Vigilance and fright behaviour in the insular Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)

2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (8) ◽  
pp. 753-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eigil Reimers ◽  
Steinar Lund ◽  
Torbjørn Ergon
Keyword(s):  
Human Activities ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Lower Probability ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Svalbard Archipelago ◽  
Svalbard Reindeer ◽  
Vigilance Behaviour ◽  
Southern Norway ◽  
Wild Reindeer ◽  
Flight Initiation

The insular Svalbard reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus Vrolik, 1829) provide an opportunity to study vigilance behaviour in the absence of predators and parasitizing insects. We measured vigilance and fright and flight response during summer 2006 in the Svalbard archipelago; in four areas on Nordenskiöld Land on the island Spitzbergen and in one area on the island Edgeøya. Vigilance was higher in reindeer on Edgeøya than in the four Spitzbergen areas. Males were less vigilant than lactating and barren females and vigilance decreased with increasing group size. The relaxed vigilance behaviour in Svalbard reindeer compared with wild reindeer in southern Norway demonstrates a vigilance threshold in the absence of traditional predators of Rangifer Hamilton Smith, 1827. Alert, flight initiation, and escape distances were all shorter in Adventdalen, with Longyearbyen and its considerably higher amounts of human activities and infrastructure than in the other study areas, supporting evidence of habituation towards humans. There were no systematic vigilance or differences in fright and flight responses between reindeer in Colesdalen, Reindalen, and Sassendalen, indicating that a combination of low level of human activities including hunting, recreation, and scientific activities affected the animals differently. Lower probability of assessing before fleeing in Edgeøya (63% vs. 94% in the Nordenskiöld Land areas), along with their higher vigilance, may indicate more frequent interactions with polar bears ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) in Edgeøya.

scholarly journals Vigilance in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus); evolutionary history, predation and human interference

Polar Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eigil Reimers ◽  
Sindre Eftestøl ◽  
Jonathan E. Colman
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variability ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Anatomy And Physiology ◽  
Vigilance Behaviour ◽  
Key Drivers ◽  
Southern Norway ◽  
Warning Time

AbstractTo elucidate genetic variability in vigilance behaviour for reindeer with historical differences in their interactions with predators and humans, we measured vigilance frequency and duration for grazing reindeer in Southern Norway (Rondane and Norefjell-Reinsjøfjell), Svalbard (Edgeøya and Nordenskiöld Land) and Barf/Royal Bay and Busen in the southern Hemisphere (South Georgia). Averaged for all areas, frequency and duration of vigilance bouts were less than 0.5 and 2.5 s, respectively. Frequency was insignificantly 1.3 times higher in Rondane than Edgeøya, and significantly 2.0, 3.5, 5.2 and 12.4 times higher than Norefjell, Nordenskiöld Land, Barf/Royal Bay and Busen, respectively. Duration per vigilance bout was not different amongst the areas. Thus, while frequency varied considerably, duration remained constant, supporting a hard-wired adaptation to, among other suggestions, an open landscape. Plasticity in frequency allows for flexible behavioral responses to environmental factors with predation, domestication and hunting key drivers for reindeer. Other factors include (1) the open, treeless alpine/Arctic environment inhabited by Rangifer subspecies allowing warning time, (2) grouping behaviour, (3) relative low density of predators and (4) the anatomy and physiology of ungulate vision.

scholarly journals Habituation responses in wild reindeer exposed to recreational activities

Rangifer ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eigil Reimers ◽  
Knut H. Røed ◽  
Øystein Flaget ◽  
Eivind Lurås
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Genetic Ancestry ◽  
Recreational Activities ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Wild Reindeer ◽  
Flight Initiation ◽  
Microsatellite Analyses

Displacement is the effect most often predicted when recreational activities in wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) areas are discussed. Wild reindeer in Blefjell (225 km2) are exposed to humans more frequently than in Hardangervidda (8200 km2), from which the Blefjell herd originate. We recorded fright and flight response distances of groups of reindeer in both herds to a person directly approaching them on foot or skis during winter, summer, and autumn post-hunting and rutting season in 2004-2006. The response distances sight, alert, flight initiation and escape were shorter in Blefjell than in Hardangervidda while the probability of assessing the observer before flight tended to be greater in Blefjell. To test whether these results could be due to habituation or genetic influence of semi-domestic reindeer previously released in the Blefjell region, we compared the genetic variation of the Blefjell reindeer with previously reported variation in semi-domestic reindeer and in the wild reindeer from Hardangervidda. Microsatellite analyses revealed closer genetic ancestry of the Blefjell reindeer to the wild Hardangervidda reindeer and not to the semi-domestic reindeer at both the herd and the individual level. We conclude that the decreased flight responses in Blefjell reindeer appear to be a habituation response to frequent human encounters rather than traits inherited from a semi-domestic origin.

scholarly journals Linking Social Values of Wild Reindeer to Planning and Management Options in Southern Norway

ARCTIC ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjørn P. Kaltenborn ◽  
Mehmet Mehmetoglu ◽  
Vegard Gundersen
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Knowledge Bases ◽  
Value Orientations ◽  
Path Modeling ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Ecological Requirements ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Southern Norway ◽  
Wild Reindeer

Norway is home to the last remaining populations of wild mountain reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Europe. Concerns over anthropogenic and natural drivers have led to change in the management regime from a population-based model to an area-based model. More complex management goals, increasing involvement of stakeholders, and larger management units call for improved knowledge about reindeer-related values. We examined the responses of 1000 respondents to 39 statements of attitudes and values associated with wild reindeer presence and the management situation in two reindeer regions of southern Norway. We used a partial least-squares path modeling approach to examine the nexus between the attraction of wild reindeer, sustainability concerns, utilitarian and non-utilitarian values, conflicts, and attitudes toward hunting. The results show that local concepts of the sustainability of reindeer are based on opinions about the ecological requirements as well as the roles reindeer can play in the social and economic development of the communities. The attraction of reindeer is a function of consumptive as well as non-consumptive objectives. Segments of the community with different consumptive orientations can share ideas about the attraction of reindeer, but diverge in their interpretation of the sustainability of the species. Improved knowledge about the diversity and complexity of value orientations associated with wild reindeer can be a useful tool for developing multi-objective management frameworks with a diversity of stakeholders who may share similar values and interests, although they have different experience and knowledge bases.

Antlerless females among reindeer and caribou

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (7) ◽  
pp. 1319-1325 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Reimers
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Additional Data ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Frequency Of Occurrence ◽  
Svalbard Reindeer ◽  
Southern Norway ◽  
Over Time

The frequency of occurrence of female reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus) without antlers was recorded in the field in southern Norway, Svalbard, Iceland, eastern and western Greenland, and Newfoundland. Additional data were retrieved from the literature. The study showed that antlerless Rangifer females occur throughout their habitat, though they are generally more common among woodland populations than among tundra or alpine populations. Antlerless males are extremely rare. Within subspecies, the frequency of occurrence of antlerless females varies with geographical location: 5 – 47% in Svalbard reindeer, 21 – 79% in western Greenland caribou, and 12 – 92% in Newfoundland woodland caribou. Within the same population the frequency has changed over time, as at Snøhetta and Hardangervidda in southern Norway and possibly also in Newfoundland (the Interior herd). Among tundra reindeer in southern Norway there appears to be a relationship between habitat quality, body size or physical condition, and antler status. Antlerless females are few or absent in populations in prime physical condition and common in populations with animals in poor condition.

Can management regulate the population size of wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) through harvest?

2012 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Strand ◽  
E.B. Nilsen ◽  
E.J. Solberg ◽  
J.C.D. Linnell
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
Relative Role ◽  
Harvest Data ◽  
Closed Populations ◽  
Southern Norway ◽  
Wild Reindeer

We analyzed a 51-year time series of harvest data from a small population of wild mountain reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus (L., 1758)) in southern Norway and examined the relative role of biological and management related processes as drivers of its population dynamics. The population is monitored annually to obtain information on population size and structure, and since 1980, managers have attempted to stabilize the population at about 1.1 reindeer/km2. The harvest increased at a higher rate than the population size and was thus probably sufficient to not only limit but also regulate population size. Phase plot analyses showed that the population has varied around a density attractor of about 1.0 reindeer/km2 since 1980 and is therefore close to the targeted population size of 1.1 reindeer/km2. However, the annual harvest explained only 49% of the variation in population growth rate (λ) in a linear regression model, despite relatively low variation in population productivity (proportion of calves). Between 1999 and 2006, the population in Forolhogna declined by almost 50% before recovering to its previous size. We suggest that both imprecise population estimates and high harvest effectiveness at reduced population densities contributed to this decline. As such, this study points to some of the obstacles managers are facing when trying to stabilize productive ungulate populations even when they live in closed populations and in stable, predator-free environments.

scholarly journals The Hardangervidda wild reindeer herd: a problematic management history

Rangifer ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dag K. Bjerketvedt ◽  
Eigil Reimers ◽  
Howard Parker ◽  
Reidar Borgstrøm
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
Independent Evaluation ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Southern Norway ◽  
Harvest Quotas ◽  
Wild Reindeer

The unique and internationally important wild reindeer Rangifer tarandus herd on the Hardangervidda plateau of southern Norway  has shown frequent and extreme fluctuations in harvest numbers for the past 60 years, despite considerable effort to stabilize the herd size at a winter carrying capacity of  9000 – 12 000 animals . In the absence of large mammalian predators, herd size is managed through hunting.  Here we attempt to unravel the causes of the management problems related to this population by examining the relative roles of historical, biological and management-related processes. From 1900 - 1950 the population remained mainly low due to a combination of generous harvest quotas, poaching and competition from domestic reindeer.  From 1950 - 2012 three extreme harvest peaks of between 4500 - 9500 animals occurred, followed by three equally extreme troughs including two shorter periods of total protection.  This extreme harvest fluctuation contrasts with the estimated annual harvest of 2300 - 3000 needed to stabilize the winter herd between 9000 - 12 000 animals.  We conclude that this population has been difficult to manage mainly because of 1) a management based on frequently unreliable population data on herd size (especially before 2001), 2) lack of  in depth analyses and evaluation of both recruitment and sex and age composition and 3) a low and highly variable harvest success (harvest/quota) due mainly to poor hunter mobility, a disadvantage when reindeer must be harvested from large flocks that constantly move upwind, seeking refuge on small areas with few hunters.  More reliable population data to create better harvest models plus increased hunter mobility are necessary to attain a more sustainable herd size, implying an improvement of the current herd survey methodology available to local reindeer boards.  Finally, a critical and independent evaluation of the scientific methodology employed to study and manage this herd is needed.

scholarly journals Wild reindeer of Yakutia

Rangifer ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 387
Author(s):  
V.M. Safronov
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Mountainous Areas ◽  
New Siberian Islands ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus ◽  
Wild Meat ◽  
Wild Reindeer

Three major herds of wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.), totaling over 200,000 animals, occur in the tundra and taiga of northern Yakutia. These herds have been expanding since the late 1950s and now occupy most of their historic range. In addition, several thousand wild reindeer occupy the New Siberian Islands and adjacent coastal mainland tundra, and there are about 60,000 largely sedentary forest reindeer in mountainous areas of the southern two-thirds of the province. Wild reindeer are commercially hunted throughout the mainland, and the production of wild meat is an important part of the economy of the province and of individual reindeer enterprises which produce both wild and domestic meat.

scholarly journals Cumulative Impacts of Tourist Resorts on Wild Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) during Winter

ARCTIC ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Nellemann ◽  
Per Jordhøy ◽  
Ole-Gunnar Støen ◽  
Olav Strand
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Cumulative Impacts ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus ◽  
Wild Reindeer
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