Reindeer and Caribou

Health and Disease

Morten Tryland, Susan Kutz, Morten Tryland, Susan J. Kutz, Susan Kutz, Morten Tryland, Susan J. Kutz

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2018
• eBook ISBN:
  9780429952425
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Medical Microbiology & Parasitology

This book is a comprehensive presentation of health and diseases in reindeer and caribou, or just Rangifer, a key Circumarctic species with broad social and ecological value. It is an essential reference for anyone interested in the biology and health of wild or semi-domesticated reindeer and caribou, and is more broadly relevant for those with interests in other species of free-ranging and captive cervids. Beginning with a general introduction to Rangifer as a species, it then focuses on Rangifer "health" as a concept and describes the determinants of health at an individual and population level. Chapters cover a range of topics from nutrition and feeding to stress, non-infectious and infectious diseases, meat hygiene, capture and restraint, diagnosis and treatment of health issues, and finally, potential impacts of climate change on health of Rangifer.

Reindeer and Caribou: Health and Disease compiles extensive research and experience-based information on issues ranging from drug doses for chemical immobilization, blood chemistry values, and raising an orphaned calf. In addition, it contains hundreds of high quality colour illustrations that contribute to its value as a diagnostic resource for recognizing various parasites, pathogens and signs of disease, both in live and dead animals. Each chapter is followed by a comprehensive list of references and a list of contact information for all the contributors, identifying world experts in the different areas of health for this circumpolar and fascinating species. This book is compulsory reading and an indispensable resource for anyone dealing with health in reindeer and caribou, including veterinarians, wildlife biologists and managers, reindeer herders/game ranchers, zoological husbandry personnel, and students with wildlife health.

1Introduction

Knut H. Røed, Steeve Côté, Glenn Yannic, Mauri K. U. Nieminen, Jan Åge Riseth, Hans Tømmervik, Bruce C. Forbes, Jan Adamczewski, Jim Dau, Åshild Ønvik Pedersen, Janice E. Rowell, John E. Blake, Øystein Holand, and Robert B. Weladji

1.1Rangifer tarandus: Classification and Genetic Variation

Knut H. Røed, Steeve Côté and Glenn Yannic

1.1.1Classification and Distribution

1.1.1.1Subspecies Classification

1.1.2Ecotypes and Adaptation

1.1.3Colonization of New Pastures after the Last Glacial Period

1.1.4Genetic Characterization and Origin of Subspecies

1.1.4.1Genetic Markers Reveal Genetic Structure and Evolutionary History

1.1.5Conservation and Future Challenges

References

1.2Reindeer and Man: From Hunting to Domestication

Mauri K. U. Nieminen

1.2.1Designations

1.2.2Early Hunting of Wild Reindeer

1.2.3Theories of Domestication

1.2.4Ancient Evidence of Domestication

1.2.5Archaeological and Ethnographical Evidence

1.2.6Development of Modern Reindeer Herding

1.2.7Wild and Domesticated Herds Today

References

1.3Sustainable and Resilient Reindeer Herding

Jan Åge Riseth, Hans Tømmervik and Bruce C. Forbes

1.3.1Introduction: Sustainability and Resilience

1.3.1.1Russia

1.3.1.2Nenets and Yamal-Nenets

1.3.2Fennoscandia

1.3.2.1Sweden

1.3.2.2Finland

1.3.2.3Norway

1.3.3Conclusion and Perspectives

References

1.4Caribou Management: An Overview from Northern Canada and Alaska

Jan Adamczewski and Jim Dau

1.4.1Introduction

1.4.2Kinds of Caribou in North America

1.4.2.1Barren-Ground Caribou

1.4.2.2Peary Caribou

1.4.2.3Mountain Caribou

1.4.2.4Boreal Woodland Caribou

References

1.5Rangifer Biology and Adaptations

Åshild Ønvik Pedersen

1.5.1Introduction

1.5.2Body Characteristics

1.5.3Life History

1.5.4Habitats and Migration

1.5.5Diet

1.5.6Factors Affecting Population Ecology

1.5.7Adaptations to Arctic and Alpine Environments

1.5.8Morphological Adaptations

1.5.8.1Body and Limbs

1.5.8.2Fur

1.5.9Physiological Adaptations

1.5.9.1Body Temperature and Thermoregulation

1.5.9.2Evaporative Heat Loss

1.5.9.3Body Mass and Composition

1.5.9.4Biological Rhythms

1.5.10Behavioural Adaptations

1.5.10.1Herding

1.5.10.2Locomotor Activity

References

1.6Rangifer Reproductive Physiology

Janice E. Rowell and John E. Blake

1.6.1Introduction

1.6.2Anatomy

1.6.3Puberty

1.6.4Breeding Season and Mating

1.6.5Pregnancy and Gestation Length

1.6.6Calving

1.6.7Reproductive Technologies

References

1.7Rangifer Mating Strategies

Øystein Holand, and Robert B. Weladji

1.7.1Introduction

1.7.2Mating System Theory

1.7.3Rangifer Mating Strategy

1.7.4The Kutuharju Reindeer Herd

1.7.5Implications for Reindeer Husbandry

1.7.6Implications for Wild Rangifer Management

References

Endnote

1.1Rangifer tarandus: Classification and Genetic Variation

Knut H. Røed, Steeve Côté, and Glenn Yannic

Intraspecific genetic variation is the most fundamental level of biodiversity, provides the basis for evolutionary change and is crucial for maintaining the ability of species to adapt to new environmental conditions. Knowledge of the genetic variation and structure within reindeer and caribou thus provides essential insights to their future adaptability, including susceptibility to diseases and adaptation to climate change.

1.1.1Classification and Distribution

Reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are distributed throughout the northern Holarctic region (Figure 1.1.1); the species is a typical representative of the large mammalian fauna of this region. Reindeer have also been introduced to Iceland (Thorisson 1980) and to the southern hemisphere (e.g. the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia [Leader-Williams 1988]), where an eradication has recently been conducted. The species belongs to the Cervidae family (the deer family) of ruminant mammals. Further classification and subdivision of Rangifer has been proposed and largely debated (Banfield 1961). Historically, there has been almost as much confusion in vernacular names for the species as in scientific names. The use of two vernacular names for this species – reindeer and caribou – has certainly contributed to the confusion. However, both refer to the same species, and caribou includes all wild specimens in North America, while reindeer refers to both wild and semi-domesticated animals in Eurasia. Domestic animals of Eurasian origin in North America are also called reindeer.

Figure 1.1.1Distribution of ecotypes of reindeer and caribou (Modified from CAFFs Arctic Flora & Fauna 2001).

1.1.1.1Subspecies Classification

The subspecies classification of Rangifer has been dominated by a high number of described subspecies without well-defined subspecific characteristics. Prior to the last formal taxonomic revision of Rangifer in 1961, 55 species and subspecies of caribou and reindeer had been described (Banfield 1961). Although outdated, Banfield’s (1961) revision based mainly on craniometrical measurements is still widely used as a guideline for subspecies of reindeer and caribou.

1.1.1.1.1Subspecies in Eurasia

The Eurasian tundra reindeer (R. t. tarandus) is distributed almost continuously across the tundra region and mountain areas of Eurasia (Figure 1.1.1). Most wild and domestic reindeer across Eurasia belong to this subspecies. Today, less than half of the approximately 3–4 000 000 reindeer of Eurasia are wild animals, and in many ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• Editors
• Contributors
• Chapter 1 Introduction
• Chapter 2 Rangifer Health A Holistic Perspective
• Chapter 3 Rangifer Diet and Nutritional Needs
• Chapter 4 Feeding and Associated Health Problems
• Chapter 5 Non-Infectious Diseases and Trauma
• Chapter 6 Parasitic Infections and Diseases
• Chapter 7 Bacterial Infections and Diseases
• Chapter 8 Viral Infections and Diseases
• Chapter 9 Prions and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
• Chapter 10 The Impact of Infectious Agents on Rangifer Populations
• Chapter 11 Meat Quality and Meat Hygiene
• Chapter 12 Assessment and Treatment of Reindeer Diseases
• Chapter 13 Haematology and Blood Biochemistry Reference Values for Rangifer
• Chapter 14 Caribou and Reindeer in Parks and Zoos
• Chapter 15 Restraint and Immobilization
• Chapter 16 Climate ChangePotential Impacts on Pasture Resources, Health and Diseases of Reindeer and Caribou
• Index