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How Scotland’s reindeer are offering hope for a vulnerable species

4 min read

Inspiring People
Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd

Arctic reindeer are at risk due to the climate crisis, but in the Highlands of Scotland the UK’s only free-range herd is sleighing it.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer

Believe it or not, reindeer are actually thought to be native to Scotland; however, they became extinct around 800 years ago due to over-hunting. In 1952, a site in Scotland’s Cairngorms became the first place in the UK in which the animals were reintroduced, after Swedish herder Mikel Utsi visited with his wife and thought the area would make a good home for them. Since then, the herd has grown from eight animals to 150 and is looked after by a team of 10 full-time herders. 

Positive.News reported that last year, some 200 reindeer – an unusually high number – were found dead from starvation in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, according to the Norwegian Polar Institute, which suggested the climate crisis was to blame. The fact that this Scottish herd is thriving may bring a degree of hope to lovers of these majestic animals. Below, Fifteen Fun Facts about reindeer.

1. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
2. This tame and friendly herd are a joy to all who come and see them. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
3. There are currently around 150 reindeer in the herd, mostly ranging on the Cairngorm Mountains with the remainder on the Glenlivet Estate, the locations being some 30 miles apart. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
4. Reindeer and Caribou are the same species. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
5. Every reindeer regardless of sex or age grows a new set of antlers every year. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
6. Ice and snow are no problem. Reindeer have thick Winter coats for Arctic life. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
7. Nomadic tribes throughout Arctic Scandinavia and Russia have domesticated reindeer. Source: None
8. Reindeer have a short, dark Summer coat and thick, lighter coloured Winter coat. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
9. Edible mushrooms, lichens and Arctic vegetation are the favourite food of reindeer. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
10. Extra wide, splayed hooves enable reindeer to spread weight on soft snow to prevent them sinking. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
11. During May and June the calves are born. Very precocious, they grow quickly. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
12. Reindeer have lived in the Cairngorms National Park since 1952, where the herd are permitted to graze on over 10,000 acres upon the mountainsides. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
they had by all accounts a slightly rough crossing to then spend 28 days in quarantine at Edinburgh Zoo before finally being released here in the Cairngorms.
13. The first consignment of reindeer was a group of 2 bulls and 5 cows who travelled over on a Swedish ship called the S. S. Sarek; they had by all accounts a slightly rough crossing to then spend 28 days in quarantine at Edinburgh Zoo before finally being released here in the Cairngorms. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
In more recent times there have been small consignments of Swedish reindeer joining the herd to diversify the gene pool.
14. Over the subsequent years a further 18 reindeer made the voyage from Sweden to join the Scottish herd. In more recent times there have been small consignments of Swedish reindeer joining the herd to diversify the gene pool. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd
15. As the herd thrived, the daily hill trips began by appointment only but by the late ‘60s the 11 o’clock hill trip was firmly established into the daily routine of the herders, as it still is today. Source: Facebook/TheCairngormReindeerHerd

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Follow the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd on Facebook or their Website.

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