Research Group in Mammalian Ecology and Reproduction, Univ. Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on December 20, 2016: Such beautiful creatures....surely we will find a way to protect them...hopefully....they are such symbols of the holiday season....it is my hope that articles like this one will, in some way, protect a species from the harm humans can do. The animals are found in Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, northern Europe, and northern Asia. The lights. I hope its population does well in the future. Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 16, 2020: Thanks for educating us about Svalbard reindeer facts and the conditions that may affect their longevity. Your article offers much to consider. In the poem, he says that Santa's sleigh is pulled by eight tiny reindeer. Similar Images . Svalbard reindeer is the smallest subspecies of reindeer and is exclusive to this area. Reindeer and North American caribou are closely related. In October, the reindeer gather in larger groups for mating. The lights have arrived. In winter, Svalbard reindeer find vegetation in the snow using their hooves, but alternating freezing and thawing periods can create layers of impenetrable ice, depriving the ⦠The outcome of the decreasing weight of the reindeer is unknown at the present. Thanks, Vellur. The Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) is a small subspecies of reindeer found on the Svalbard archipelago of Norway.Males average 65â90 kg in weight, females 53â70 kg, while for other reindeer generally body mass is 159â182 kg for males and 80â120 kg for females. The Svalbard reindeer are magnificent animals. Sheâs lying in the snow, grumpily. And rumor is that Comet was actually Connie and Donner was actually Donna. Perhols, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. These kinds of winter storms on Norwayâs Svalbard archipelago can cause a thick cap of ice to cover the forage that reindeer eat. It is a unique, relatively small subspecies. Skip to ... (and his baby grand) ... Reindeer grazing in the advent valley - Adventdalen in Svalbard. Males are bigger than females and have larger antlers. In March 2018, Kim Holmen of the Norwegian Polar Institute said that the monthly temperature in Longyearbyen had been above average for 86 consecutive months. The head is smaller in proportion to the body than in other reindeer and is also more rounded. The hunt was stopped except for scientific sampling between 1925 and 1983. The female Svalbard reindeer is an excellent candidate for the identity of Santa's helpers. Climate change is certainly very worrying. These items include lichens (an important winter food), urine from potential predators or competitors, and the white fur of wolves, which sometimes attack reindeer. The situation for polar bears is worrying. Management of the Svalbard reindeer, which is only found in Svalbard, is an all-Norwegian responsibility. Male Svalbard reindeer begin the development of their antlers in April and drop them in November or occasionally in early December before Christmas arrives. Reindeer were hunted very heavily on Svalbard from 1860 to 1925, and the population was markedly reduced. Thank you. Quite impossible to believe that such extraordinary life is spontaneous evolution. Suhail Zubaid aka Clark Kent from Mississauga, ON on December 24, 2016: Thank you for writing an article on an area of my interest - wildlife and environment conservation - if I may. Suhail Zubaid aka Clark Kent from Mississauga, ON on December 26, 2016: I just wanted to add this piece after watching a Nature TV's program on wild Africa, yesterday. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on December 26, 2016: Thanks for adding this information, Suhail. Historically, the usual temperature has been around -6.7°C. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family Seven national parks and twenty-three nature reserves cover two-thirds of the archipelago, protecting the largely untouched, yet fragile, natural environment. Marlene Bertrand from USA on December 22, 2016: Perfect timing for such an article. Svalbard reindeer antlers Svalbard reindeer family Svalbard reindeer An active Svalbard reindeer calf They are beloved by many children for taking Santa around the world on Christmas Eve. The Svalbard reindeer is the smallest subspecies of reindeer and has the scientific name. Some of the report's specific predictions included increasing air and water temperature, a shorter snow season, and increased rainfall. Svalbard reindeer mother and her calf, most likely 1-2 weeks old. Some reindeer migrate in the spring. Svalbard’s Rudolf is sweet-faced and stubby-legged, and is actually a very interesting animal. Thanks for another very interesting article, Alicia! They are unique compared to your average reindeer in that their characteristics are highly adapted to living this far north. The size of the animals is decreasing. That they are all wild, and can walk 5000 km in a year? In winter, the entire body often appears grey or even white. I hope this species of reindeer continues to survive in spite of the weight loss. The average temperature on the islands is increasing, as described below. Their hooves are well adapted for the changing consistency of the ground. Like you, I hope the reindeer continue to survive in spite of the problems that they face. We begin digging into Arctic specialities like smoked Svalbard reindeer but, as the wine-braised veal arrives, we down forks. I wish more people would understand that climate change is not a hoax, and the serious domino effect it brings to all living things. Experience Svalbard and Longyearbyen with a good conscience. Larry Rankin from Oklahoma on December 20, 2016: Ksenija from Novo mesto, Slovenia on December 20, 2016: Such a great hub! After all, without his trusty reindeer pulling his sleigh, Santa couldn't deliver his presents. The Arctic region is very vulnerable to even the minutest global temperature fluctuations. In Longyearbyen, the average winter temperature is said to be -14°C and the average summer temperature is said to be 6°C. The researchers are worried that even though a population of small animals may do okay for a while, eventually there will be so much ice on the ground during winter that Svalbard reindeer will experience a dangerous population decline. Green Dog and Svalbard Villmarkssenter decided to collaborate, and we are the result of a successful breeding. Interesting facts about reindeer, especially the tidbit about the antlers and how it is probable that Santa’s reindeer were all female because of how the antlers grow and are shed. According to him, "Svalbard is a very good spot to show what's happening in the Arctic at the moment". You’ll often find them wandering right through Longyearbyen or lazily strolling along in the middle of the road, sometimes causing frustration on the part of drivers who simply have to wait until the reindeer have passed. Isaksen also said that each of the past 73 months had been warmer than average. But then it is me. Though they have fat deposits at the start of winter, their winter food is important for their survival. They populated the islands long before humans set foot there in the 16th century, the researchers say. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on May 16, 2020: Thanks for the comment, Peggy. Let's hope temperatures take a nose dive the coming decades. I had never heard of this before. Our mum, Mila, is a Greenland dog, and she used to live in Norway, before she moved to Svalbard. During the nursing period (about three months), Svalbard reindeer calves grow from about 3 kg (6.6 pounds) to about 10 kg (22 pounds) when weaned. The town is located on the largest island of the archipelago, which is named Spitsbergen. The lead researcher in the reindeer study thinks that several factors are involved in the decreasing weight of the animals as the temperature rises, as described below. During that time, both the summer and winter temperatures in the area have increased. One individual is known to have reached seventeen years of age, however. Another potential problem is that some plant species may grow abundantly in the warmer climate and crowd out species that are useful for the reindeer. The researchers found more than 200 reindeer starved to death on the Norwegian archipelago, an unusually high number for the region. Similar Images . The temperature in the afternoon was 21.2 degrees Celsius, or 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit, which was the second-highest temperature ever recorded. The reindeer often look stocky—and sometimes fat—and have short legs. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on December 22, 2016: Hi, truthfornow. The future is of great concern, especially in the Arctic. Continued warming may cause more population crashes and a higher risk of extinction Unlike the reindeer on Norway's Svalbard archipelago, Svalbard reindeer ⦠The reindeer often look stockyâand sometimes fatâand have short legs. Thanks for the comment. Merry Christmas! Svalbard Reindeer - urban and wild! Thank you very much, Bill. How long do Svalbard reindeer live? Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on December 20, 2016: Thanks for the comment and the amusement, Larry! Those antlers are amazing, and even more amazing is that it can be dropped. By the late afternoon, a new record had been established as the temperature reached 21.7 degrees Celsius. Norway (solid red) and the Svalbard archipelago (red circle) in relation to the Arctic, TUBS, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. Hi! Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on December 23, 2016: They remind me of the Christmas reindeer. Linda Crampton is a writer and teacher with an honors degree in biology. In winter, Svalbard reindeer find vegetation in the snow using their hooves, but alternating freezing and thawing periods can create layers of impenetrable ice, depriving the reindeers of nourishment. On November 25th, 2016, Ketil Isaksen from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute made a significant announcement. There are some features that all reindeer share, regardless of their subspecies. Nevertheless, the correlation in this case could be significant. Most grass growth in Svalbard occurs in June and July. Svalbard doesn't have as cold a climate as might be expected at its latitude. I'm watching the news closely. I agree—the reindeer are beautiful creatures. This in turn stimulates the females to collectively conceive more calves when the animals mate in October. It would certainly be different living in Longyearbyen compared to where I live now. Unfortunately, some real-life reindeer are showing signs of a potential problem at the moment. TODAY ONLY! Reindeer shrinking in warming world from the ScienceDaily news service Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161212084646.htm, The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies the population of. The incongruity of the stylishly pared-back Nordic interior doesnât pass us by. Hi, Buildreps. This may be increasing the competition for food during the winter. Find out more here. The Svalbard reindeer have no natural predators in Svalbard, and as a result theyâre not particularly afraid of humans or other animals. Browse 3,560 reindeer antlers stock photos and images available, or search for reindeer antlers vector or reindeer antlers headband to find more great stock photos and pictures. The changing climate in the Arctic is of great concern. Shop for the perfect arctic reindeer gift from our wide selection of designs, or create your own personalized gifts. The animals sometimes travel in huge herds over long distances and are good swimmers. The animals in question are found on an archipelago known as Svalbard, which is part of Norway. I was saddened but not surprised about the rising temps and loss of ice in the Barents Sea and Kara Sea to the east of Svalbard and the rest of the Arctic. Most animals live for about ten years. You are here: Inspiration > Various articles > Svalbard Reindeer - urban and wild! I personally think that the size reduction may go in reindeer' favour under the climate change. Did you know that there are about 10 000 Svalbard reindeer in total? A team of researchers from the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) have completed their annual survey of reindeer populations on Svalbard, and the results are not good. Reindeer are the only deer in which both males and females bear antlers. The reindeer has a variable appearance depending on its colour, body weight and the presence, absence, or developmental stage of the antlers. Thank you for commenting. If the temperature continues to rise and the amount of ice on the ground in the winter increases, there may be serious or even catastrophic die-offs in the population due to winter starvation. Reindeer are an iconic species. And the level of attention devoted to food is like a small miracle given the raw and remote setting. photo credit: Carl Erik Kilander Svalbard reindeer Baby calf Svalbard reindeer A Svalbard reindeer mother staying close to her calf. Nithya Venkat from Dubai on December 20, 2016: Great information on the Svalbard Reindeer. Yes, the rising temperatures are causing some serious problems. Svalbard reindeer are survivors, but this study shows the real impact humans can have on their population. It is monitored because it is a key species in the terrestrial ecosystem in Svalbard, is considered to be sensitive to climate change and is hunted in parts of central Spitsbergen. Global warming is affecting all the species in this world. Shop for the perfect arctic reindeer gift from our wide selection of designs, or create your own personalized gifts. A knobby-kneed calf of the species stares down the camera with an irresistibly curious expression in this photo taken at Sundneset, Barentsøya, Svalbard, Norway. Certifications: Customer Service: Registered herd with MN Board of Animal Health. Inst. The tale is set in a parallel universe. In my next post I write about Svalbard reindeer, strange-looking animals with short legs and big black circles around their eyes. Kids' & Baby Bags & Purses Women's Clothing ... Needle Felt Svalbard Reindeer ReindeerSpirit. I hope they have a good future. That’s almost as far as London to New York! National Geographic Channel Video: Arctic Bird Attack Who names males Dancer, Prancer, VIXEN, and Cupid? 5 out of 5 stars (12) 12 reviews. Add to Likebox #112880103 - Festive reindeer face made from white antlers and glasses on.. This size problem in Svalbard reindeer is a new for me. Youâd think that more frequent rain-on-snow events would spell the end for these arctic animals â but youâd be wrong. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on December 24, 2016: Thank you very much for sharing the facts and your thoughts, Suhail. While the caribou may occuras a number of differentsubspecies throughout its range, all are superbly adapted to a life in the extreme conditions of the north. His classic poem entitled "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" was published in 1844. More people should read it - global warming is real. Our names are Karl and Berit and we are still puppies! Great job, loved the facts--very interesting and really enjoyed the read. With a little old driver, so lively and quick. Additionally they’ve got a thick and bright fur in the wintertime that could make even the tiniest of reindeer seem thick and fluffy. For example, the increasing temperature may increase the population of pests and parasites, which could affect the reindeer. Buildreps from Europe on December 20, 2016: Interesting facts. The administrative center of the islands is located in the town of Longyearbyen. The consequences of this weight loss are unknown at the moment, but they could be serious. Svalbard is a breeding ground for many seabirds, and also features polar bears, reindeer, the Arctic fox, and certain marine mammals. The increased temperatures at this time produce extra plant matter that enables female reindeer to increase in weight relatively quickly. People may be familiar with Svalbard for its role in Northern Lights, a fantasy book for young adults written by Philip Pullman. In summer, the fur is generally brown on the back and grey on the rest of the body. But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer. They spend almost all of their time eating in order to put on enough fat to help them survive the cold winter. Why don't Svalbard reindeer migrate? It would be very sad if the weight loss affects the survival of the Svalbard reindeer and very worrying if the problem also affects other subspecies of this iconic animal. The icy archipelago of Svalbard is as quirky as it is beautiful. Svalbardâs reindeer are resilient, however. It's interesting that the reindeer change their appearance so significantly. (We've misunderstood the lyrics all along.) Hopefully, the animals will survive for a long time to come. Longyearbyen Literature Festival 7.-11. It tells the story of a girl named Lyra, who lives in Oxford in England. I hope that we can help them, too. In our universe, the Svalbard archipelago is located in the Arctic Ocean and north of the Arctic Circle. I hope you have an enjoyable Christmas. In 2019, a report created by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and other organizations predicted that the temperature in Svalbard will continue to rise. A single male chooses around ten females for his harem. It's nice to meet you! Now, I know a bit about them when I see them displayed as decors. I'd love to visit the area, preferably in summer. He said that for the first time in recorded history, the average temperature for the year in Svalbard was poised to be around 0°C. 5 out of 5 stars (389) 389 reviews $ 3.54. The colder it is, the more efficient the nose is. When the calves grow up and mate, they produce lightweight youngsters, too. The cold, wonderful season: You simply âmustâ experience winter in Svalbard! Researchers have studied the Svalbard reindeer since 1994. Large groups of animals may also gather on a good feeding ground in winter. Below this weight, the animals produce small calves or lose their fetuses. of Cambridge Physiological Laboratory, Downing St., Cambridge, England. Therefore, I believe I really need to catch up with this new size to weather correlation ha-ha. We simply love our “wondeerful” neighbours! In a snowy valley on the island of Spitsbergen, 500 miles north of mainland Norway, a reindeer is getting a pregnancy test. Hi, Marlene. I'll be watching for Santa and his girls this weekend! I've never seen a real one before. See more ideas about Reindeer, Cartoon reindeer, Reindeer face. Thanks for the great comment, Flourish. The situation there is worrying. Merry Christmas to you, too! Clement Clarke Moore is said to have been the first person to link reindeer with Santa Claus. of Tromsø, Post Box 635, Nâ9001 Tromsø, Norway. Known as and called reindeer in Eurasia, the caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is a charismatic and hardy species that inhabits the northern reaches of the planet. In North America the book is known as The Golden Compass. Their story is a rare example of conservation success, for they are bounding back strongly throughout Svalbard. of Medical Biology and Dept of Arctic Biology, Univ. What a great article, and timely, too. They are the only mammals that can see ultraviolet light (as far as we know). The situation in Svalbard and in the rest of the Arctic needs to be monitored carefully, for the sake of both the reindeer and humans. The Svalbard reindeer, endemic to the archipelago, is considered a special responsibility by Norwegian scientists because it is a key species that is vitally important to the ecosystem of the tundra. Climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme winter rain events in the Arctic. This freezes on top of the snow and prevents the reindeer from reaching food. There are many variables involved in the climate problem in Svalbard and many questions that can't be answered yet. Now the secret is out that Santa's reindeer were female after all. Although the reindeer are decreasing in size, their population has doubled over the last twenty years. The Svalbard reindeer is a subspecies of the reindeer and can only be located on Svalbard. Reindeer for sale as breeding stock, business attractions and pets. She loves to study nature and write about living things. They should normally be ice-covered. This means that there's a period in each year when daylight lasts for twenty-four hours, and another period when night lasts for twenty-four hours. As part of her heroic exploits, she travels to Svalbard to find her kidnapped uncle, who she eventually discovers is really her father. As shown in the quote below, the weight loss in the reindeer from 1994 to 2010 doesn't seem to be especially large. FlourishAnyway from USA on December 23, 2016: Fascinating facts about their abilities (although so sad that they're encountering this potential threat to their survival). Nov 29, 2015 - Explore JEAN HEINRICH's board "REINDEER" on Pinterest. Thanks for the visit, aesta1. I knew Svalbard from another wild animal that I like and is going through problems of catastrophic nature due climate change - polar bear. They live on the tundra or in woodland, depending on the subspecies. Scientists have found that the increasing temperature in Svalbard has been accompanied by a decreasing weight in the local reindeer. Marie Hurt from New Orleans, LA on December 22, 2016: Liked the part about changing appearances of the reindeer. Linda Crampton (author) from British Columbia, Canada on December 23, 2016: Hi, Martie. The female generally gives birth to a single calf in June. The only reindeer that could be called tiny in comparison to the other kinds is the Svalbard one. Scientists from several institutes have been studying the female reindeer and weighing an average of 135 animals every April. This ability allows them to see things that to us are often camouflaged by the blinding white snow. Thank you very much, KsenijaZ. Although both genders of the subspecies are small, the females are significantly smaller than the males. Pregnancy lasts about seven months, and a single calf may be born to each pregnant female in June. Both sexes have antlers, but those of the males are bigger. BODYLEVIVE from Alabama, USA on January 22, 2017: It is indeed a beautiful creature. Martie Coetser from South Africa on December 23, 2016: What a very interesting hub about reindeer! Merry Christmas! Somebody up there must have designed all creatures in detail, I'm sure! The working group for the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) also prioritizes reindeer ⦠And not to mention, the Svalbardian Rudolf has a wonderful nose. Our dad lives at Svalbard Villmarkssenter, which is near by. Males are bigger than females and have an average weight of around 65 kg in the spring and 90 kg in the autumn. It heats up the ice cold air from -40 degrees to +38 degrees celsius, before the air reaches the lungs. They were talking about a deer species (springbok) of a particular region, suggesting that its size is becoming shorter and this poses a new problem for the species in summer months. It should be noted that these values may not be accurate today, however. They belong to different subspecies within the species tarandus, however. They may need less fat to protect themselves in extreme winters of the area and offer less body surface for heating up in summers. Some of the females in a particular population may not develop antlers, however.
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