Management of the wild forest reindeer population is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Practical measures are handled especially by the Finnish Wildlife Agency, the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute and Metsähallitus. In addition, wild forest reindeer are also subject to attention from e.g. the Finnish Hunters' Association, conservation organizations, hunting clubs, and other local actors.
In 2007, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry issued a Management Plan for the Wild Forest Reindeer Population in Finland. The wild forest reindeer population will be managed, monitored, and researched using a variety of modern measures. Population management and research requires cooperation between Finnish and Russian players.
These pages present some fields related to population management and conservation.
Wild forest reindeer
Scientific name: Rangifer tarandus fennicus
Range and numbers:
In Finland, 800 individuals in Kainuu, 2000 individuals in Suomenselkä and about 20 individuals in Seitseminen and Lauhanvuori National Parks (reintroduced populations).
In Russian Karelia up to 2,400. See range map.
Conservation status in Finland (2019): Near Threatened (NT)