renne

Renne, also known as reindeer in Europe and caribou in North America, refers to Rangifer tarandus, a medium-sized deer adapted to Arctic and subarctic environments. The species has a circumpolar distribution with wild populations across northern Europe (notably Scandinavia), Russia, Alaska and Canada, Greenland, and parts of northern Fennoscandia. In North America, populations are typically called caribou, while in Eurasia they are commonly referred to as reindeer, including many domesticated herds.

Physically, reindeer are well suited to cold climates. Adults typically stand about 90 to 150 cm at the shoulder and weigh between 60 and 180 kg, with males generally larger than females. A distinctive feature is that both sexes grow antlers annually, though males shed theirs in late winter while females tend to retain theirs longer and may shed after calving. They possess thick coats and specialized hooves; in winter the hooves become large and blunt to distribute weight on snow, while in summer they narrow to help grip soft ground and browse vegetation.

Diet and foraging behavior center on seasonal availability. In winter, they rely heavily on lichens, supplemented by grasses, mosses, leaves, and shrubs when possible. During migrations, which can cover long distances, reindeer move between seasonal feeding lands and calving or wintering grounds, following the available forage.

Human use and cultural significance are substantial. Domesticated reindeer herding is practiced by Indigenous peoples in Eurasia, notably the Sámi, providing milk, meat, hides, and transport. In popular culture, reindeer are prominently featured in northern folklore and winter traditions.

Conservation status varies by population. The species as a whole is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though several subspecies and regional populations face threats from habitat change, climate effects, and human activity.