Chapter 1: The Myth of Rudolph

If Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer were a real creature, science would have had to clarify two significant points:

1. He would likely be female, as male reindeer in the northern hemisphere shed their antlers before Christmas, while females retain them.
2. Alternatively, he could be an invasive species from the southern hemisphere (similar to those introduced to South Georgia Island in the 19th century), which would follow a different seasonal pattern. This scenario would imply Santa would need to establish a South Pole branch, but that’s not the focus of this discussion.

What I aim to address is a critical factor that influences the survival of reindeer in their natural habitats as we look to the future.

A few summers ago, while navigating around Svalbard Island, I observed reindeer foraging in the narrow spaces between diminishing patches of snow as spring transitioned into summer.

It was early summer, marking the onset of the reindeer’s weight-gaining period. Similar to polar bears, they must optimize their caloric intake during the fleeting warm and bright days. While polar bears feast on seals, reindeer thrive on a diet consisting of lichen, moss, and a low-growing tundra willow that stretches across the rugged cliffs.

Regardless of how much weight reindeer accumulate from May to August, they will still require sustenance once the cold and darkness set in. This is where the challenges posed by climate change become evident. Unlike polar bears, which rely on sea ice to hunt seals, reindeer are significantly impacted by land ice that can form due to unseasonably warm conditions during the polar fall. Ideally, the initial snows of October should be dry and fluffy. This type of snow creates a light, insulating layer that protects the moss from frost while allowing reindeer to easily access their food. However, if the first precipitation arrives as freezing rain, it creates a solid ice layer over the potential food sources, preventing reindeer from accessing their necessary nutrition. In such years, we see record losses within the reindeer population.

Historically, Svalbard's native reindeer were nearly hunted to extinction in the early 20th century but have since rebounded significantly due to effective game management practices (hunters are now permitted to take only one deer per season). However, just like polar bears, this recovery could be jeopardized if the ice conditions fall outside the tolerable range for reindeer.

Should this occur, the sight of reindeer in Svalbard could transform from a reality to a mere figment of our imagination, reminiscent of the legend of Rudolph.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Climate on Reindeer

The first video illustrates the classic "Heat Miser Song" from The Year Without a Santa Claus, highlighting the playful yet serious themes of climate impact on seasonal changes.

The second video features the "Snow Miser/Heat Miser Song," showcasing the whimsical portrayal of the climate's dual nature and its effects on the environment.