Reindeer in the Scottish Highland Wildlife Park managed by the Edinburgh Zoological Society
There is only one species of Reindeer, but there are numerous sub-species. They have a very wide distribution across the tundra and taiga regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This large distribution has meant 20 different sub-species have developed. The Reindeer found in Northern Europe is known, rather obviously as the North European Reindeer. The American sub-species' of Reindeer are known collectively as Caribou. The Caribou are famous for their long migrations. The Reindeer differs from other deer in that both sexes carry antlers. The Reindeer has a long head and rump, and rather long legs. The tail is short. The hooves are broad and rounded and have 'pseudo-claws' to the side, which help the Reindeer to move in deep snow. The hooves make a characteristic clacking sound as the reindeer moves. The male has a 'mane' of thick fur around the lower part of its neck. The colour of the coat varies, but is often a grey-white colour, or a light brown. Because of the barren and treacherous habitat in which the reindeer lives in, they must migrate to find enough food. They will migrate up to 1000km. Some herds are stationary though. Reindeer were an important source of food for early man, in the Pleistocene. In fact Reindeer can be domesticated and in Northern Scandinavia the 'sami' culture is based on these animals, which are semi-farmed, although they are more or less wild. In North America there has been a dramatic fall in Reindeer populations, and in Europe they are now only found in Scandinavia and Russia in any kind of numbers. They can live for 12-15 years. The Rut is in September and the single young is born after 190-240 days. They are weaned at 5-6 months of age.
Size: 5380px × 3572px
Location: Wildlife Park Kincraig Speyside Inverness-shire Highland Region Scotland UK
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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