Herding of the Northern Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is very ancient (3,000-5,000 years) and has been conducted by many ethnic communities, such as the Nenets, Chukchis, Saamis, Sel'kups or Chuds, in the tundra of Siberia (area of 56.4 Mha). Some communities like the Nenets are nomadic, while others like the Saamis are sedentary.

The reindeer provides food and livelihood security to these communities; and used to be herded in groups of 3,000 head, foraging on herbs and sedges in the meadows and breeding in tundra and taiga wetlands in the summer. It has totemic and cult qualities in the shaman spirituality practised by these communities.