raindeer

Rangifer tarandus, commonly known as the reindeer or caribou, is a species of deer native to Arctic and subarctic regions of Europe, Siberia, and North America. Reindeer are large mammals, with males typically being larger than females. They have a stocky build, short legs, and a thick coat that provides insulation against the cold. Their coats are typically brown or grayish-brown, and they possess distinctive white patches on their throat and rump.

Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, a unique characteristic among deer species. These antlers are shed and regrown annually. Reindeer are herbivores, with their diet consisting primarily of lichens, mosses, grasses, and sedges. They are well-adapted to their snowy environment, with broad hooves that act like snowshoes, preventing them from sinking into the snow. They also have a specialized circulatory system in their legs that helps keep them warm.

Reindeer live in herds, and their migratory patterns are often extensive, covering hundreds of miles. They are an important species for indigenous communities in the Arctic, providing food, clothing, and transportation. The domestication of reindeer has a long history in parts of Eurasia. Reindeer populations have faced challenges due to climate change, habitat loss, and overhunting in some areas.