Which Arctic reindeer subspecies is native to the Svalbard archipelago?

The Svalbard reindeer is the reindeer subspecies native to the Svalbard archipelago.

This short-legged, heavily built reindeer evolved in the isolated High Arctic environment of Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. It is smaller and stockier than many mainland reindeer and caribou populations.

Svalbard reindeer remain on the islands year-round. They feed on tundra plants during the brief growing season and rely on fat reserves through the long, dark winter. Their compact shape helps conserve heat.

The subspecies was heavily hunted in the past, but legal protection helped populations recover. Unlike some migratory mainland herds, Svalbard reindeer generally make shorter seasonal movements within the islands.