Reindeer in Decline: The Impact of Rising Temperatures on Their Survival

The exact number of reindeer in the world is unknown, though it’s estimated to be in the range of seven million. Many reindeer are domesticated, providing milk, meat, and transportation services. They are also important sources of income in many rural communities. Continue reading to discover the facts and figures you need to know about where this curious and endearing animal calls home.

How Many Reindeer Exist?

The question of how many reindeer exist has long been debated among experts. The latest studies conclude that there are about seven million (7,000,000) wild and domesticated reindeer worldwide, with about 3.5 million living in North America. Regardless of the exact number, it is clear that reindeer are an abundant species and can be found in the coldest corners of the planet.

Reindeer, native to the Northern Hemisphere, are found in Scandinavia, Russia, and Canada among other regions. Thanks to their immense adaptability, they have managed to coexist with humans for centuries and are now among the most common domesticated animals in certain regions, such as parts of Russia and Scandinavia.

Why Is the World’s Reindeer Population Declining?

Unfortunately, the reindeer population is declining due to climate change. As temperatures rise, snow melts earlier and freezes later. This changes the availability of food and shelter for reindeer, making it more difficult for them to survive.

Food Shortages

Warmer temperatures favor the growth of larger plants, causing lichens, the reindeer’s primary food source, to become scarce. Lichens are a symbiotic combination of a fungus and a photosynthesizing organism and are very sensitive to heat. Common lichens can’t adapt to temperature change as quickly as the Earth is warming.

Increased Rainfall

Rising temperatures also lead to increased precipitation in the Arctic, which can be a big problem for the tundra because it can cause layers of hard ice to form and cover the ground. This layer, known as frost blocking, prevents reindeer and other animals from poking their noses out to forage for food. Additionally, ice can damage plants growing on the tundra. Ice affects the soil, kills plant roots, and often kills the plants outright. Unfortunately, precipitation in the Arctic is already increasing due to climate change, posing a serious threat to the tundra’s reindeer and their food sources.

Insects

As anyone who has ever tried to enjoy a picnic on the beach can attest, insects can be a nuisance. However, for reindeer, a species that often inhabits cold and remote areas, insects can be a real problem as they can reduce the quality and quantity of reindeer forage. Insects can also be disease vectors and prevent pregnant females from gaining sufficient weight to produce healthy calves. To avoid these adverse effects, reindeer often change their feeding patterns, travel greater distances to find suitable food, and search for areas that provide shelter from insects.

How Many Reindeer Are Domesticated?

The generally quoted figure for the world’s domesticated reindeer population is three million (3,000,000). Reindeer farming is a significant industry in Russia, where the animals are used for their meat, skins, and antlers.