Atlantica - 01.05.2002, Page 69

Born Free
Reindeer were brought to Iceland from northern Norway in the late
18th century. Initially, only 35 were imported, but their hardy consti-
tution adapted well to the Icelandic climate, and now, two centuries
later, there are around three thousand reindeer in the country.
Reindeer used to dwell in three areas of the country: in the east, in
the northern fjord of Eyjafjördur and on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Having now disappeared from the latter two, the animals still roam
freely in east Iceland. Retreating to the Highlands near the Snæfell
mountain in the summer, they descend closer to human habitation in
winter, where they can find food more easily. In autumn, limited
hunting licences are issued to keep the stock within limits, and rein-
deer steak is a popular Christmas-time dish. AMB
Reindeer grazing on the first green grass of summer in Berufjördur, east Iceland.
PHOTO PÁLL STEFÁNSSON
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