Helicopter Surveys Change Picture of East Iceland Reindeer

2026-02-09 - 10:39

The use of helicopters to survey reindeer in East Iceland has led to more accurate population data and a significant rise in the national hunting quota, according to conservation officials. As reported by RÚV, this year’s quota has been increased by more than 40%, allowing up to 936 reindeer to be hunted. The change follows the introduction of helicopter-based counts, which have improved visibility in difficult terrain and reduced uncertainty about how animals are distributed across the region. What's the Story? Helicopter surveys used to count reindeer in East Iceland, improving accuracy compared with land and fixed-wing aircraft National hunting quota increased by over 40%, allowing up to 936 reindeer to be hunted this year Consultative group formed to develop a long-term reindeer management and conservation plan Reindeer near Seyðisfjörður. Photo: Erik Pomrenke Population management debate Hunting quotas had previously declined for six consecutive years, largely due to limited and inconclusive data gathered from ground surveys and fixed-wing aircraft. Hálfdán Helgi Helgason, an ecologist at the East Iceland Nature Centre, said the new method has transformed monitoring efforts. “The helicopter gives us a better view, there are larger windows and no engine block in front of us. It allows us to stop in the air and take pictures calmly. So we have both a better overview and it is easier to find groups and it is easier to get to the groups to get good analytical pictures,” says Hálfdán Helgi. Alongside the revised quota, a consultative group has been established to develop a long-term management plan. The group includes hunters, landowners, animal welfare organisations and representatives from the hospitality sector. The aim is to balance differing views on whether the reindeer population should be allowed to grow or be more tightly controlled to limit environmental pressure. “It’s time for us to sit down again and review the issue, how do we want to manage the reindeer population in the long term. This is an introduced species and can be invasive in a fragile ecosystem. But at the same time, there are many who enjoy it and are delighted to know about reindeer in Icelandic nature,” says Hálfdán Helgi Helgason.