Reindeer husbandry in southern Lapland: a way of life

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Free-ranging, but owned

Reindeer seen in Finnish Lapland usually belong to herders even when they range freely. Husbandry is organised through local cooperatives, called paliskunta. In southern Lapland, including Ranua, many herders are not Sámi; local traditions should not all be presented as one culture.

Ear markings identify ownership and can carry family significance. Asking someone exactly how many reindeer they own can be considered as personal as asking about their finances.

The herding year

• Spring: calving and attention to vulnerable young animals.
• Summer: grazing and calf marking, with insects affecting the herds.
• Autumn: rutting, round-ups, sorting and decisions about the herd.
• Winter: monitoring grazing and, where needed, supplementary feeding.

Practices vary between areas and years. Weather, pasture and the condition of the animals determine much of the work.

Care and modern tools

Reindeer find natural food across forests and wetlands. Herders may use snowmobiles, vehicles and tracking technology, alongside knowledge passed through families. Fences, roads, predators, parasites and injuries create practical challenges.

Family and economy

Marking, sorting and processing can involve several generations. Income may come from meat, hides, antler products and visitor activities. Tourism is one part of the livelihood rather than the reason reindeer exist in the landscape.

Visitors and holiday houses

Dogs chasing animals, blocked routes, feeding by visitors and unnecessary noise can all cause problems. Keep dogs under control, leave herds space and communicate with local people about access. Do not feed or touch free-ranging reindeer.

On the road, slow down and leave room for animals to move. An encounter is not permission to stop dangerously for a photograph.

Climate and future pressures

Repeated thaw and refreezing can make ground food difficult to reach. Loss or fragmentation of pasture, traffic and costs add pressure. Tracking tools, cooperation and thoughtfully organised visits can help in some situations, but there is no single easy solution.

A respectful farm visit

Ask about the animals' care, seasonal work and the conditions of the visit. For the farm we feature, see Pikkuaho Reindeer Farm. Follow the host's instructions, especially around feeding and photographs.