Reindeer
The Reindeer, also known as the Caribou in North America, is a deer from the Arctic and sub Arctic, including both resident and migratory populations. Whilst it is overall widespread and numerous, some of its subspecies are rare or already extinct.
The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions.
Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland.
Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere.
Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada.
Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people.
Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland.
Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males.
Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas.
Date: 25th May 2009
Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland
The Reindeer is a widespread and numerous species in the northern Holarctic, being present in tundra (frozen arctic plain with lichens, mosses and dwarfed vegetation) and taiga (marshy pine forest) regions.
Originally, the Reindeer was found in Scandinavia, eastern Europe, Russia, Mongolia, and northern China. In North America, it was found in Canada, Alaska and the northern USA from Washington to Maine. It also occurred naturally on Sakhalin, Greenland, and probably even in historical times in Ireland.
Today, wild Reindeer have disappeared from many areas within this large historical range, especially from the southern parts where it has vanished almost everywhere.
Large populations of wild Reindeer are still found in Norway, Finland, Siberia, Greenland, Alaska, and Canada.
Wild Reindeer hunting and herding of semi-domesticated Reindeer (for meat, hides, antlers, milk and transportation) are important to several Arctic and Subarctic people.
Domesticated Reindeer are mostly found in northern Fennoscandia and Russia with a herd of approximately 150-170 Reindeer also living around the Cairngorms region in Scotland.
Reindeer vary considerably in colour and size. Both sexes grow antlers, though they are typically larger in males.
Even far outside its range, the Reindeer is well known due to the myth, probably originating in early 19th century America, in which Santa Claus's sleigh is pulled by flying Reindeer, a popular element of Christmas.
Date: 25th May 2009
Location: east of Sodankylä, Lappi, Finland
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Also in: North Finland and north Norway - May and June 2009
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