Wild forest reindeer gametes preserved – a new step for species conservation!

For the first time, researchers at the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) have successfully preserved wild forest reindeer genetic material in a gene bank. This important step in conservation helps safeguard the species’ genetic diversity and heritage for the future, even if the population faces challenges such as disease or environmental change.

The preserved material will be used in the coming years as assisted reproduction techniques are developed as part of the EU-funded LIFEline4Fennicus project starting next year. The goal is to strengthen the zoo population and enable the species’ reintroduction into the wild.

The conservation of the wild forest reindeer is carried out together with Luke, Metsähallitus, Korkeasaari Zoo, Ranua Wildlife Park and other partners.