Page 72 - World of Animals - Issue #33

Explore the Earth

Meet Santa’s helpers

Reindeer are amongst the most magical-looking animals in
Norway, and they’re incredibly common as they are the main
source of income for many of the Sámi people, the indigenous
people of Sápmi (parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia).
There are more than one million reindeer in Norway, and in some
areas they easily outnumber people. Around ten per cent of the
Sámi people are currently living off reindeer herding. Don’t ask
a Sámi person how many reindeer they have though – it’s the
equivalent to asking for their bank balance.
Two common subspecies of reindeer in Norway are the
Svalbard reindeer and the mountain reindeer. The Svalbard
reindeer is named after the northern group of islands it has
resided and survived on for over 5,000 years, becoming
the most northern living herbivorous mammal on Earth. Its
appearance is strikingly different to other reindeer due to its
habitat; it is shorter, stockier and has a thicker, lighter fur.
The mountain reindeer is common throughout mainland
Norway. Like all reindeer, both sexes grow antlers, used for
defence. If you’re travelling in Norway you will see antlers for sale
in shops, but don’t worry – reindeer shed their antlers naturally.

Have a whale

of a time

With its incredible coastline, it would be a
wasted opportunity not to go on an aquatic
adventure while in Norway. The best way
to appreciate the fjords and the sea is to go
whale watching, as Norway is home to some
incredible whales, including humpbacks,
porpoises, orcas, pilot whales and even giant
sperm whales.
In northern Norway, orcas and humpback
whales return to the fjords in winter to hunt for
herring, which is the best time to try and spot
them. A sighting is never guaranteed, but on
a good day numerous whales can surround
tourist boats and even put on a little show of
jumping out of the water. This kind of outing
also provides the opportunity to spot sea
eagles, or the white-tailed eagle, majestic birds
with a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres (8.2 feet),
similar in appearance to the bald eagle.

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