Reindeer vs. Caribou — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
Reindeer and caribou refer to the same species, Rangifer tarandus; "reindeer" is used in Europe and Asia, "caribou" in North America, with differences in domestication and habitat.
Difference Between Reindeer and Caribou
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reindeer are often domesticated, especially in Europe and Asia, serving various roles, while caribou are generally wild, roaming freely in North American regions.
In terms of habitat, reindeer are adapted to tundra and domestic settings, while caribou are primarily found in Arctic and subarctic wilderness.
Physically, reindeer are usually smaller, bred for work or herding, whereas caribou are larger and adapted to long migrations in the wild.
Cultural significance varies: reindeer are central to some indigenous cultures in Europe and Asia; caribou hold importance for native peoples in North America.
Terminology: "reindeer" is widely used in folklore and literature, especially in European traditions, while "caribou" is more prevalent in scientific and ecological contexts in North America.
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Comparison Chart
Domestication
Often domesticated
Primarily wild
Habitat
Tundra, domestic areas
Arctic, subarctic regions
Size
Generally smaller
Larger, built for migration
Cultural Role
Central in European/Asian indigenous cultures
Important in North American native cultures
Terminology Use
Common in folklore, Europe/Asia
Used in scientific contexts, North America
Compare with Definitions
Reindeer
Characteristic for their large antlers.
The reindeer's antlers were impressive.
Caribou
Both males and females grow antlers.
Female caribou also have antlers.
Reindeer
Adapted to cold, tundra habitats.
Reindeer thrive in the Arctic tundra.
Caribou
Subject of conservation efforts.
Efforts are underway to protect caribou populations.
Reindeer
A deer species found in Arctic regions.
The Sami people herd reindeer.
Caribou
Known for long-distance migrations.
The caribou's migration is awe-inspiring.
Reindeer
Domesticated for transport or agriculture.
Reindeer pull sleds in Lapland.
Caribou
A wild deer species native to North America.
Caribou migrate across vast landscapes.
Reindeer
Integral to certain cultural traditions.
Reindeer are symbolic in Christmas folklore.
Caribou
Essential to Arctic ecosystems.
Caribou play a key role in their environment.
Reindeer
The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), also known as caribou in North America, is a species of deer with circumpolar distribution, native to Arctic, subarctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. This includes both sedentary and migratory populations.
Caribou
A large deer (Rangifer tarandus) of the Arctic tundra and northern boreal forests, having large hooves and long branched antlers. Subspecies native to Eurasia are usually called reindeer.
Reindeer
A large deer (Rangifer tarandus) of the Arctic tundra and northern boreal forests, having large hooves and long branched antlers, and widely domesticated in Eurasia. Subspecies native to North America and Greenland are usually called caribou.
Caribou
Any of several North American subspecies of the reindeer, Rangifer tarandus.
Reindeer
(plural: reindeer) Any Arctic and subarctic-dwelling deer of the species Rangifer tarandus, with a number of subspecies.
Caribou
The American reindeer, especially the common or woodland species (Rangifer Caribou).
Reindeer
Any species, subspecies, ecotype, or other scientific grouping of such animals.
Caribou
Arctic deer with large antlers in both sexes; called reindeer in Eurasia and caribou in North America
Reindeer
To herd or farm reindeer
Reindeer
Any ruminant of the genus Rangifer, of the Deer family, found in the colder parts of both the Eastern and Western hemispheres, and having long irregularly branched antlers, with the brow tines palmate.
Reindeer
Arctic deer with large antlers in both sexes; called reindeer in Eurasia and caribou in North America
Common Curiosities
Can reindeer be found in North America?
Yes, but they are typically called caribou.
Do both reindeer and caribou have antlers?
Yes, in both species, males and females grow antlers.
Why are reindeer domesticated?
For transport, herding, and cultural reasons.
What do caribou eat?
They mainly feed on lichens, grasses, and plants.
Are caribou endangered?
Some caribou populations are at risk and need conservation.
Are reindeer's noses really red?
That's a myth, primarily from Christmas tales.
Do caribou live in herds?
Yes, often in large migratory herds.
Can caribou swim?
Yes, they are excellent swimmers.
Are reindeer part of indigenous cultures?
Yes, especially in parts of Europe and Asia.
Are reindeer and caribou the same species?
Yes, they belong to the species Rangifer tarandus.
How long do reindeer live?
They can live up to 15 years in the wild.
What threats do caribou face?
Habitat loss, climate change, and predation.
Do reindeer play a role in Christmas folklore?
Yes, they're famously linked to Santa Claus.
How far can caribou migrate?
Some migrate over 3,000 miles annually.
Is reindeer meat consumed?
Yes, it's a food source for some cultures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
