Reindeer herders’ perceptions of early and delayed effects of winter feeding on reindeer

Winter feeding of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) has become increasingly common in reindeer husbandry to compensate for reduced natural grazing caused by competing land use and climate change. While feeding improves reindeer body condition, survival, and calving success in the short term, its delayed effects on reindeer behavior and performance remain unclear. This study explores herders’ perceptions of early and delayed effects of winter feeding on reindeer through 19 semi-structured interviews with reindeer herders in Sweden and Finland. Reported effects varied among herders, as did perceptions of whether an effect was positive or negative. Physical effects included changes in survival, body mass, body condition, and health, predominantly observed during feeding and the following summer. Behavioral effects included increased tameness, habituation to feeding, altered foraging behavior, disrupted spring migration, and reduced maternal care, with most persisting into the following autumn and winter. Delayed effects reportedly became more pronounced after regular feeding over several years, especially when reindeer were fed in enclosures. Even when the effects on reindeer were considered negative, many herders emphasized that they felt they had no option other than to feed, and that it was difficult to stop feeding once it had become a regular practice.