Changes in Mountain Birch Forests and Reindeer Management: Comparing Different Knowledge Systems in Sápmi, Northern Fennoscandia

We compared reindeer herders' knowledge to scientific knowledge concerning the impacts of herbivory and climate change on mountain birch forests and reindeer management in three Saami communities: two in Norway (Guovdageaidnu, Máze) and one in Finland (Gáregasnjárga). Most of the 22 herders interviewed reported changes in weather during the preceding decades, especially during winter. All herders agreed that both the canopy and understorey of mountain birch forests have changed. The observed transformations in the quality of pastures, in particular a reduction in the amount and accessibility of forage, have increased the financial costs of reindeer management. Our study demonstrates that herders have practical knowledge of the present state and recent historic changes of birch forests, and of the behavioural responses of reindeer caused by these. This knowledge coincides with scientific knowledge on the individual and combined effects of climate change and herbivory on Nordic mountain birch forests.