Tiny Titans: 5 Playful Facts About Earth’s Miniature Reindeer

Although they won’t be delivering presents for Santa anytime soon, Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) could certainly win a contest for cuteness at the North Pole. This particular subspecies of reindeer is exclusively located on Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, measuring approximately five feet in length and three feet in height, making them about half the size of standard reindeer.

“They exhibit a distinct morphological uniqueness compared to other reindeer. They tend to be shorter, rounder, and hairier,” Samantha Paige Dwinnell, an ecologist researching this distinct subspecies in Svalbard, explains to Popular Science. “Their fur is double the length and they hold the title for the most corpulent members of the deer family worldwide.”

Here are additional facts about the smallest reindeer on Earth.

Svalbard is like their personal paradise

Svalbard reindeer have inhabited this archipelago for 5,000 years. Throughout this time, they have remained significantly secluded from other reindeer populations in mainland Europe.

“They lack any significant natural predators and have developed in an ecosystem devoid of real threats,” explains Dwinnell. “Polar bears may occasionally predate on reindeer. Yet, since polar bears are classified as marine mammals, they typically do not overlap much spatially.”

While there are variations among individual reindeer, many show a calm demeanor when approached by humans and are even observed wandering through towns in Svalbard. Unlike other deer species that are notoriously timid, Dwinnell notes some Svalbard reindeer allow her and her research team to come within 100 feet or even closer.

They excel in adaptation

Similar to other reindeer and caribou, they possess adaptations suited to their constantly changing environment. They inhabit what is classified as a high arctic desert with minimal deep snow, yet it remains extremely frigid. Typical summer temperatures seldom exceed the mid-40s Fahrenheit.

“Their hooves can essentially maintain temperatures at zero degrees Celsius, while their internal body temperature remains stable,” describes Dwinnell.

The cellular composition of their eyes also shifts from winter to summer, enabling them to better detect low light levels during winter and manage nearly 24 hours of daylight in the summer months.

Their legs are comparatively shorter and closer to their body, which helps minimize heat loss. Regarding their increased weight, it primarily relates to reproduction.

“For all reindeer and caribou, this fat serves as the essential currency for both survival and reproduction,” indicates Dwinnell. “These creatures somehow manage to remain quite fat, even with the limited vegetation in this region. Essentially, they depend on these fat reserves to endure the lengthy winters.”

Their fur—twice as long as that of other reindeer—also plays a significant role in this adaptation.

[ Related: Reindeer can perceive UV light—and we might understand the reason why. ]

A unique sense–for flora

The majority of reindeer and caribou consume lichen–a mix of algae or cyanobacteria that thrives on bark, timber, moss, rocks, soil, peat, glass, and even human-created substances like fabric, metal, and plastic.

“There’s a limited supply of lichen accessible to them here,” remarks Dwinnell. “Thus, Svalbard reindeer are a bit distinctive in their sustenance, as they predominantly consume grasses.”

Due to their highly adaptable nature, they quickly respond to alterations in their food sources. For instance, during rain-on-snow occurrences when vegetation is encased in ice, they adjust their foraging locations. They also remain vigilant for further seasonal transitions. 

“As fall approaches and flora begins to wither, all of their nutrients transfer to the plant roots,” clarifies Dwinnell. “We discovered that Svalbard reindeer actually journey to areas where they can burrow into the earth, consuming the roots of the plants during the years when temperatures are higher.”

When the tundra solidified in mid-September, and much green vegetation was still visible, Dwinnell and her team noticed no reindeer foraging for nutrients because the nourishment was locked within the above-ground plants.

“They possess a certain ability to accumulate knowledge regarding where the nutritious food resides, even if it’s not on the surface but within an individual plant,” Dwinnell states. “They can aim for it precisely, making them quite selective in their feeding habits in response to the circumstances they face.”

‘Dramatic’ attempts at kicking

Although they are generally gentle, some of them will react when a human or perceived threat approaches.

“Svalbard reindeer execute a little kick where they kind of leap and try to kick, but often they are so stout that they barely leave the ground,” says Dwinnell. “Regrettably, for many readers wishing to envision reindeer soaring, they inadvertently negate their ability to do so with their front legs. It’s just this very flamboyant and quite amusing display.”

[ Related: Polar bears adapted to the Arctic just 70,000 years ago. ]

They’re enduring climate change–for now

A significant portion of Dwinnell’s research concentrates on their adaptability to alterations in Svalbard’s flora and environment. Their reactions seem to be remarkably swift and efficient, although there remain some apprehensions.

“Not all groups have equal access to quality food, resulting in some not thriving as well,” remarks Dwinnell.

One of their chief worries is their low tolerance for heat in the face of rising temperature records. While extended warm periods might promote vegetation growth, heat-induced stress could deplete energy that would offset the benefits derived from increased flora. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, Dwinnell regards them as a hopeful species.

“I believe they illustrate the complexities of how climate change can impact wildlife,” asserts Dwinnell. “At least for the time being, they appear to be managing relatively well.”

 

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