Many people wonder if “reindeer” and “caribou” refer to distinct animals or different names for the same creature. While closely related, specific distinctions in terminology, lifestyle, and observable traits set them apart. This article clarifies the relationship between these arctic inhabitants.
Understanding the Terminology
Reindeer and caribou are scientifically classified as the same species, Rangifer tarandus, making them members of the deer family. The distinction between the two terms primarily depends on their geographical location and whether they are wild or domesticated. In North America, wild populations are generally referred to as caribou, while in Eurasia, the term “reindeer” is used for both wild and domesticated populations. However, even in North America, domesticated individuals are still called reindeer.
Though the same species, recognized subspecies exist due to regional adaptations. The term “caribou” originates from the Mi’kmaq Nation of Canada, meaning “snow shoveler,” reflecting their behavior of digging for food.
Divergent Lifestyles
The most significant factor differentiating reindeer and caribou is their lifestyle, particularly domestication. Reindeer have a long history of domestication, with evidence suggesting this process began thousands of years ago in Eurasia. Indigenous communities, such as the Sami people in Scandinavia, have historically relied on reindeer for various purposes, including transportation, milk, meat, and hides. This long-term human interaction has led to selective breeding, influencing certain physical and behavioral traits.
In contrast, caribou in North America have largely remained wild, and have not undergone widespread domestication. This fundamental difference in their relationship with humans impacts their behavior, movement patterns, and even their physical development. While domesticated reindeer are managed within specific areas, wild caribou maintain their natural foraging instincts and expansive movements across the landscape. The human influence on reindeer has shaped them differently from their wild counterparts.
Observable Differences
The contrasting lifestyles of reindeer and caribou have resulted in observable differences in their physical characteristics and behaviors. Caribou are typically larger and more robust, with longer legs, adapted for extensive migrations across vast distances. Their antlers are often described as tall and curved with a sprawling pattern. Caribou can weigh up to 330 pounds (150 kg) for males and 298 pounds (135 kg) for females.
Reindeer, especially domesticated ones, tend to be shorter and stockier, with a more compact build, and may have shorter muzzles. Their antlers can vary, but are sometimes described as sharper and more uniform. Both male and female Rangifer tarandus grow antlers, a unique trait among deer species. Male reindeer typically shed their antlers in late fall, while females retain theirs through winter until their calves are born in spring.
Behaviorally, caribou undertake some of the longest terrestrial migrations on Earth, sometimes traveling thousands of miles annually between their summer and winter ranges. These migrations are driven by the search for food and to avoid predators and insects. Caribou herds can be enormous, with some reaching up to half a million individuals. Domesticated reindeer, however, are bred to be less migratory and exhibit more localized movements, often staying within managed grazing areas. Wild caribou are generally skittish and wary of humans, whereas domesticated reindeer are more docile and accustomed to human interaction.