Sweden is to build up to a dozen bridges so reindeer can safely cross railway lines and major roads.
The Transport Authority will build the bridges as rising temperatures has forced the reindeer further afield in search of food.
The new bridges will be called “renoducts”, a portmanteau from ren (reindeer) and viaduct. The first will go in at the eastern city of Umea.
Global warming is having a large impact on Sweden’s 250,000 reindeer. Many of the 4,500 indigenous Sami owners who are authorised to herd them, are struggling due to droughts and wildfires.
The animals are also finding it difficult in winter to reach lichen. Lichen forms a key part of reindeer’s diets. While warmer summers help lichen grow, warmer and wetter winters are leading to rainfall rather than snow in the coldest Arctic months.
At the moment the government plan to build a dozen bridges planned in the northern counties of Norrbotten and Västerbotten.
3 Responses
wow wast of money
reindeer are so cool
hi