About
Name: Svalbard Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)
Length: 1.5 to 1.6 metres (4.9 - 5.3 feet)
Weight: 50 to 90 kg (110 - 198 pounds), males being larger
Location: Svalbard
Conservation status: Least concern
Diet: Vegetarian
Appearance: White with darker coloring along their backs and faces
How do Svalbard reindeer feed?
In winter, Svalbard reindeer forage in areas with less snow, like mountain slopes and ridgelines. In summer, they feed extensively to build fat reserves for winter.
Are Svalbard reindeer social?
They form small groups of about five in summer, which may gather in winter due to limited feeding grounds. They are curious about people and may approach slowly before deciding to run or continue feeding.
How fast do Svalbard reindeer move?
They can sprint up to 80 km/h (50 mph) but are generally sedentary, shuffling as they feed.
What are Svalbard reindeer birthing rituals like?
Reaching sexual maturity at three, breeding starts in October. Males form harems of up to ten females. Pregnancy lasts seven months, with calves born in June. Calves grow from 3 kg (6.6 pounds) to 10 kg (22 pounds) in three months.
How long do Svalbard reindeer live?
They live an average of 10 years, with some reaching up to 17 years.
How many Svalbard reindeer are there today?
There are about 10,000 Svalbard reindeer alive today.
Do Svalbard reindeer have any natural predators?
They have no natural predators. Starvation is the main factor controlling their population.
7 sweet Svalbard reindeer facts
- Svalbard reindeer are the smallest subspecies of reindeer.
- Their weight varies significantly between seasons, from 65 kg (143 pounds) in spring to 90 kg (198 pounds) in autumn.
- Their fur lightens in winter.
- Male reindeer grow antlers from April to July, shedding them in early winter. Females grow antlers in June and keep them for a year.
- They are the only reindeer species in Svalbard.
- They were nearly hunted to extinction in the early 1900s but have recovered due to conservation efforts.
- Birth rates vary from 10% to 90% depending on the severity of the previous winter.
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Blog
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Svalbard’s Texas Bar
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Svalbard vs. the Canadian Arctic
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Six Must-See Svalbard Sites
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Spitsbergen: a true polar bear trip
On the third day of our Svalbard cruise, we navigated through the sea ice north of Spitsbergen. The morning greeted us with fog and fragmented ice, but conditions gradually improved. A swarm of black-legged kittiwakes trailed behind us, as our ship stirred the waters, pushing aside ice floes to reveal the tiny dark polar cod beneath.
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15 Toothy Facts About the Atlantic Walrus
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The Ice-Jewelled Geology of Spitsbergen
The Svalbard archipelago is located in the Arctic Ocean, roughly 660 km (410 miles) north of Norway's northernmost point. This region is a haven for geologists, boasting a rich geological history that spans from the Mesozoic era (65-245 million years ago) through the Cambrian era (570 million years ago) and back to the Archean era, over 3.5 billion years ago.
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Svalbard a Disneyland for geologists
Svalbard is situated in the north-western corner of the Eurasian plate. Historically, Svalbard was part of a vast continent that included North America, Greenland, and Eurasia. At one point, both Northeast Greenland and Svalbard were submerged under the ocean before resurfacing.
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The Pack Ice and Polar Bears of North Spitsbergen
The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is renowned for being one of the prime locations to observe polar bears. The largest island in this region, Spitsbergen, not only offers sightings of these majestic Arctic creatures but also provides a unique opportunity to experience the phenomenon of pack ice.
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Circumnavigating Spitsbergen
Many of our expedition cruises focus on specific areas of the Arctic or Antarctica, delving deep into local wildlife and other natural highlights. However, some programs aim to provide a broader survey, visiting a variety of sites to offer guests a wider perspective.
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16 Conversation-Starting Svalbard Facts
It might seem odd that an icy, snowy, bear-packed cluster of islands at the edge of the world could be such a hotspot (so to speak) of outdoor tourism.
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Polar bear encounter in Spitsbergen
I watch the sea ice from the bridge of a ship in one of the fjords of Spitsbergen, an archipelago north of Norway. I observe a perfectly adapted animal moving on the ice, the results of hundreds of thousands of years of ecological fine-tuning. Snowshoe-sized paws distribute weight, fur handles the cold and sunlight to perfection, and an incredible sense of smell samples this monochromatic realm.
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The polar bear: king of the Arctic food chain
As apex predators, polar bears reign supreme in the Arctic food chain. Only humans pose a threat to this massive and majestic species. But one look at these magnificent creatures explains why so many people embark on Arctic trips hoping to spot a polar bear in its natural habitat.
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Spitsbergen: Alkefjellet magic
If they knew their way home, why not follow them? Equipped with GPS and compass, we approached the cliffs by zodiac. First, we heard the noise from the colony – the distinct calls of guillemots, kittiwakes, and Glaucous gulls. Then the cliffs gradually emerged from the mist.
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Around Spitsbergen vs. North Spitsbergen
Svalbard, particularly Spitsbergen, was the first polar expedition cruise destination. It's no surprise that there are numerous trip programs available in this region. Among the most unique are the Around Spitsbergen and North Spitsbergen cruises.
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Birding Opportunities Abound in Spitsbergen
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A Bug’s Life in Svalbard
When you think about Svalbard wildlife, you might imagine reindeer, Arctic foxes, polar bears – the primary animal attractions that draw passengers to an Arctic cruise. But in fact, the Svalbard archipelago is a thriving location for over 1,000 species of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates: animals that lack backbones. Despite this richness of life, however, these invertebrates are only found in the Isfjord and Kongsfjord areas of these wonderfully diverse islands.
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Polar Bear Primer: Eight Facts About the Arctic Wanderer
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What’s so Special about East Spitsbergen?
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Polar bear feast
The polar bear was relishing his meal; the snow and his face were turning red from the blood. As we observed him eating, our own stomachs began to grumble. It was time for lunch.