(Rangifer tarandus)

Also known as Caribou in North America, the reindeer is a hardy and charismatic species that inhabits the northern reaches of the planet.

Although there are several different sub-species of Reindeer, they are all superbly adapted to life in the extreme conditions of the north. The Reindeer’s coat is made up of a thick, woolly under layer and an over coat of stiff, tubular hairs which trap a layer of insulating air. Throughout the summer months, the Reindeer will moult this thick fur, leaving them with a thin base coat.

A wide range of plants make up the Reindeer’s diet, although they typically select the food that is most nutritious and easily digestible. New green growth and leaves are taken in spring and summer, while in winter the reindeer uses its excellent sense of smell to find mats of lichen and plants hidden under the snow.