Research: Socio-Economical Effect of Large Predators on Reindeer Husbandry

21.11.2005 15:00
Beasts Will Be Tolerated If Costs Are Compensated

The costs caused by large predators on reindeer husbandry are bigger than the compensation. Most of the reindeer owners however tolerate the predators, if the damage they cause is compensated, according to the report, The Socio-Economical Effect of Large Predators on Reindeer Husbandry.

The Research conducted by Arctic Centre investigated the reindeer herders´ attitude towards large predators (bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx) and eagle and the cost they cause to reindeer husbandry.

Practical Attitude

According to the survey 80 % of the reindeer owners accept the existence of large predators in the reindeer husbandry area if the damage they cause is compensated.  Most of the herders also believe the animals to be part of the Finnish cultural heritage.

Still, herders´ attitude to predators was usually utilitarian (based on exploitation of nature) and practical: 80 % of those who answered the survey thought it is a person’s right to exterminate predators if they cause economical losses. Large predators were best tolerated in northern areas and within younger age groups (under 50 years).

Compensation Does Not Cover the Damage

Another topic of the research was the financial loss caused by the large predators.  Of the four herding associations covered, Käsivarsi area suffered the most, compensation there being 31 500 € less than the damage. The best compensation level was reached in Kallioluoma, where compensation was only 200 € less than the damage.

The research was done in co-operation with Arctic Centre, University of Lapland’s Faculty of Business and Tourism, and Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute by Anna-Liisa Sippola, Harri Nordberg, Merja Renko, Katja Suopajärvi and Taru Sutinen.

For additional information, please contact:
Senior Scientist Anna-Liisa Sippola
Phone +358 16 341 2993, +358 40 562 4959, e-mail firstname.lastname@ulapland.fi