Warming Arctic Brings New Threat to Reindeer Survival

Reindeer are facing increasing hardship as climate change alters Arctic winter conditions. Warmer winters have led to more frequent rain-on-snow events, which create icy layers that block access to vital lichen and moss. Long-term climate records since 1960 show these events are becoming earlier, more common, and more widespread. Researchers comparing weather data with herd records in Norway and Finland found reindeer birthrates decline after icy winters. The findings were presented at the American Geophysical Union conference in New Orleans. Dense herds are most affected due to competition for food. Scientists say the results could guide land-use planning to help herders access safer winter grazing areas.