Traditional reindeer husbandry
Almost the entire Lomsdal-Visten National Park is situated within the Jillen-Njaarke reindeer grazing district.
Almost the entire Lomsdal-Visten National Park is situated within the Jillen-Njaarke reindeer grazing district, which extends from Røsvatnet lake in the east to Mindland and Hamnøya island to the west. In addition the Voengelh-Njaarke reindeer grazing district includes a southern part of the park.
Reindeer herds migrate depending on grazing conditions. During the winter, the reindeer migrate to the coast. The calving grounds tend to be in low-altitude mountains, and later in the summer, the reindeer move higher up into the mountains. Lomsdal-Visten has extremely varied terrain, so the reindeer find suitable grazing during every season.
The observant eye will notice signs of reindeer husbandry, past and present. Here are remnants of old campsites and turf huts (goahti), ancient drystone fences that were used to gather entire herds or just the females so they could be milked. Newer fences were built to enable the marking and sorting the reindeer, and for preparations for slaughter.
Reindeers on the move in Skjørlægda. Photo Carl Norberg.
Reindeerherding. Photo Heihka Kappfjell.
The diet of reindeer
Reindeer are ruminants that graze on whatever nature has to offer. During the spring and summer, they graze on plants that appear on the mountainsides as soon as the snow melts away. In summer, the reindeer move to higher altitudes to escape bothersome insects and to graze in peace. Later in the summer and during the autumn, the reindeer migrate into the lower mountain areas and valleys. Reindeer eat herbaceous plants, grass and sedge that grows throughout the summer. In the autumn their diet includes mushrooms. Reindeer are also fond of lichen, a food source rich in energy and easily digested, which virtually no other animal consumes. The most important species are cup lichen (tellingly called “Reindeer lichen” in Norwegian), thorn lichen, Iceland moss and crinkled snow lichen; reindeer will also feed on lichen that grow on old spruce and birch, especially during harsh winters.
The diet of reindeer
Reindeer are ruminants that graze on whatever nature has to offer. During the spring and summer, they graze on plants that appear on the mountainsides as soon as the snow melts away. In summer, the reindeer move to higher altitudes to escape bothersome insects and to graze in peace. Later in the summer and during the autumn, the reindeer migrate into the lower mountain areas and valleys. Reindeer eat herbaceous plants, grass and sedge that grows throughout the summer. In the autumn their diet includes mushrooms. Reindeer are also fond of lichen, a food source rich in energy and easily digested, which virtually no other animal consumes. The most important species are cup lichen (tellingly called “Reindeer lichen” in Norwegian), thorn lichen, Iceland moss and crinkled snow lichen; reindeer will also feed on lichen that grow on old spruce and birch, especially during harsh winters.
When you encounter reindeer
Encountering a reindeer flock up close can be a thrilling experience. Please follow these important precautions:
- Keep your dog leashed. Reindeer may perceive a running dog as a threatening predator on the prowl. Between 1 April and 20 August, dogs must be leashed at all times. Also during the rest of the year, you must have full control of your dog. Loose dogs risk injuring wildlife, grazing sheep and reindeer.
- If you see grazing reindeer, be considerate and take a detour.
- If a reindeer flock moves towards you, crouch down until they have passed, so that you will seem less threatening.
- Reindeer are especially vulnerable during the spring, when the females have newborn calves. Be especially considerate; if you see reindeer, take a detour or simply stop and wait.
Reindeers in corral. Photo Carl Norberg.