Rangifer tarandus

Rangifer tarandus, commonly known as the reindeer or caribou, is a species of wild, North American and Eurasian hoofed mammal. Adapted to cold environments, they have thick fur and specialized hooves that change with the seasons to help them travel on snow and soft tundra. Reindeer are known for their long migrations, moving vast distances between breeding and feeding areas. They are social animals, often forming large herds. Both wild and domesticated populations have been important to indigenous peoples for transportation, food, and cultural practices for centuries.