Reindeer populations face a convergence of climate change impacts, traditional herding pressures, and predation that creates complex welfare challenges across the Arctic.
Reindeer welfare spans both wild and semi-domesticated contexts. Wild populations face starvation risks from icing events — animals may be physically unable to access food despite being surrounded by it, leading to mass mortality events that are prolonged and distressing. Parasite burdens from warble and nasal bot flies cause chronic discomfort during summer months. In herding contexts, roundup procedures cause acute stress, and transport to slaughter requires careful management. Climate change is creating unprecedented management challenges for Indigenous herders whose traditional knowledge may not fully prepare them for new conditions. The welfare of reindeer is deeply intertwined with the cultural and economic survival of Arctic Indigenous communities.