Greenland reindeer, known scientifically as Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus, are a subspecies of caribou. These animals are uniquely adapted to the harsh Greenlandic landscape, where they have roamed for thousands of years. Their presence shapes the Arctic ecosystem. The reindeer are deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of the Inuit people, who have historically relied on them for sustenance and materials.
Physical Traits and Survival Adaptations
Greenland reindeer possess distinctive physical attributes. Their body size varies, with males weighing between 160 to 180 kilograms and standing 85 to 150 centimeters at the shoulder, while females are smaller, weighing 80 to 120 kilograms. Their coat color ranges from dark brown to nearly white, with lighter patches often found on the belly, neck, and above the hooves. Both male and female reindeer grow antlers.
Their dense, two-layered fur coat has a soft, woolly undercoat for insulation and longer, coarser guard hairs that shed water. This coat traps air, providing buoyancy in water and retaining body heat. Their large, concave hooves act as snowshoes in soft terrain and harden in winter with an exposed, sharp rim to cut into ice and snow. Reindeer also have specialized nasal passages with turbinate bones that warm incoming icy air before it reaches the lungs and recover moisture on exhale, conserving body heat and hydration.
Habitat and Foraging
Greenland reindeer primarily inhabit the island’s west coast, with populations found around Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq, and Nuuk. While some reindeer populations exhibit extensive migratory patterns, moving between winter and summer ranges, others, particularly island subspecies, are more static. Their movements are often driven by the search for available vegetation and to avoid harsh winter conditions.
Their diet shifts seasonally, reflecting the availability of vegetation in the Arctic. During the summer, when food is plentiful, reindeer forage on a variety of plants including sedges, grasses, shrubs, and even mushrooms. They select nutrient-rich new growth from trees and other plants to build up body reserves.
As winter approaches, their diet transitions to a heavy reliance on lichens, which they access by digging craters in the snow with their hooves and antlers. Reindeer possess a unique enzyme called lichenase, which allows them to break down the carbohydrates in lichens. They may also opportunistically consume small rodents, fish, or bird eggs when other food sources are scarce.
Population Dynamics and Conservation
Greenland’s reindeer populations have historically experienced significant fluctuations. For example, a population estimated at 100,000 in the early 1970s dropped to about 9,000 by 1993, leading to a hunting suspension. Later surveys revealed higher population densities than anticipated, sometimes exceeding 1.2 reindeer per square kilometer. These population shifts are influenced by natural cycles, disease, parasites, and short-term weather conditions.
Climate change challenges reindeer populations, impacting snow cover, ice conditions, and vegetation availability. Warmer, drier conditions can increase wildfires, which destroy lichens—a primary winter food source—that can take decades to recover. Changes in climate also influence the prevalence of parasites and diseases, affecting population health. Human hunting, both traditional and managed, is another factor influencing reindeer numbers. Indigenous Inuit communities have long relied on reindeer hunting for sustenance and cultural practices.
Conservation efforts in Greenland focus on sustainable management of reindeer populations. Hunting quotas are established based on scientific research and traditional knowledge to regulate numbers and prevent overgrazing. Monitoring programs, often incorporating satellite imagery and GPS tracking, help assess herd size, movement, foraging behavior. Integrating Indigenous knowledge from experienced hunters and herders is a valuable component in effective management strategies. Protecting sensitive habitats, such as calving grounds and migration routes, and addressing habitat fragmentation is also important for their long-term health.