Reindeer

Rangifer tarandus

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Mammalia · Artiodactyla · Cervidae

About

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."

Fun Fact

Reindeer are the only deer species where both sexes grow antlers, and their eyes shift from gold in summer to blue in winter — the colour change improves vision in the low Arctic light.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tundra and boreal forests

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

15-18 years

Threats

Illegal Wildlife Trade
Illegal Logging
Poaching

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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