The caribou, known as reindeer in Europe and Asia, is a resilient and iconic species of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Renowned for their annual migrations, caribou travel vast distances across tundra and forests, forming some of the largest land migrations on Earth. Both males and females grow antlers, a unique trait among deer species, which they use for foraging and defense. As key grazers, caribou play a vital role in maintaining their ecosystems, and they have long been central to the cultures and livelihoods of Indigenous peoples in the North.



What Makes Caribou So Impressive?

  • Annual Migrations

    Caribou undertake some of the longest land migrations of any animal, traveling up to 3,000 miles annually in search of food and suitable calving grounds. These migrations help shape the tundra ecosystem, influencing plant growth and providing nutrients to the soil.

  • Antlers

    Unlike most deer species, both male and female caribou grow antlers, which are used for foraging through snow to access vegetation. Females retain their antlers longer into the winter, helping them compete for food during pregnancy.

  • Arctic

    Caribou are well-adapted to cold climates, with thick fur that traps air for insulation and large, concave hooves that aid in walking on snow and digging for food. Their specialized diet of lichen, moss, and other tundra plants allows them to thrive in harsh environments where few other species can survive.

Think about this...

What would it be like to migrate throughout the year every year?

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