Metsäkaribut

Metsäkaribut, also known as forest caribou or woodland caribou, are a subspecies of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) found in the boreal forests of North America. They are distinct from their more widely known barren-ground caribou counterparts due to their habitat and some physical characteristics.

These animals are generally larger and darker in coloration than barren-ground caribou. Their diet primarily consists of lichens, which they can access even under snow, as well as mosses, grasses, and the leaves of shrubs and trees. Metsäkaribut are well-adapted to their forest environment, possessing broad hooves that aid in traversing soft ground and snow.

The social structure of metsäkaribut differs from barren-ground caribou. While they do form herds, these are typically smaller and more dispersed. They are crucial to the ecosystems they inhabit, influencing vegetation through their grazing and serving as a food source for predators like wolves and bears.

Conservation concerns exist for many metsäkaribu populations. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to forestry, mining, and human development, along with hunting and predation, have led to significant population declines in some areas. Efforts are underway to monitor their numbers and implement conservation strategies to protect this unique subspecies.