The Norwegian Polar Institute finished its annual survey of the local reindeer population in Adventdalen and the results turned out to be quite surprising for the scientists: Again the number of animals increased to a new all-time high.
In June scientists of the Norwegian Polar Institute count the reindeers in Adventdalen and the surrounding side valleys. This year they counted close to 1500 individuals, almost 300 more than last year, which already marked an all-time high. Another survey, arranged by the University of Tromsø, confirmed these results. Due to the last year´s relatively high number of old individuals, an increase was not expected this year. But the scientists counted a surprisingly high number of calves, more than 300, and on the other hand the number of dead bodies they found was low. Only 20 cadavers were found, in bad years there were between 100 and 200.
The reason for the repeated increase in population can be seen in convenient climatic conditions, providing better grazing opportunities to the animals. High temperatures in last year´s summer did already lead to extended vegetation growth so that the reindeers were well prepared for the cold season. As then the last winter was relatively mild, food might have been easily accessible. Normally mild winters with occasional rain-periods lead to icing and sealing of the ground, which makes grazing more difficult. In the last winter there were rain-periods but obviously this negative effect was missing. Particularly at the steep slopes of the valleys the rain might have exposed the vegetation completely.
Since the beginning of the reindeer survey in Adventdalen in 1979 there were always natural variations registered. An increase in population can lead to overgrazing in the next year, an effect that would be accelerated under unfavorable climatic conditions. After a strong population growth in the last two years the scientists therefore expect a stronger decline next winter.
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Norwegens arktischer Norden (1): Spitzbergen
Photobook: Norway's arctic islands. The text in this book is German. [shop url="https://shop.spitzbergen.de/en/polar-books/70-norwegens-arktischer-norden-1-aerial-arctic-9783937903262.html"] ← Back
Lofoten, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen from the air - Photobook: Norway's arctic islands. The text in this book is German, but there is very little text, so I am sure that you will enjoy it regardless which languages you read (or not).
The companion book for the Svalbardhytter poster. The poster visualises the diversity of Spitsbergen‘s huts and their stories in a range of Arctic landscapes. The book tells the stories of the huts in three languages.
Comprehensive guidebook about Spitsbergen. Background (wildlife, plants, geology, history etc.), practical information including travelling seasons, how to travel, description of settlements, routes and regions.
Join an exciting journey with dog, skis and tent through the wintery wastes of East Greenland! We were five guys and a dog when we started in Ittoqqortoormiit, the northernmost one of two settlements on Greenland’s east coast.
12 postcards which come in a beautifully designed tray. Beautiful images from South Georgia across Antarctica from the Antarctic Peninsula to the Ross Sea and up to Macquarie Island and Campbell Island.