Traditional reindeer herding by Sami and other Arctic Indigenous peoples involves welfare considerations at the intersection of culture, climate change, and modern handling practices.
Reindeer welfare in traditional herding is shaped by deep Indigenous ecological knowledge developed over millennia, but faces intensifying challenges from climate change, infrastructure development, and changing practices. Motorized herding with snowmobiles reduces handler physical burden but can cause more acute stress to herds than traditional foot approaches. Rain-on-snow events from climate change ice over pasture, causing starvation crises. Supplemental feeding has become increasingly necessary but changes the nature of the human-reindeer relationship. Welfare improvement requires supporting traditional knowledge while addressing climate adaptation needs.