Indicator 2.23 - Reindeer
This indicator only applies to Landsvirkjun's project.
Kárahnjúkar will have have some effects on reindeer habitats but it is not clear if the project will influence the size of the stock or only change reindeer migration patterns. The purpose of this indicator is to watch that development.
Performance
The graph below shows the development in size of the so-called Snaefells herd. It originally came from a report made by Skarphédinn G. Thórisson of the East Iceland Natural Studies Centre (Náttúrustofa Austurlands) made for Landsvirkjun in 2011 (see report - only available in Icelandic). The graph is based on average counts with 5 year intervals. The report also shows information on hunting, and it is worth pointing out that Icelandic authorities annually issue a limited number of hunting licences in order to control that the stock does not grow out of proportion. The report also contains informations on changes in the weight of the animals, which indicate the wellbeing of the stock and is an important feature in controlling the breed.
The graph is updated annually with information from the East Iceland Natural Studies Centre (Náttúrustofa Austurlands).
Graph details: The graph shows counts in 6 areas (various colours). In the summer of 2011, fewer reindeer were found in traditional summer grazing areas than in previous years. This applies both to Kringilsárrani and Fljótsdalsheidi. Because of this change in grazing habits of the animals in Snaefells-herd, the whole herd could not be counted in 1-2 days in the beginning of July, as planned, and has been done in the past. The outcome, therefore, is based on a few aerial countings in July in addition to some on-ground countings. The total outcome was that the size of the Snaefells-stock is similar to that of the past few years.
The Engineering Institute of the University of Iceland has counted reindeer north of Bruarjokull glacier for Landsvirkjun from 1993 until present. Since 2005, the East Iceland Natural Studies Centre (Náttúrustofa Austurlands) has been responsible for research on the wellbeing of reindeer on land. This research now covers the whole area, if conditions allow, but often road and weather conditions do not allow for research west of Snaefell mountain - but if these issues are combined, a clear picture of the distribution of breeding animals in Snaefellsöraefi can be drawn.
The area of Vesturoraefi is around 300 km2, of which 200 km2 are vegetated. Landsvirkjun finances land reclamation initiatives in this area close to the Kárahnjúkar power plant where emphasis is on reclaiming vegetation in the highlands above Jökuldal valley. This land reclamation started in the summer of 2003 and in 2011, almost 4000 ha of land in Snaefellsöræfi has been reclaimed, thereof 300-500 in the vicinity of Hálslón.
Landsvirkjun sponsored tagging of reindeer in order to monitor their migrations. Related to that research, vegetation maps of the area which the herd uses for grazing in the summer, have been updated.
Outcomes of this research will be published in 2012. By that time, a summary of research performed by the East Iceland Natural Studies Centre (Náttúrustofa Austurlands) in breeding areas should be ready. Consequently, some chnges in monitoring protocol are expected.
Source: Landsvirkjun 2012.
Last updated 4 April 2012.
Metrics, Targets & Monitoring Protocol
Metrics: What is measured?
- The number of reindeer in Vesturoraefi, Múli, and Hraun east of Snaefell. (Project effect: indirect)
Targets
- Not more than 15% decrease in the reindeer stock in Vesturoraefi, Múli, and Hraun east of Snaefell.
Monitoring Protocol
- Direct counting and aerial photos taken in week 1-2 of July each summer are used to estimate the number of animals.
Rationale for Indicator Selection
Kárahnjúkar will have have some effects on reindeer habitats but it is not clear if the project will influence the size of the stock or only change reindeer migration patterns.
Reindeer were imported to Iceland early in the 17th century. They are important to East Icelanders because they generate income from hunting licences. Also, reindeer are beautiful animals and characteristic of the area.
The Kárahnjúkar power plant will effect reindeer habitats since the reindeer typically use some of the land that was inundated by the Hálslón Reservoir and reservoirs in Múli and Hraun, decrease of breeding areas in Háls, because of a part of them were inundated by Hálslón Reservoir and interruptions in the spring and autumn migration of reindeer across the river Jokulsa in Dal close to Karahnjukar. New roads and increased traffic also could disturb the reindeer and change migration patterns. Landsvirkjun sponsors research on the migration patterns of reindeer, both those that belong to the Snaefell herd and those related to Álftafjördur.
Jokulsá in Dal runs through the middle of where Halslon Reservoir will be located. About 19 km2 of land east of the river and 13km2 west of the river will be inundated by Halslon Reservoir. A total of 6 km2 of vegetative land will be inundated by smaller reservoirs in Múli and Hraun.
Baseline
The Engineering Institute of the University of Iceland has counted reindeer north of Brúarjokull glacier from 1993 until present. For most of the time, they have counted at least twice per year, first in the breeding season and then again in June. You can view the latest report from them here (only in Icelandic).
(Fjöldi fullorðinna dýra = No. of fully grown animals / Dagsetning talningar = date of counting)
Explanations: The light blue columns show the outcome of countings done in the spring when calves are born. The other columbs show the outcome of countings performed later to watch the presence of animals in the area.
The countings demonstrate that during years when there is much snow, the number of reindeer in Vesturoraefi varies from 38 adults and 22 calves (1995) up to 170 adults and 60 calves (2001) during the spring when calves are born. During years when there is little snow, the number of reindeer is greater. Numbers peaked in 2002 with 410 adults and 190 calves in Vesturoraefi. In June, the number of animals in the area increases, until 2008. An overview is presented in the table above, which shows that in the beginning of July most of the animals have left the area.
The reindeer stock is managed so that by the end of each hunting season the size of the stock is around 3,000 animals. The Snaefells herd, located north of Vatnajokull glacier, is about half of the Icelandic stock. About 1,000 animals use the habitat in Vesturoraefi during the summers. The stock has been growing in recent years but this has been dealt with by increasing hunting quotas. The hunting quota was 574 animals in 2002 but was up to 800 animals in 2003 and 2004.
