Exterminated in Finland in the 19th century, a number of wild reindeer crossed the frontier into Russia, and a small population built up there. But after the war development in their new Russian habitat drove the reindeer away; some crossed back into Finland where now there is once again a small population close to the frontier. But forestry operations on both sides of the frontier threaten them with extermination again and only the preservation of their habitat can save them. The animals have a special importance because they are quite uncontaminated by domestic stock.