Tag: reindeer

Reindeer in Svalbard are inbred. Is this a problem?

Researchers believe that inbreeding can sometimes be an advantage.

Surprisingly high levels of radioactivity in Norwegian reindeer and sheep

It has been almost 30 years since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster sprayed radioactive fallout across parts of Europe. Nevertheless, Norwegian officials have measured much higher levels of radioactive contamination than usual in grazing animals this autumn.

Reindeer genes show clear influence from last Ice Age

The genes of modern reindeer help scientists understand how past climates affected the species - and give clues as to how reindeer will handle future climate change.

How archaeology helps wild reindeer

Archaeological finds left by prehistoric hunters offer today's biologists invaluable tools for understanding how reindeer once roamed Norway's landscape - unimpeded by roads, power lines or other infrastructure.

Beware the bite of the warble fly

Reindeer aren't the only animals to suffer from attacks by the warble fly -- the insect will attack humans, too. The flies leave behind an unwelcome gift of eggs that mature under the skin and that in the worst cases can cause blindness.