Caribou and Reindeer Information

Caribou reside in northern North America and prefer the subarctic forests and arctic tundra regions. However, it is now believed that the North American caribou populations and the reindeer of northern Europe and Asia constitute a single widespread species with geographical subspecies. In fact, many features suggest that the caribou and reindeer species represent one of the more primitive members of the deer family with the most obvious indicator being the tendency of both males and females to grow and retain antlers (Banfield, 1974).

The caribou of North America are divided into two primary subspecies: the woodland caribou and the barren-ground caribou. As their names suggest, woodland caribou prefer forest, swaps, and bogs while barren-ground caribou reside in the arctic tundra. The habitats of these geographical subspecies of caribou influence their behavior and anatomy. Barren-ground caribou often travel in large herds and tend to be slightly smaller with lighter antlers than woodland caribou (Elliott, 1903). Additionally, barren-ground caribou tend to have higher calf survival rates (Thomas, 2002).

Male woodland caribou, Photo courtesy of P. Jansen

Woodland Caribou

The woodland caribou are very well adapted to life in the trying winters of northern North America. Some populations are migratory while others remain relatively sendentary. Observations reveal that caribou rarely gallop but trot at about 10mph (Seton, 1911). Two ecotypes (forms of woodland caribou with characteristic adaptations based on environmental location) exist: the boreal and mountain.  Both ecotypes have a thick, dark coat for winter months, large crescent-shaped hooves and long legs that promote digging in snow. The latter two anatomical characteristics allow the caribou to adeptly move through the snow. They are much more agile in snowy conditions than other members of the deer family (Elliot, 1903).

The lifespan of the woodland caribou ranges between 10 and 15 years.  They primarily eat ground lichen but resort to arboreal lichen and other foliage when snow levels prevent them from reaching the ground. They are about 4 feet tall at the shoulder and 6 feet in length.  Male woodland caribou, or bulls, are considerably larger than their female counterpart (cows). Woodland caribou bulls average about 180 kg while cows average 115 kg. Bulls also carry considerably larger and more intricate antlers than cows, and possess a white mane. Bulls weigh about 25 percent more than females and can weigh up to 270 kg, making them one of the largest subspecies of caribou (Banfield, 1974). 

Taxonomy of the Woodland Caribou