The image of eight magical reindeer pulling Santa and his sleigh is a core Christmas memory. And today, we descend from the night sky in pursuit of the reindeer story and are set to help mother’s children spy if truly reindeer know how to fly. Come with us!
Reindeer, scientifically known as Rangifer tarandus, are remarkable creatures native to the Arctic and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In North America, they are commonly referred to as caribou; in Europe and Asia, they are known as reindeer. These animals are unique among the deer family, as both males and females grow antlers.
Diet
Reindeer are herbivores with a diet that varies seasonally. During summer, they consume grasses, sedges, leaves of shrubs, and new growth from trees like willow and birch. Mushrooms are also a favored food during late summer. As winter approaches and the ground becomes snow-covered, reindeer rely heavily on lichens, commonly known as “reindeer moss,” which they dig out from beneath the snow using their hooves. This adaptation allows them to survive in harsh, cold environments where other food sources are scarce.
Habitat
Reindeer inhabit a range of cold environments, including tundra, boreal forests, and mountainous regions. They are well-adapted to these frigid climates, with thick fur and specialized nasal passages that warm incoming cold air before it reaches their lungs. Their hooves are also adapted to traverse various terrains; in summer, the footpads become spongy to provide extra traction on soft, wet ground, while in winter, the pads tighten to expose the hoof rim, which cuts into ice and snow for stability.
Size and Weight
Reindeer exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males generally larger than females. Males, or bulls, typically weigh between 115 to 220 pounds (52 to 100 kilograms) and measure about 3.9 to 6.5 feet (1.2 to 2 meters) in length, excluding the tail. Females, or cows, usually weigh between 64 to 141 pounds (29 to 64 kilograms). Both sexes have antlers, but male antlers are typically larger and more branched; they can grow up to 51 inches long, while female antlers can only reach 20 inches.
Conservation Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), reindeer are currently classified as Vulnerable due to a significant population decline of approximately 40% over the past 25 years. Factors contributing to this decline include climate change, habitat loss, and human activities such as industrial development and hunting. Conservation efforts are ongoing to address these challenges and protect the remaining populations.
Fun Facts
Reindeer Antlers: Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, a unique trait among deer species. Males shed their antlers in late fall after the mating season, while females retain them through the winter and shed them after giving birth to their calves in spring.
Caribou vs. Reindeer: The terms "caribou" and "reindeer" refer to the same species. In North America, wild populations are called caribou, whereas in Europe and Asia, both wild and domesticated populations are called reindeer.
Baby Reindeer: A baby reindeer is called a calf. Calves are typically born in May or June and are able to stand and walk within hours of birth.
Reindeer vs. Deer: While reindeer are a species of deer, they have distinct differences from other deer species, such as both sexes growing antlers and their unique adaptations to cold environments.
Reindeer Footprints: Reindeer have large, crescent-shaped hooves that spread widely to support their weight on snow and soft tundra. These hooves leave distinctive footprints, and reindeer also dig through snow to find food.
