The reindeer or caribou[a] (Rangifer tarandus) [5] is a species of deer with circumpolar distribution, native to Arctic, subarctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of Northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. [2] It is the only representative of the genus Rangifer. More recent studies suggest the splitting of reindeer and caribou (North American terminology).

Understanding the Context

[citation needed] "All ... Reindeer, species of deer found in the Arctic tundra and adjacent boreal forests of Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, and Canada. There are two varieties: tundra reindeer and forest (or woodland) reindeer. Learn more about the characteristics, habitat, and diet of reindeer in this article.

Key Insights

Beyond their sled-pulling capabilities and discrimination against those with red noses, what do you really know about reindeer? Here are the facts about these Arctic animals. Historically, the ... Did you know, reindeer are the only deer species in which both male & female can grow antlers? Discover more reindeer facts with Nat Geo Kids Everything you should know about the Reindeer.

Final Thoughts

The Reindeer is a large member of the deer family, and known as Santa's helpers. A female reindeer and her child near Inari, Finland. A group of reindeer. Two reindeer in Sweden. Old photograph of a domestic reindeer being milked. The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is an even-toed ungulate mammal of the deer family.

In North America it is also called caribou. There are about 10-20 reindeer subspecies. The reindeer is the only deer that has been domesticated. However, in at ...