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It’s that time of year! Christmas decorations galore, from the supermarket to the roads we drive on. We see tinsel, lights, toys, wrapping paper and Santa Claus everywhere. Santa Claus is often displayed with his eight faithful reindeer, nine if you count the beloved Rudolph! It’s these beautiful critters that allow Santa to visit all young people Christmas Eve. Their presence and our ability to study and engage them for millennia are astonishing! But how well are you at home in the fascinating world of reindeer?
Just in time for the holidays, here are twelve incredible reindeer facts!
12. Reindeer have different names all over the world!
AN reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is classified as a member of the Cervidae family of animals and is also known as: caribou in certain regions. Domesticated reindeer are known in North America as reindeer, while in the wild they are caribou are known as caribou. In Europe they are known as reindeer anyway. Reindeer are a kind of deer. There are over forty species of deer, many of which prefer milder weather, but reindeer prefer colder conditions.
11. Reindeer have unique winter adaptations
Reindeer are closely related deer species found in the tundra and grasslands, but they prefer the cold, snowy climates of the Northern Hemisphere winters. It is difficult for a reindeer to survive outside the frigid air. As a result, they tend to congregate in northern latitudes such as Alaska, Canada, Europe, and Russia.
Since they spend 40% of their lives in the snow, reindeer have evolved several unique adaptations. To help them stand on snow and squishy ground, their split hooves provide traction. They are also great swimmers and their hollow fur helps keep them warm.
10. Like Rudolph, reindeer have “red” noses
Like Rudolph, reindeer may also have “red” noses. The reindeer have a network of tiny veins to circulate heated blood around their noses to keep the air they take in warm. In freezing weather, these blood vessels supply and regulate body temperature, while also turning the reindeer’s nose a rose-red!
9. Reindeer “Click-clack” while they walk!
When reindeer walk, they make a clicking sound. This “click-clack” is caused by the sesamoid bones of their feet clicking over the tendons. When it’s snowing or foggy, experts think clicking helps herd members stay connected.
8. There’s a herd of reindeer the size of Seattle!
Russia has the largest population and herds reindeer, with an average of 700,000 reindeer, that’s about the same population as Seattle, Washington! Canada has the second largest herds with an average of 200,000 reindeer. Reindeer numbers in the wild are rapidly declining and the species is now classified as vulnerable, which is one step closer to extinction.
This means that if reindeer numbers continue to decline, the species will be listed as endangered. In some snow-covered places, such as the Arctic tundra, northern Asia, or North America, the population of this species is approaching the threshold of being classified as endangered.
7. Reindeer are social creatures
In their natural habitat, reindeer form large groups called herds. In herds of ten or more reindeer, they travel, rest and eat together. In the spring, the number of members of their group grows significantly and can reach thousands!
6. Baby Reindeer Are Called Calves
Baby reindeer are called “calves” while a single reindeer is called a calf. The largest deer species, the moose, is also called a calf. However, other baby deer species are commonly called fawns.
In late September and early November, the reindeer breeding season is in full swing. Males use reindeer antlers to compete for females at this time of year. Up to fifteen female reindeer can be selected for mating by the victorious male reindeer. The female gives birth in a secluded place after the mating process. The female reindeer takes about 228-234 days to give birth.
There is no outer fur on baby reindeer when they are born. Mother reindeer can easily identify their offspring in the wild, even among huge herds. Like humans, a reindeer usually only has one baby at a time.
5. Reindeer have the biggest antlers of all deer
Reindeer are bigger than most deer and overall fifth largest species of deer, their fur is unlike most deer species; mostly greyish white, with brown spots. Grown up Reindeer have the largest antlers compared to their bodies of all deer species. In order for the reindeer antlers to grow stronger and more stable, they shed their antlers once a year. Two layers of fur protect them from the elements: a soft undercoat and a thick, long-haired outer coat. Reindeer are a
bo
ut ten times the size of a dog, measuring 180-214 cm (71-84 in) in height and weighing between 80-120 kg (180-260 lbs.). However, the largest reindeer can weigh as much as 700 lbs!
4. Reindeer communicate like dogs!
Reindeer are noisy members of the deer genus. Reindeer use growls and barks to communicate with each other, just like dogs do. They also use their bodies to communicate with each other. They use these sounds and displays for mating and to warn their herds or calves if they are separated or threatened.
3. Reindeer females have antlers
Reindeer are the only deer species in which the females grow antlers, making them unique among deer! This is because even female reindeer need antlers to dig through snow and soil in search of food and to defend themselves in rugged terrain.
2. Reindeer have a lifespan of up to 20 years!
A wild adult reindeer or caribou can live up to 20 years in captivity, although the typical lifespan is about 15 years. Males live shorter than females, up to four years shorter! This is probably due to the larger size of the male counterpart and thus greater nutritional needs. Because of their behavior, men are more likely to endanger themselves and sustain injuries.
1. Male reindeer are bulls and females are cows
Male reindeer are also called bull or deer, and female reindeer are called cow. Male reindeer are distinguished from females by their taller stature, harder hooves and more impressive antlers.
So there you have it; Twelve Fascinating Reindeer Facts for the Holidays! Hopefully there were some that surprised or even made you happy. We wish you a Merry Christmas!
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