Reindeer Husbandry and Barents 2030

CASE STUDY 2 REPPARFJORD CABIN RESORT Possible avoidance behavior of calving semi-domes- ticated reindeer was investigated near recreational cabins, roads, and power lines in Repparfjord Valley, Northern Norway (Vistnes and Nellemann, 2001). The distribution, sex, and general age composition of the reindeer was mapped during the 1998 and 1999 calv- ing seasons (mapping 776 reindeer in 1998 and 678 reindeer in 1999) using systematic snowmobile and ski surveys. Mean reindeer density within preferred rugged terrain and altitudes was 78% lower in the area within 4 km from the tourist resort compared to the area more than 4 km from the resort. Mean reindeer density by the power line corridor without traffic was 73% lower in the

area within 4 km from the power line compared to areas more than 4 km from the power line. Areas within 4 km from anthropogenic structures were avoided despite low levels of human traffic around the resort and a high proportion of preferred rugged terrain. Almost 74%of all available forage was located within the avoided 0–4-km zones from the resort or the separate power line. The results suggest that cabin resorts and power lines, even in periods with modest human traffic, may result in substantial reductions in the use of surrounding for- aging areas. Possible increased competition for high- quality forage may affect lactation, body condition, and, hence, reproductive success in the long term.

Reindeer avoided the areas close to power lines and the recreational cabin resort during calving, in spite of absence of people during this season. This was also true for comparable habitat, terrain, snow and vegetation. Bulls and yearlings dominated close to the resort, whereas females with calves dominated in the 8–12 km zone. All reindeer groups, however, avoided the resort. Resort development is becoming increasingly popular along the coast, and the devel- opment will likely grow as a result of increased petro- leum activity (Vistnes and Nellemann 2001).

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