What Does a Svalbard Reindeer Look Like?
The Svalbard reindeer is a small subspecies of Rangifer tarandus. The body mass of males is approximately 65 kg in spring and 90 kg in autumn, while the female body mass is approximately 53 kg in spring and 70 kg in autumn. The approximate lengths of males and females are 160 cm and 150 cm, respectively. They have short legs and a relatively small, rounded head. Its fur is brown on the back and light on the belly, varying between the seasons. In winter, the fur is lighter in colour than in summer, often appearing light grey or yellow-white. The thickness of the coat contributes to the short-legged appearance and makes even starved Svalbard animals appear fat in the winter. Males are larger than females and have larger antlers. Males develop large antlers from April to July and shed their velvet from August to September. They lose their antlers in early winter. Females begin to grow antlers in June, which are usually retained for an entire year.
Where Can Svalbard Reindeer Be Found?
From its name, you can already suspect where this reindeer species can be encountered. Being an endemic subspecies from most of the non-glaciated regions of Svalbard, it is usually seen in areas such as Nordenskiöld Land, Edgeøya, and Barentsøya.
Is the Svalbard Reindeer a Herbivore?
Yes, every reindeer species is herbivorous, feeding exclusively on plants. The Svalbard reindeer diet consists of grasses, mosses, lichens, small Arctic plants and flowers. During summer, they tend to eat as much as possible to store food in their bodies, since access to food is limited and of lower quality during winter, so they rely on their fat reserves.
How Long Do Svalbard Reindeer Live?
The Svalbard reindeer lifespan is typically 10–12 years, although some individuals can live up to 15 years in the wild.
Are There Any Predators They Need To Watch Out For?
Living on an isolated island offers certain advantages. These animals face no natural predators in Svalbard. However, polar bears may occasionally prey on weak or abandoned Svalbard reindeer calves when the opportunity arises.
How Fast Are They?
These reindeer can run at speeds of 60 to 80 km/h (37 to 50 mph), but this rate is slower than other subspecies, as their shorter stature makes them less agile.
How Many Reindeer Are There in the World?
Living in the harsh climate of the Svalbard archipelago and facing difficulties accessing food, the Svalbard reindeer population ranges from 10,00 to 22,000 individuals. Currently, their numbers are decreasing, and they are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ (IUCN).
What Is the Duration of Their Gestation Period?
The Svalbard reindeer gestation period lasts about 230 days (7.5 months), giving birth in june of one single calve.
How Did the Reindeer Get to Svalbard?
Reindeers have a circumpolar distribution, with seven subspecies occupying different regions, migrating from mainland Eurasia to where the Svalbard reindeer now resides. They likely became isolated from other reindeer populations around 10,000 years ago, developing unique adaptations to survive in the extreme Arctic environment.