Physical Description
There are several subspecies of Reindeer. 3 subspecies are found in Europe, and 4 in the Americas. In the Americas this animal is known as the Caribou, while in Europe it is called the Reindeer. Some authors use the term Caribou to refer to all wild living animals, and the name Reindeer to refer to those animals that are semi domesticated.
The Reindeer lives in the cold tundra of the far north, and is well adapted to this habitat. It is a medium to large species of deer. Like many of the animals living in cold climates its outermost extremities are reduced in size. The ears and tail are small to prevent excessive loss of heat. The body is solid and muscular but the legs are short, giving it a stocky compact appearance.
The Reindeer is the only species of deer in which the females carry antlers as well as the males. This is thought to be because females can use the antlers to find food. In snow the antlers are used to scrape snow away from the ground thus allowing the Reindeer to eat. Female Reindeer may also use the antlers to help defend the young from predators. Generally speaking the antlers of the females are not as stocky as those of the males.
The size and shape of the antlers can vary considerably between animals. Usually the antlers grow in a long curving arc, first backwards but then curving back to point to the front again. The antlers can have various numbers of tines. At the end of the antlers may be a short part that is flattened into a short blade.
The antlers are lost each year and regrown afresh. Females lose their antlers in spring after the young have been born. Males lose their antlers after the rut has finished in late autumn. After the antlers have been lost a new set begins to grow immediately and are normally ready by the following autumn.
Habitat & Distribution
Reindeer are found in the northern coniferous forests and the open barren tundra plains of the far north. They have a circumpolar distribution range and are found across northern Europe, Asia and North America.
