State of Wild Reindeer Herds

D. Russell

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

October 15, 2010

Summary

Rangifer (wild reindeer and caribou) herds across the circumpolar north have long been characterized by periods of abundance and periods of scarcity. Populations that have been increasing at a steady rate since the early to mid 1970's peaked and most have declined, some rapidly (Bluenose West, Cape Bathurst, Bathurst, Beverly), although two Alaskan coastal herds continued to increase (Teshekpuk Lake and Central Arctic Herds). Counts in 2009 indicate that some herds may be stabilizing although it is far too early to report a trend. Figure C1 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).

Figure C1. Current status of the main migratory herds across the circumpolar north.

• East of the Mackenzie Delta, counts of the Cape Bathurst and the Bluenose West Herds indicate stable abundance from 2006 to 2009.
• The Western Arctic herd count in 2009 indicated 401,000 caribou, compared to 377,000 in 2007, although considered stable between the two counts.
• A 2009 count of the Lena-Olenyk herd in Russia resulted in 95,000 animals reversing a declining trend since 2001.
• In the summer of 2010 photographic population estimates were made of the Bluenose East, the George River and the Porcupine Herd but results are not yet available.
• Although the map indicates that the Leaf River herd is increasing, no counts have been made since 2001 and an attempt to count in 2010 failed.

It is still too early too declare that the recent declines are leveling off, but the halt of further declines in the last few years is welcome news to boards and agencies managing the herds involved. Most feel the general declines that the north experienced and continue to experience are part of a natural cycle possibly exacerbated by harvesting, and the increasing human presence on the ranges. 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.

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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