State of Reindeer Herds

D. Russell

Scientist Emeritus, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Yukon, Canada

Reindeer are also known as caribou. Rangifer herds across the circumpolar north have long been characterized by periods of abundance and periods of scarcity. Recent population estimates indicate we may be entering a period of declining numbers. Populations that have been increasing at a steady rate since the early to mid 1970's are either showing signs of peaking or beginning to decline. Figure 1 shows the current status of the main migratory herds across the circumpolar north.

• The largest herds Western Arctic (490,000 in 2003), the Leaf River/George River Herds (1,000,000 in 2004) and the Taimyr herd in Russia (600,000 in 2003) have slowed from previously high growth rates or remain stable between the last 2 consecutive counts.
• The Porcupine Caribou Herd was the first herd to decline, dropping from a high of 178,000 in 1989 to 123,000 in 2001.
• In the central barrens of Northwest Territories and Nunavut herds have declined by as much as 80% in the last 5 years. These dramatic declines have local agencies and user communities preparing for resource shortages in the near future.
• See: http://www.nwtwildlife.com/NWTwildlife/caribou/newsreleasesept06.htm, and (http://www.arcticpeoples.org/2007/02/03/canadas-disappearing-caribou/)
• While herds in central Russia have declined, the Chukotka herd in eastern Siberia has increased greatly since declines in the domestic reindeer industry following the collapse of the Soviet Union. There is some speculation that domestic stock may have augmented wild reindeer population in the region.

Although many predicted that herds would not continue to expand, the increased threats of climate change, increased industrial expansion in the north and the increased sophistication and mobility of harvesters will require more careful monitoring and analysis of population response. The CircumArctic Rangifer Monitoring and Assessment (CARMA) Network (http://www.rangifer.net/carma/) was formed in response for a need to cooperate and coordinate monitoring efforts across the north. The Network will take advantage of the International Polar Year initiative to increase its monitoring and assessment activities over the next 4 years.

Figure 1. Current status of the main migratory herds across the circumpolar north.

Additional Information:

• Ulvevadet, B. and K. Klokov (editors) 2004. Family-based reindeer herding and hunting economies, and the status and management of wild reindeer/caribou populations. Arctic Council Report. Center for Saami Studies, University of Tromso, Norway. 170 pp.
• Russell, D., G. Kofinas, and B. Griffith. 2000. Need and opportunity for a North American caribou knowledge cooperative. Polar Research, 19(1): 117-130.
  

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