New Delhi: It must be stated at the beginning of this article that both caribou and reindeer are large hoofed animals that belong to the deer family and are of the same species, Rangifer tarandus. However, there are differences between the two. While reindeer is found in Asia and northern Europe, Caribou is found in North America. When snow begins to fall, caribou move south and travel to more sheltered climes where they can feed on moss or lichens. Did you know that caribou cover one of the longest annual migrations in the world?
The great migration of caribou
Caribou live in the wild and take on long annual migrations. They make one of the great large-animal migrations in the world. Just ahead of summer, they move north along annual routes which are well trod. To get the summer grazing grounds, some herds may travel as far as 800 miles. They spend the months of summer eating the abundant grasses and plants of the tundra. Every day, an adult caribou can consume 12 pounds of food and it is also the time they give birth.
Every year, during the arrival of the first snows, the caribou heads back to the south. Several weeks before the males leave, the herds of female caribou known as cows leave. The males follow with the calves from the last birthing season. The herds survive the winter in more sheltered climes and feed on lichens. Compared to the reindeer, caribou are taller and lankier and it is possibly because they evolved for the extreme migrations. The calves are able to stand a few minutes after coming to this world and move on with their mother by the next day.
The hooves of caribou
Being deer, caribou have large hooves which are apt for the place they live. The big hooves can support the bulk of the animal on snow and also enable it to travel through water efficiently. The underside of the hoof is hollowed out like a scoop and the animals use it to dig through the snow for food. The hooves have sharp edges which are good for the animals on rocks or ice. Notably, caribou are the only deer in which both the males and females have antlers.
Threats and conservation of caribou
Caribou are classified as vulnerable to extinction and their migratory nature means that landscape changes due to any human activity on their migration routes can disturb them. Human activities like logging make caribou more susceptible to predators like wolves and other animals. They are also threatened by climate change and are more susceptible to diseases and parasites due to the warming Arctic.
Caribou, found in North America, undertake incredible annual migrations of up to 800 miles, feeding on tundra plants in summer and lichens in winter. Their large hooves are adapted for snowy terrain and underwater movement. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
