Domesticated reindeer; close relative to wild caribou.

Also called: Reindeer (domesticated form of caribou)

Native status: Domesticated form; native to Eurasia and Arctic

§ Quick facts

SizeShoulder height 80–150 cm
Weight80–300 kg
LifespanWild 12–15 years
OrderArtiodactyla
FamilyCervidae

§ Encyclopedia

The reindeer or caribou is a species of deer with circumpolar distribution, native to Arctic, subarctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of Northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. It is the only representative of the genus Rangifer. More recent studies suggest the splitting of reindeer and caribou. "All caribou and reindeer throughout the world are considered to be the same species, but there are 7 subspecies."

Source: Wikipedia — Reindeer Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Variable color (brown to gray) with white throat patch; both sexes grow antlers (unique among deer).

Similar species. Wild caribou (same species).

Voice. Grunts; bellows.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Tundra plants, lichens, grasses.

Behavior. Domesticated form of caribou — same species. Reindeer have been herded by Arctic peoples (Sami, Nenets, others) for ~3,000 years.

§ Range

Eurasia, Arctic

§ Habitat

Tundra, boreal forest

§ Threats

Climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the reindeer (domesticated) is currently classified as Vulnerable.

§ What helps

Support Arctic indigenous peoples and ecosystems.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Reindeer Husbandry Information
  • IUCN Red List 2016