How does climate change affect reindeer?

Climate change causes warmer winters with more rain-on-snow events, creating ice that blocks reindeer's access to food.

What are rain-on-snow events and how do they impact reindeer?

Rain-on-snow events occur when rain falls on existing snow, freezing into ice layers that make it difficult for reindeer to feed.

Home / Environment / Warming Arctic: Rain on Snow Threatens Reindeer Survival

Warming Arctic: Rain on Snow Threatens Reindeer Survival

Q: Why are reindeer birth rates dropping in the Arctic?

Rain-on-snow events create ice layers that prevent reindeer from reaching their food, leading to lower birth rates.

7 Jan

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Summary

Warming winters cause rain-on-snow events, creating ice layers.
Ice layers impede reindeer's ability to access food like lichen and moss.
Reindeer birth rates have declined following winters with frequent icing.

Warming Arctic: Rain on Snow Threatens Reindeer Survival

Reindeer in the Arctic face a growing challenge from a warming climate, which ironically hinders their ability to find food. As winters become warmer, more frequent rain-on-snow events occur. These events cause snow to melt and refreeze, forming impenetrable ice layers that prevent reindeer from reaching their primary food sources of lichen and moss with their specialized hooves.

Scientific findings presented in December reveal a concerning trend: reindeer birth rates have declined in summers following winters with extensive rain-on-snow occurrences. Climate records dating back to 1960 confirm an increase in warmer winters, leading to more of these detrimental icing events across Arctic regions. Areas with large reindeer populations are experiencing heightened competition for limited food.