tarandus

Tarandus is the specific epithet in the scientific name Rangifer tarandus, the species commonly known as the reindeer in Eurasia and the caribou in North America. It belongs to the deer family, Cervidae, within the genus Rangifer. The binomial Rangifer tarandus was established by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The name tarandus is the Latinized form used in the species designation and is often encountered in taxonomic literature.

Taxonomy and subspecies within Rangifer tarandus are described variably by different authorities. Several regional forms have been proposed as subspecies, including those associated with North American caribou and Eurasian reindeer, Greenlandic populations, and Peary caribou. Some classifications treat these groups as distinct subspecies, while others elevate or collapse them into separate species or lump them into broader populations. Taxonomic status thus varies by source and region.

Distribution and ecology of tarandus populations cover Arctic and subarctic areas across Europe, Asia, and North America. Reindeer and caribou inhabit tundra, boreal forests, and surrounding landscapes, often forming large migratory herds. Their diet is varied, ranging from lichens in winter to grasses and aquatic plants in other seasons. Adaptations include large, spread-out hooves for walking on snow and soft surfaces, as well as seasonal changes in fur to cope with extreme cold.

Human use and conservation are notable aspects. Reindeer have been domesticated in parts of Eurasia for milk, meat, hides, and as draft animals, while wild caribou remain culturally and ecologically important for Indigenous peoples. Conservation status varies by population; while Rangifer tarandus is broadly listed as Least Concern globally, several subspecies or regional populations face declines due to habitat loss, climate change, and harvest pressures.