Semi-wild reindeer herds managed by indigenous Sami and other communities face welfare challenges from climate change, predation, and the physical demands of herding practices.
Reindeer welfare in traditional herding systems involves seasonal stress from gathering, separation, and transport. Helicopter herding causes acute flight response that can result in injury and separation of cow-calf pairs. Climate change creating unpredictable winter conditions forces herders to supplement feed or move herds - both involving additional stress for animals. Predation by recovering carnivores creates conflict between conservation success and herder livelihood. Traditional herding that maintains ancestral low-stress methods has better welfare outcomes than modernised systems that prioritise efficiency. Supporting indigenous herder communities to adapt to climate change protects both their culture and reindeer welfare.