The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), also known as the caribou in Canada, is a deer from the Arctic and Subarctic, including both resident and migratory populations. While overall widespread and numerous,[1] some of its subspecies are rare and one (or two, depending on taxonomy) has already gone extinct.[2][3]The reindeer varies considerably in colour and size,[4] and both genders grow antlers, though these are larger in the males and there are a few populations where females lack them completely.
Ten Facts about Caribou
- There are three different species of Caribou Barren-Ground Caribou, Peary Caribou, Woodland Caribou.
- Caribou are native to North America, Russia, Alaska, Canada and Greenland.
- The diet of the caribou consist of grass, moss and lichen.
- The name of a male is referred to as a buck. The name of a female is referred to as a doe.
- The name or offspring, or a baby Caribou, is a fawn.
- Mating occurs from late September to early November.
- Calves may be born the following May or June. After 45 days, the calves are able to graze and forage but continue suckling until the following autumn and become independent from their mothers.
- The name or offspring, or a baby Caribou, is a fawn.
- The females usually measure 162-205 cm (64-81 in) in length and weigh 79-120 kg (170-260 lb).[4][15] The males (or "bulls") are typically larger, measuring 180-214 cm (71-84 in) in length and usually weighing 92-210 kg (200-460 lb), though exceptionally large males have weighed as much as 318 kg (700 lb).
- The most dominant males can collect as many as 15-20 females to mate with.
