Reindeer Facts
The reindeer, also called caribou, is a deer species of the Arctic and other cold northern regions, and it is the only deer where females can grow antlers.
- Class
- Mammal
- Scientific name
- Rangifer tarandus
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable (IUCN)
About the reindeer
Reindeer range across Arctic, subarctic, tundra, forest and mountain regions of North America, Siberia and Northern Europe. Some herds migrate long distances while others stay put, and herd size changes a lot from region to region. The tundra types handle extreme cold well. Body size and coat color vary too, from the small Svalbard reindeer to the large Osborn's caribou.
No other deer has been semi-domesticated on such a large scale. Wild and herded reindeer have given Arctic peoples food, clothing and shelter since prehistoric times, and people still herd and hunt them now. Although the species is numerous overall, some populations are shrinking, and the IUCN lists it as vulnerable.
Did you know?
- All reindeer and caribou are treated as one species, divided into 7 subspecies.
- In Christmas legends, reindeer pull Santa Claus's sleigh across the night sky.
- The reindeer is the only living member of the genus Rangifer.
Questions about the reindeer
Are reindeer and caribou the same animal?
Yes. Caribou is the North American name, and all reindeer and caribou are considered one species.
Do female reindeer have antlers?
Yes. Reindeer are the only deer in which females may grow antlers, though how often varies by subspecies.
Sources
- Wikidata Q39624, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Reindeer, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.