To help safeguard the future of Norway’s wild reindeer populations, researchers from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) have conducted a tunnel construction simulation in the Setesdal Ryfylke wild reindeer area. The aim is to reduce considerable barriers and reestablish access to former grazing lands for the wild reindeer.
A wild reindeer calf. Photo credit: Olav Strand/NINA.
Since the Brokke–Suleskard road opened in 1992 (see inserted map below), wild reindeer have largely avoided grazing areas south of the road during summer. Increased traffic and disturbance hinder crossings and limit access to key habitats in the southern parts of Setesdal–Ryfylke wild reindeer area. Agder County Municipality is now assessing tunnel options to restore connectivity, thereby making former grazing areas available for the reindeer.
NINA researchers have simulated the effects of three tunnel alternatives and future use of the current road corridor on reindeer access to grazing and calving areas.
“The most effective option is a 17-kilometre tunnel, without a road or trails on the surface. However, it must be combined with broader mitigation measures, as female reindeer currently avoid the area entirely in summer,” says NINA researcher Manuela Panzacchi.
Simulation supports decision-making
Wild reindeer are classified as Near Threatened in Norway, and the population in the Setesdal–Ryfylke area is in poor condition according to the quality standard for wild reindeer in Norway. The simulations were commissioned by the local municipality (Agder County Municipality) as part of the development of targeted action plans for wild reindeer.
“One of the main challenges for wild reindeer in Setesdal–Ryfylke is that their habitat is fragmented and degraded due to reservoirs, cabins, human activity, and roads, as well as a significant number of domestic grazing animals,” says NINA researcher Manuela Panzacchi.
In order to prioritize the most effective mitigation measures, sound knowledge is needed concerning key habitat areas and the migration corridors connecting them, as well as statistical insight into the cumulative impact of various disturbance types and their relative contribution to the overall pressure on the population.
“This is essential both to avoid suboptimal solutions that fail to meet conservation goals, and to reduce the potential for conflict among local stakeholders,” Panzacchi explains.
Read the report here (summary in English): Panzacchi, M., van Moorter, B., Niebuhr, B.B. & Lelotte, L. 2025. Scenario Analyses. Evaluating the effect of building a tunnel on the Brokke-Suleskard road for wild reindeer. Statistical support fot the development of the Mitigation Plan for wild reindeer in Setesdal Ryfylke. NINA Report 2596. Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.
Find out more about the quality standard for wild reindeer in Norway here (summary in English): Environmental quality standard for wild reindeer
Learn more about current status of wild reindeer and recent policy developments: Code red and yellow for Norway's wild reindeer
Contact: Manuela Panzacchi