Meet the caribou
Scientific name: Rangifer tarandus
Caribou are a type of deer that lives in the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. They are the only deer species where both males and females have antlers.
Caribou are a familiar animal to many people during Christmas celebrations. Caribou are also called reindeer.
Caribou live in different habitats across the arctic regions of the world. Some populations live on the frozen plains called tundra. Some populations live in woodlands. Some caribou populations migrate between tundra, where they have their calves in the arctic summer months, and forests in the winter where they feed. Some Canadian caribou populations have epic migrations of over 5,000 km (3,000 miles) each year. Some caribou populations live in forests all year long.
Lichens are a vital part of caribou diets. Lichens are an organism made up of an algae and a fungus. They can survive very rugged, freezing temperatures, and are a main food source for caribou during arctic winters. In the spring caribou will eat leaves and grasses.
People living in the arctic regions of the world have depended on caribou for food, clothing, and shelter for tens of thousands of years. Caribou meat and skins were vital for human survival in northern Europe and North America. Domesticated caribou, often called reindeer, are still important animals for thousands of people across parts of Europe and Asia.
In some parts of Russia, reindeer have been used to pull sleds for thousands of years. Legends of flying reindeer helping Santa deliver presents began in the 1800s.
By David Brown for Mongabay Kids
More learning resources about caribou
National Park Service: What’s the difference? Reindeer vs. caribou
NWF blog: Are these elk, moose, or caribou?
