State of Wild Reindeer Herds

D. Russell

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

October 19, 2009

Summary

Rangifer (wild reindeer and caribou) 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 R1 shows the current status of selected Rangifer, the major migratory herds and herds being monitored as part of the CircumArctic Rangifer Monitoring and Assessment (CARMA) Network (see note on CARMA in the last paragraph of this article). In 2009, a number of population counts were made available, which illustrates the diversity of trends across the arctic.

• On the Alaskan coastal plain the Teshekpuk Lake Herd (TLH) and the Central Arctic Herd (CAH) continued to increase by 5-7% per year. Counted in 2008 the TLH numbered 64,000 up from 45,000 in 2002. The CAH in 2008 were estimated at 67,000 up from 32,000 in 2002.
• In the Central barrens attempts to count the Beverly herd failed because only a few hundred breeding females could be found on the traditional calving grounds. The Beverly herd was last counted in 1994 when the population was estimated at 276,000 animals.
• The Bathurst Caribou herd was counted in 2009 and, although an estimate is not finalized, biologists believe the count will be less than 50,000 animals down from a population peak of over 470,000 in 1986.
• Across the north a number of herds were counted in 2009 or are scheduled to be counted in 2010 in an effort to more closely monitor the apparent declines that are occurring.

Most feel the general declines that the north is experiencing are part of a natural cycle. However during this population scarcity many are concerned that 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.carmanetwork.com/display/public/home) was formed in response for a need to cooperate and coordinate monitoring efforts across the north. The Network is taking advantage of the International Polar Year initiative to increase its monitoring and assessment activities.

Figure R1. 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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