Rangifer tarandus (mammal)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Interim profile, incomplete information          Location Specific Impacts: Grande Terre (Kerguelen) (sub-Antarctic) (French Southern Territories)     Habitat alteration: The reindeer (along with sheep and sheep) have contributed to the depletion of the Kerguelen cabbage (Pringlea antiscorbutica) and the Azorelle (Azorella selago). On Grande-Terre, Azorella selago is the main food source for reindeer (Chapuis et al, 1994). Ile Haute (sub-Antarctic) (French Southern Territories)     Herbivory Sth. Georgia and Sth. Sandwich Iss (sub-Antarctic)   Habitat alteration: Rangifer tarandus trample native tussac grassland, reducing its suitability for some tussac breeding bird species (McIntosh and Walton, 2000 in Varnham, 2006). Herbivory: Rangifer tarandus are reported as eating Parodiochloa flabellata (a species of tussock grass), Acaena magellanica (a heathland or herbfield species) and lichens, all of which are native and are classed as 'locally eliminated or reduced' by reindeer. Interaction with other invasive species: Rangifer tarandus promote the spread of introduced Poa annua (Leader-Williams, 1985 in Varnham, 2006).