Past His Prime
Venturing to the mountains in Fall is not only beautiful to photograph muskoxen. It is an experience that can be recommended to everyone that wants to see this pristine environment in its most pretty coat.
While this male is definitely past his prime and has to decide whether he wants to roam the mountains on his own or in a small group of bachelors, the future for the muskoxen on Dovrefjell looks rather dim.
Muskoxen are considered an introduced species in Norway. The real natives of these mountains are for example wild Reindeer (Fjellrein), Arctic Fox, or Wolverines. But when did the Muskoxen come into play? While building the railroad over the massive mountains of Dovrefjell in the early 20th century, workers found backbones of muskoxen in the greater vicinity of the area. This led to the idea to introduce the muskoxen from Greenland to Norway. After some failed attempts in different areas in Norway, the Muskoxen was introduced a second time on Dovrefjell in 1947 with a small number of individuals from Greenland.
Due to this introduction of only a few animals, this population is suffering a very low genetic variability. On top of that the animals suffer from increasing temperatures, more mild winters lead to more icy snow and warmer summers lead to more insects plaguing them. And if that wasn’t enough, the animals are confronted with a whole different set of diseases than compared to their homeland of Greenland. And probably the nail in the very big muskox coffin: the core area that the muskoxen is assigned to is not big enough to theoretically host a healthy population for the future to come.
In recent years, the muskox tourism must also be considered as an influence on the very shy population of wild Reindeer in the area around Hjerkinn. The Reindeer here are genetically the most preserved “wild” reindeer that you can find in Norway, and need thus extra protection. In many other places you will find Reindeer that are wild, but have genetically many influences of domestication.
I am a licensed guide for the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjell National Park. On a tailor-made tour with me, you will be able to experience the Muskoxen, but also Moose, the European Golden Plover, and other wildlife. Visiting Dovrefjell is a good idea in nearly every season! I am a nature photographer and biologist, and will take well considered choices to not disturb any wildlife, especially the wild reindeer. Day-Trips from Trondheim are possible.
