This is one of Norway's symbolic animals. Now it is threatened with extinction
On the Hardangervidda plateau, the wild reindeer population is rapidly declining. The species has been placed on the red list as endangered. Scientists warn that despite ongoing efforts, the situation is becoming critical. In recent years, sightings of these animals have become increasingly rare.
Hardangervidda is just one of the areas where reindeer are found in Norway.
Fot. Kordyf z Niemiec, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has announced the closure of five cabins and several sections of hiking trails in Hardangervidda. In addition, opening hours of some facilities have been reduced and parts of routes have been changed. The aim is to protect the reindeer population from further disturbance to its habitat. These measures are intended to mitigate the effects of intensive human activity in the region.
Scientists: Action needed on three levels
Marianne Singsaas from Telemarksforsking believes that the DNT's decisions are a step in the right direction, but not enough. The researcher points out that the main causes of the population decline are the construction of roads, railways, hydropower plants, and expanding tourist infrastructure. In her opinion, action is needed on three levels: limiting large infrastructure investments, halting the development of new buildings, and adjusting the network of trails and the locations of cabins.
In the photo: a reindeer grazing in the Honningsvåg area (Finnmark).Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Residents are also concerned
As one resident told NRK, he used to see herds of up to 300–400 animals. Today, however, even spotting a single reindeer has become rare.
The current situation is the result of years of neglect. Local residents emphasize that in the past, the animals regularly moved through nearby lakes and valleys, but now their tracks have disappeared.
The current situation is the result of years of neglect. Local residents emphasize that in the past, the animals regularly moved through nearby lakes and valleys, but now their tracks have disappeared.
The reindeer as a symbol of the mountain ecosystem
According to Singsaas, the loss of the reindeer population would mean more than just the disappearance of a single species. The reindeer is an umbrella species, and its survival determines the balance of the entire mountain ecosystem.
Its presence is also tied to the traditions and knowledge of local communities. Scientists emphasize that preserving reindeer habitats is not only a matter of nature conservation, but also of Norway's cultural heritage.
Its presence is also tied to the traditions and knowledge of local communities. Scientists emphasize that preserving reindeer habitats is not only a matter of nature conservation, but also of Norway's cultural heritage.
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