Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)

OTHER NAMES: Reindeer
Latin Etymology:  Rangifer ("reindeer") tarandus (a deer like mythical creature)

Young adult Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in Yukon, Canada - August 2034

Featured Subspecies: Boreal Woodland Caribou - Rangifer tarandus caribou
Weight: 80-180kg  /  Length: 2.2m 
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

With a near circumpolar distribution, the Caribou is one of most iconic species of the Arctic, and yet still one whose taxonomy is subject to new discoveries: some studies suggest the species as we recognise it now may in fact represent up to six species. Different genetic lineages, whether full species or subspecies have each developed their own ecotype for habitats such as open tundra, forest and mountains.

Related Species:
Order: Artiodactyla 
Family: Cervidae 
Genus: Rangifer
SUBSPECIES: R. t. arcticus, R. t. fortidens, R. t. granti, R. t. montanus, R. t. osborni, R. t. pearyi, R. t. stonei, R. t. caribou, R. t. caboti, R. t. terranovae, R. t. fennicus, R. t. valentinae, R. t. groenlandicus, R. t. platyrhynchus, R. t. pearsoni, R. t. plylarchus, R. t. sibiricus, R. t. tarandus

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Present throughout most of Canada
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in the Yukon

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto