Sunday 22 December 2013

Species of the week: Reindeer

Species of the week:
Reindeer(Rangifer tarandus)
  1. Reindeer are also known as caribou in North America.They can be found in Arctic and Subarctic regions.
  2. Both sexes grow antlers which is unusual for deer species.
  3. Males are usually larger than females, with males growing to 180-215cm in height and weighing up to 320kg. Females grow up from 160-205 cm and weight 80-120kg.
  4. Reindeer feed mostly on lichen but have been known to feed on grass and short tree leaves.
  5. Reindeer mating occurs from late September until early November. 
  6. Males fight with each other for dominion over females, with the dominant male forming a harem of females.
  7. Calves are born early May to June. One calf is usual for reindeer.
  8. Some reindeer have been known to undergo extreme migration for the winter. Reindeer in North America migrate up to 5 000km south in search for food.
  9. Reindeer have been domesticated by humans, especially the Native American tribes.
  10. Reindeer are considered to be of "Least Concern" by the IUCN list,

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