Wild forest reindeer conservation project launched

Ranua Wildlife Park involved in LIFEline4Fennicus project to secure the future of the wild forest reindeer

Ranua Wildlife Park is participating in the extensive seven-year LIFEline4Fennicus project, which began in early 2026 and aims to improve the long-term viability of the wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus) population.

The project is coordinated by Metsähallitus and continues the work carried out in the MetsäpeuraLIFE project during 2016–2023. In addition to Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland, project partners include the Natural Resources Institute Finland, Korkeasaari Zoo, Snowchange Cooperative, and Ranua Wildlife Park.

The total budget of the project is €9.55 million, of which 60% is funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme. Project partners contribute 24% and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 15%. Additional funding is provided by Rewilding Europe’s Wildlife Comeback Fund and the Raija and Ossi Tuuliainen Foundation.

Wild forest reindeer in Finland

The wild forest reindeer is the only wild subspecies of the genus Rangifer in the European Union, and in Finland it is classified as Near Threatened. Wild forest reindeer are found only in Finland and Russia, with the majority of the wild population living in Finland. This highlights Finland’s special responsibility for the conservation of the species. It belongs to the same species as the more familiar reindeer, which is a semi-domesticated form maintained through reindeer husbandry.

The wild forest reindeer has longer legs and is adapted to moving in forested terrain and deep snow. Reindeer, on the other hand, live partly under human management and are adapted to more open, tundra-like grazing environments. Their close relationship means they can interbreed. Preventing hybridisation between wild forest reindeer and reindeer is therefore important in conservation work to preserve the genetic integrity of the wild forest reindeer.

In the LIFEline4Fennicus project, efforts to prevent hybridisation are carried out in cooperation with reindeer herders, for example through enhanced monitoring.

Strengthening populations and increasing genetic diversity

A key objective of the project is to strengthen the viability of wild forest reindeer populations and improve connectivity between local subpopulations. This can help the species adapt to human-altered environments and climate change.

The project supports two previously established populations in the Lauhanvuori and Seitseminen National Parks through reinforcement releases. In the long term, the goal is to connect the Kainuu and Suomenselkä subpopulations, supported by a new reintroduction between these areas.

The project also develops monitoring of the animals’ health to ensure the well-being of reintroduced populations. Genetic diversity is further safeguarded through biobanking and the development and application of assisted reproduction methods.

In addition, the project gathers more information on the habitat requirements of the wild forest reindeer and increases awareness among land-use professionals. As part of this work, both historical and current distribution of the species are studied, and preparations are made for a possible future return to North Karelia, including the restoration of summer habitats.

Project results are monitored using GPS transmitters and wildlife cameras.

Zoos as part of integrated conservation

The LIFEline4Fennicus project applies the internationally recognised One Plan Approach, in which the management and conservation of wild and captive populations are planned as a single whole.

Ranua wildlife park contributes to the project by providing expertise in species management and supporting research and conservation cooperation. This includes maintaining a genetically sustainable captive population of wild forest reindeer together with other zoos (EEP programme) and producing calves for reinforcement releases. During the project, animal handling, care, and selection practices are further developed to achieve the best possible conservation outcomes. The wildlife park also plays an important role in raising public awareness about the wild forest reindeer and the importance of its conservation.

Towards a secure future for the wild forest reindeer

The project also builds and maintains an international cooperation network and produces guidelines and best practices to support conservation work, with the aim that the results can be widely utilised in the future.

Ranua wildlife park is proud to be part of the effort to safeguard one of Europe’s most unique wild cervids and to strengthen the future of the wild forest reindeer in a changing environment.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.