Reindeer, the most famous of Arctic and sub Arctic residents, are under severe threat with populations plummeting. Today, the country protects 10 national and 14 smaller domestic wild reindeer areas. To help evaluate the status of these reindeer populations, scientists from the University of Oslo have proposed a new method to monitor their coping capacity. Atle Mysterud, Ph.D., is the study’s principal investigator. A new initiative, launched in November, aims to raise awareness of the threats wild reindeer are under and bolster their protection.
The researchers found that only one population of free-ranging reindeer in Norway is now in good condition. By comparison, 11 populations are ranked as medium, and 12 populations are in the poor tier. This shocking determination highlights the need to get to the root cause that’s leading these global treasures to go missing at a rapid pace.
The Importance of Wild Reindeer Areas
Norway’s wild reindeer areas are important for conserving the ecological integrity of Arctic and subarctic ecosystems. To protect the wild reindeer the country now has 10 national and 14 smaller wild reindeer areas. This is a huge step forward in protecting these important habitats. With reindeer numbers decreasing, the value of these conservation areas is being called into doubt.
Scientists at the University of Oslo have developed an innovative new approach. This approach is a composite environmental quality standard specially adapted for wild reindeer habitats. This standard is an important step in enabling these areas to maintain healthy, migratory populations of caribou and enjoy undisturbed, natural habitats.
Urgency of Conservation Efforts
The results of this research underscore an urgent time for reindeer stewardship. Atle Mysterud, the lead author, highlights what could be lost if we don’t act right away in his comments on the study’s findings.
“We are at a critical moment for reindeer conservation, and we hope that the quality standard will clearly convey the urgency of the situation and provide both incentive and guidance for action,” – Atle Mysterud, Ph.D., of the University of Oslo.
This urgency is underscored by alarming trends that show we are losing biodiversity at unprecedented rates. We can—and must—do better by taking protective actions for wild reindeer and their ecologically vital habitats.
Future Directions for Research and Conservation
Next step Moving forward, researchers hope to improve their assessment approach to gain a clearer picture of the competing dynamics at play that impact wild reindeer populations. The study’s results will inform conservation plans moving forward. Most importantly, they should educate lawmakers about what’s really needed to align incentives with outcomes and save these animals.
The DOI of the study, 10.1002/wmon.70005, provides a direct link to find the work and read more about it. Through the adoption of scientific wisdom and by encouraging cross-sector cooperation, Norway aims to turn the tide on its presently dwindling wild reindeer herds.