Reindeer, known as caribou when wild in North America, are members of the deer family (Rangifer tarandus). They navigate harsh northern environments, often migrating in massive numbers. This leads to curiosity about the specific names given to their offspring.
The Specific Name for a Young Reindeer
The term for a baby reindeer is a calf, a name shared with the young of many large mammal species, including cattle, elephants, and whales. While the young of other deer species, like white-tailed deer, are often called fawns, calf is the consistent terminology for Rangifer tarandus.
This terminology is used by naturalists and herders to categorize large hoofed animals. A female reindeer, known as a cow, typically gives birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 7.5 months. Birth takes place in the late spring or early summer (May or June), coinciding with the availability of new vegetation.
Terminology for Adult Reindeer and Groups
The adult male reindeer is referred to as a bull, contrasting with the female cow. These terms mirror the names used for domestic livestock. Both bulls and cows possess antlers, which is unusual among most deer species where only the males grow them.
The collective noun for a group of reindeer is a herd. These herds vary greatly in size depending on the region and time of year. While a typical herd may consist of a few hundred individuals, spring migrations can involve groups containing hundreds of thousands of animals.
Life and Growth of Reindeer Calves
Newborn reindeer calves demonstrate rapid development, a necessity for survival in their predator-filled environment. A calf typically weighs 5 to 9 kilograms (11 to 20 pounds) at birth. This small creature is capable of standing on its own within only an hour of being born.
Within a few hours, the calf is able to follow its mother, and it can outrun a human by the end of its first day of life. The calf relies heavily on its mother’s rich milk, which is higher in fat and protein than the milk of most domestic dairy animals. Its growth rate is rapid, with some calves gaining up to 400 grams per day.
The young begin to sample solid vegetation as early as one week old, supplementing their milk diet. This introduction to forage allows them to make quick weight gains during the short summer season. Reindeer calves are generally weaned about six months after birth, achieving independence before the harsh winter arrives.