, Finnish, Norwegian, Russian and Swedish. Identified articles were screened for relevance based on titles, abstracts and full text using inclusion criteria set out in an a priori protocol. Relevant articles were then subject to critical appraisal of susceptibility to bias. Data on outcomes such as abundance, biomass, cover and species richness of vegetation were extracted together with metadata on site properties and other potential effect modifiers. Results Our searches identified more than 6,000 articles. After screening for relevance, 100 of them remained. Critical appraisal excluded 60 articles, leaving 40 articles with 41 independent studies. Almost two thirds of these studies had been conducted in Fennoscandia. Meta-analysis could be made of data from 31 of the studies. Overall, effects of reindeer on species richness of vascular plants depended on temperature, ranging from negative at low temperature to positive at high temperature. Effects on forbs, graminoids, woody species, and bryophytes were weak or non-significant, whereas the effect on lichens was negative. However, many individual studies showed clear positive or negative effects, but the available information was insufficient to explain this context dependence. Conclusions We see two pressing matters emerging from our study. First, there is a lack of research with which to build a circumpolar understanding of grazing effects, which calls for more studies using a common protocol to quantify reindeer impacts. Secondly, the highly context-dependent outcomes suggest that research and management have to consider local conditions. For instance, predictions of what a management decision would mean for the effects of reindeer on vegetation will have to take the variation of vegetation types and dominant growth forms, productivity, and grazing history into account. Policy and management have to go hand-in-hand with research in individual cases if the dynamics between plants, animals, and humans are to be sufficiently understood.

Reproductive Rate and Calf Body Mass in a North-Boreal Reindeer Herd: Effects of NAO and Snow Conditions

Population demographics of northern ungulates are influenced by density and weather conditions. For caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) that dig in the snow for winter food, snow accumulation and duration of the snow layer are suggested to be influential. Indices based on large-scale alterations of atmospheric pressure such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) are connected to climate change and may predict ecological processes better than does local weather. Some empirical evidence of the effects of climate variation is available for Arctic and alpine populations but practically none for sedentary, boreal reindeer. We examined the effects of population density, winter and spring NAO, snow accumulation, and the timing of snowmelt on reproductive success (here the calf/female ratio) and on mean summer body mass of calves in a north-boreal, free-ranging herd of semi-domesticated reindeer in northeastern Finland. In this herd, day of snowmelt explained variation in the calf/female ratio and in the midsummer body mass of calves, more so than NAO, winter snow depth and population density.

A catch-22 conflict: Access to semi-domestic reindeer modulates Eurasian lynx depredation on domestic sheep

Conserving large carnivores in multi-use landscape is a global challenge. In northern Norway the presence of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) conflicts greatly with the current ways of keeping free-grazing, unguarded livestock in large carnivore habitat. In contrast to most other places in Europe, livestock (sheep Ovis aries, reindeer Rangifer tarandus) are the only ungulate prey available for lynx in this area. The relative preference by lynx for these two domestic species will strongly influence depredation pressure for the respective species. We examined predation patterns on domestic sheep in summer from 17 GPS-collared lynx that had access to both free ranging sheep and reindeer. During 1115 lynx monitoring days, we documented 47 sheep and 274 reindeer killed by lynx. Most lynx individuals selected reindeer over sheep and the probability for a kill to be a sheep increased at low reindeer densities combined with high sheep densities. Kill rates on sheep were several times lower than for reindeer and were not related to density of livestock. General avoidance and low kill rates on sheep by most lynx generated low predation pressure on sheep within the reindeer husbandry, similar to what has been observed in areas of high roe deer densities. However, even a small shift of herd location within the designated summer grazing areas for reindeer could potentially cause a significant increase in depredation on sheep locally. This is one of several studies demonstrating that the density of alternative prey can modulate kill rates on livestock, which is important to include in spatially explicit risk models of large carnivore depredation on livestock.

The role of predation and food limitation on claims for compensation, reindeer demography and population dynamics.

Summary A major challenge in biodiversity conservation is to facilitate viable populations of large apex predators in ecosystems where they were recently driven to ecological extinction due to resource conflict with humans.Monetary compensation for losses of livestock due to predation is currently a key instrument to encourage human–carnivore coexistence. However, a lack of quantitative estimates of livestock losses due to predation leads to disagreement over the practice of compensation payments. This disagreement sustains the human–carnivore conflict.The level of depredation on year‐round, free‐ranging, semi‐domestic reindeer by large carnivores in Fennoscandia has been widely debated over several decades. In Norway, the reindeer herders claim that lynx and wolverine cause losses of tens of thousands of animals annually and cause negative population growth in herds. Conversely, previous research has suggested that monetary predator compensation can result in positive population growth in the husbandry, with cascading negative effects of high grazer densities on the biodiversity in tundra ecosystems.We utilized a long‐term, large‐scale data set to estimate the relative importance of lynx and wolverine predation and density‐dependent and climatic food limitation on claims for losses, recruitment and population growth rates in Norwegian reindeer husbandry.Claims of losses increased with increasing predator densities, but with no detectable effect on population growth rates. Density‐dependent and climatic effects on claims of losses, recruitment and population growth rates were much stronger than the effects of variation in lynx and wolverine densities. Synthesis and applications. Our analysis provides a quantitative basis for predator compensation and estimation of the costs of reintroducing lynx and wolverine in areas with free‐ranging semi‐domestic reindeer. We outline a potential path for conflict management which involves adaptive monitoring programmes, open access to data, herder involvement and development of management strategy evaluation (MSE) models to disentangle complex responses including multiple stakeholders and individual harvester decisions.

Allosuckling in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus): Milk-theft, mismothering or kin selection?

Allosuckling, the suckling of offspring from females other than their own mother, has been reported in a number of mammalian species, including reindeer. The causes and function of this behaviour are still being investigated. We monitored 25 doe-calf pairs of semi-domestic reindeer Rangifer tarandus over 10 weeks to test three allosuckling/allonursing hypotheses: (1) milk theft, calves opportunistically allosuckle; (2) mismothering, misdirected maternal care; and (3) kin-selected allonursing. A calf soliciting an allosuckling bout was categorized as non-filial (NF), and a calf soliciting a suckling bout from its mother was categorized as filial (F). We recorded 9757 solicitations, of which 5176 were successful F bouts and 1389 were successful NF bouts. The rejection rates were greater for NF than F calves. The proportions of antiparallel positions adopted were greater for F than NF calves. The odds of an allobout were lower for calves arriving 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th than for those arriving 2nd, but the odds did not vary with position adopted and relatedness. Our results provided support to the milk-theft hypothesis, whereas limited support for the mismothering hypothesis was found. Our results did not support the hypothesized kin selection function of allosuckling in reindeer.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: insert SI title.

Population trends, distribution and conservation status of semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in China

The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) is listed as a species of “least concern” on the Red List of Threatened Species of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). It is distributed in the northern part of China and semi-domesticated in the region. Here we present a comparison of the historical and current distribution and numbers of reindeer in China, as well as an assessment of the factors limiting population growth. Based on this information we explore potential protective measures for reindeer in China.The reindeer has been herded extensively by the Ewenki people, the only people to do so in China. Reindeer in China originated from the Wenduosenlin tundra highlands of Siberia. Capable of migrating more than 3000km/year, the reindeer moved from the highlands to the Weitimu river during the 16th century and on to the Northeast area of China in 1654. Since 1957, 600 reindeer have settled in Qiqian in Inner Mongolia, and from 1965 more than 900 reindeer migrated from there to Mangui. In response to frequent flooding and a fluctuating reindeer population in the Mangui region, in 2003 the Ewenki people and more than 260 reindeer translocated from there to Aoluguya.Currently, eight meta-populations of reindeer comprising 773 individuals inhabit in the Arctic region of China. The reindeer population peaked in the 1970s at more than 1080 animals, but declined markedly from 1998 onwards mainly as a result of inbreeding, poaching, predation and tourism. The Chinese government's interest in wildlife protection is increasing, as evidenced by the introduction of wildlife protection laws and regulations, the importation of new reindeer varieties from Russia and the joining of the Association of World Reindeer Herders. However, natural reserves and national parks have still not been established within the reindeer's range in China to conserve this fragile population.

Persistent organic pollutant levels in semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.), feed, lichen, blood, milk, placenta, foetus and calf

A study concerning persistent organic pollutants in Finnish semi-domesticated reindeer was conducted in northern Finland. The aim of this study was to explore POP presence in different tissues of reindeer. In addition, it was studied how POPs are transported from food concentrates and lichen to reindeer hind tissues and further to the placenta, foetus, milk and calf. Concentrations of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs), 37 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (including 12 dioxin-like PCBs), and 15 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analysed. In most of the reindeer muscle tissue samples PCBs were clearly dominating compounds (on average 58% of the total WHO-TEQ). The total WHO-TEQ was higher in the muscle tissue of reindeer calves than in their corresponding hinds (on average 1.7pg/g fat vs. 1.1pg/g fat, respectively). The total WHO-TEQ concentrations were higher in the muscle and liver tissues of reindeer hinds than in their blood or placentas. The foetuses had clearly lower WHO-TEQ concentrations than their corresponding hinds. The contribution of WHO-PCDD/F-TEQ to the total WHO-TEQ was somewhat higher in the liver than in the muscle tissue. The reindeer hind–calf pair, which had gone through the lichen diet, had on average higher WHO-PCDD/F- and PCB-TEQ concentrations in their tissues than the hind–calf-pair that had gone through the reindeer food concentrate diet. WHO-PCB-TEQs in the reindeer foetuses were equal with the concentrations of placentas. The reindeer foetuses contained generally more PBDEs than their corresponding hinds and placentas. This may indicate effective transport of these compounds through the placenta of reindeer.

Erratum to: Both reindeer management and several other land use factors explain the reduction in ground lichens (Cladonia spp.) in pastures grazed by semi-domesticated reindeer in Finland

Roles of intensive reindeer grazing and several additional land use factors in the reduction in ground lichens (Cladonia spp.) in pastures grazed by the semi-domesticated reindeer have been argued in Finland. Our analysis showed that several factors and processes explain the standing biomass of lichens (during 2005–2008) and the recent changes in this biomass (after 1995–1996) on lichen pastures located in the 20 northernmost herding districts in Finland. The higher the long-term reindeer densities on the lichen pastures the lower was the lichen biomass. The lichen biomass was also strongly affected by the grazing system; the lowest biomass values of lichens were measured in all grazing areas that were used in the snow-free seasons. The lichen biomass in pine forests less than 80 years old and in all mountain type lichen pastures was lower than that in mature and old pine forests. The lichen biomass also decreased as the proportion of arboreal lichen pastures within a district decreased and the proportion of human infrastructure increased. The aerial drift of heavy metals from the Kola Peninsula appeared to reduce lichens in a small north-eastern part of the study area. Increases in summer precipitation and winter temperatures increased the amount of lichens, but increases in summer temperatures and winter precipitation had the opposite effect. Reindeer densities, grazing system, pasture type and the previous abiotic factors were also associated with the reduction in lichen biomass between the inventories. We conclude that several local, regional and even global factors and processes affect the state of reindeer pastures in large and complex grazing ecosystems. Therefore, more comprehensive research and management strategies for the entire reindeer herding environment are needed.

Optimal harvesting of an age-structured, two-sex herbivore–plant system

This study presents an optimal harvesting model for the semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer t. tarandus) and its main winter energy source, ground lichens (Cladonia spp.). Females are divided into 17 age classes and males into 13. Reproduction is specified by a modified harmonic mean mating function and an age-specific reproduction success. Lichen availability determines individuals’ overwinter weight decrease, natural mortality, the number of calves per females and calves’ birth weight. The reindeer herding cooperative can choose the number of animals harvested from the 30 age/sex classes and is assumed to maximize the preset value of net income. The structured optimization model is solved as a fully dynamic system and for initial states that may not be close to the optimal steady state. This enables to study optimal recovery from overgrazed pastures and the optimality of the constant escapement policy. We show that given zero interest rate the optimal steady-state lichen density is less than 50% of the maximum sustainable yield level but nearly twice as high as empirically observed. Density dependence at optimal equilibrium is realized in calf weight and in the average number of calves per female. Optimal slaughtering is concentrated on six-month-old calves. Adult females are slaughtered at the age of 9.5 years and males at the age of 5.5 years. A moderate or high interest rate increases the steady state reindeer population but decreases pasture conditions. Dynamic solutions deviate from constant escapement, implying that the optimal recovery from initially overgrazed pastures is slower than suggested in existing studies and actual policy. The shadow value for males is three times higher than for females.

Antler casting in relation to parturition in semi-domesticated female reindeer

We investigated the timing of the right and left antler casting in semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in relation to parturition using 139 antlered adult individually marked females in 2008-09 between May 5 and June 2; a period when all calves were born and all females cast their antlers. We analysed time of casting of right and left antler in relation to pregnancy, female age and body weight, weight and sex of the calf, and birth date. Seven of the females were non-pregnant (barren) and cast their antlers during the second week of May and at the same time as some of the females that gave birth initiated antler casting. Postpartum retention of antlers varied from 0 to 15 days. We found no difference between left and right antler casting schedule and within two days apart, 91% of the females had cast both antlers. The maximum number of antler castings per day occurred on the seventh day after parturition. Of the 132 females that gave birth, 7 females (5.3%) cast both antlers 5 – 23 days before calving, three females cast right antler 6 – 10 days before and the left antler 2 – 5 days after calving and one female that bore only a left antler casted a day before calving. Antler casting among lactating females was related only to female age, indicating that older females cast antlers earlier than younger females (i.e. 3 days earlier than the pooled mean of 7.6 days). Apart from calving date being two days later among the 7 females that alternated their casting schedule, female body weights, calf sex and calf birth weight among them did not differ between the two years. We conclude that it is a small but consistent antler casting overlap between barren and pregnant/lactating females, indicating that the control mechanism for casting of antlers is not “fool proof” and that antler status prior to parturition does not accurately predict pregnancy status in this domestic reindeer group.

Response distances of wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus Lönnb.) and semi-domestic reindeer (R. t. tarandus L.) to direct provocation by a human on foot/snowshoes

The objective of the study was to examine response distances of wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus Lönnb.) and semi-domestic reindeer (R. t. tarandus L.) in Finland and Norway to direct provocation by a human on foot/snowshoes in 5 areas and in 15 reindeer herding cooperatives during different seasons in 2010-12. There were no significant differences in mean herd size or in sight, alert, flight and closest response distances of wild forest reindeer in the Kuhmo and Suomenselkä areas. The encounter distance in wild forest reindeer was significantly (P< 0.005) longer than in semi-domestic reindeer in Finland and in Finnmark, Norway, and it increased with the group size. The sight and the alert distances in wild forest reindeer were significantly (P< 0.001) longer than in semi-domestic reindeer. In addition, the flight distance for wild forest reindeer (mean 192 m) was significantly (P< 0.001) and almost three times longer than in semi-domestic reindeer in Finland (mean 68 m). The closest mean distance was in wild forest reindeer 191m (range 100-320 m) but only 44 m (range 2-110 m) in semi-domestic reindeer (P< 0.001). The sight, alert, flight and closest response distances were slightly longer in Norwegian than in Finnish semi-domestic reindeer. However, these distances were significantly (P<0.005) longer in Pohjois-Salla (no supplementary feeding) than in other Finnish reindeer herding cooperatives and at the Kaamanen experimental station. The mean flight distance of reindeer in Pohjois-Salla was 115 m but only 65 m in other cooperatives (P< 0.001). The closest distance of semi-domestic reindeer in Pohjois-Salla (mean 105 m) was more than 2.5 times longer than in other reindeer herding cooperatives (mean 40 m). The mean sight, alert and flight distances in wild forest reindeer in autumn and winter were significantly longer (P<0.005) than in semi-domestic reindeer in Finland. However, during summer these distances in wild forest reindeer herds with young calves were significantly longer (P<0.005). The mean herd size of Finnish semi-domestic reindeer was almost the same in different seasons, but in wild forest reindeer it was slightly bigger during winter and spring and smaller during summer and autumn, only 7-23 reindeer. The mean encounter and sight distances in semi-domestic reindeer were significantly longer (P<0.005) in winter, but the mean alert and flight distances were almost the same in winter and summer and slightly longer than during other seasons. The results suggest that the supplementary feeding practice during winter may likely cause a reduction in flight distances in semi-domestic reindeer.

Intake and chemical composition of winter and spring forage plants consumed by semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Northern Finland

Reindeer diets are highly influenced by seasonal availability of forage plants and their nutritive value. This study investigated the use and chemical composition of winter and spring forage plants consumed by semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) grazing on natural pastures in Northern Finland. Reindeer diet composition was determined by microhistological analysis of faeces collected during winter and spring. Terrestrial lichen species (mainly Cladonia sp.) dominated the winter and spring diet of reindeer, as well as various dwarf shrub species. A seasonal shift occurred in the diet, with proportion of lichen which corresponded with an increase in graminoids as spring progressed, reflecting reindeer adaptations to seasonal fluctuations of forage quality and availability. Chemical composition of forage plants showed that terrestrial lichen had high levels of hemicellulose, while arboreal lichen had relatively high nitrogen levels. In contrast, new growth of birch leaf, graminoids and dwarf shrub had high levels of crude protein, ether extract and minerals. The observed diet composition and its chemical content reflect high seasonal variability in the availability and intake of nutrients to which reindeer have adapted.

Persistent organic pollutants in meat, liver, tallow and bone marrow from semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in Northern Norway

BackgroundThe aim of this project was to study 14 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 5 dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethans (DDTs), 12 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 6 polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) in meat, liver, tallow and bone marrow from semi-domesticated reindeer.MethodsMeat, liver, tallow, and bone marrow samples (n= 30) were collected from semi-domesticated reindeer in Northern Norway. Determination of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) concentrations was done by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Dependent sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation test were used in statistical analysis.ResultsConcentrations of the persistent organic pollutants in the samples from semi-domesticated reindeer were generally low and slightly above the limit of detection (LOD). For PCBs and OCPs, ≥ 50% of the samples had concentrations above LOD. For the DDTs and PBDEs, the proportion of samples with concentrations above LOD varied between 3.7 and 45.5% depending on the sample type. Concentrations of PCB 99, 105, 138/163, 153 and 187 differed significantly between meat and liver, whereas concentrations of PCB 183 were significantly different between tallow and bone marrow. Furthermore, concentrations of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were significantly different between meat and liver. Significant correlations were revealed in concentrations of 5 PCB congeners between the studied tissue types.ConclusionConcentrations of the POPs revealed in this study were generally low.

Both reindeer management and several other land use factors explain the reduction in ground lichens (Cladonia spp.) in pastures grazed by semi-domesticated reindeer in Finland

Both reindeer management and several other land use factors explain the reduction in ground lichens (Cladonia spp.) in pastures grazed by semi-domesticated reindeer in Finland