Reindeer

The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), also called caribou in North America for most wild populations, is a deer adapted to the cold regions of the Arctic and subarctic. It lives across northern Europe, Asia and North America, occupying tundra, open forests and mountain landscapes. Thick fur, compact hooves and a layer of fat help it withstand freezing temperatures and walk across snow, marshes and soft ground.

Unlike other deer species, both males and females usually grow antlers, although females generally carry smaller ones. The broad hooves also act as natural shovels, allowing reindeer to scrape away snow and reach the plants beneath. During the winter months, they rely heavily on lichens but also eat grasses, leaves, mosses and shrubs when available.

Many reindeer populations undertake some of the longest land migrations of any mammal, travelling hundreds or even thousands of kilometers each year between seasonal feeding and breeding areas. Living in herds improves protection against predators such as wolves and bears while helping individuals locate food.

Calves are born in spring, when temperatures rise and fresh vegetation becomes more abundant, giving them the best chance of survival. For thousands of years, reindeer have also played an important role in the cultures of Indigenous peoples across the Arctic, providing food, clothing and transport. Today, some populations are affected by climate change, habitat fragmentation and increasing human activity across their migration routes.