During the austral summers of 2012–2013 and 2013–2014, the introduced reindeer population on South Georgia was eradicated with the goal of protecting local biodiversity and eliminating negative effects on native flora and fauna. Norwegian whalers originally brought the reindeer to South Georgia in the early 1900s for hunting and local food supply. Once the whaling stations were abandoned after World War II, the reindeer population increased due to lack of hunting, eventually leading to the overgrazing of local plants. The best option to protect the unique nature of South Georgia was the complete eradication of the introduced reindeer, leaving the reindeer depicted on the coat of arms of South Georgia as the only one remaining.
