Reindeer: The Majestic Creatures of the Arctic
Reindeer are animals that inhabit the extreme North of the Northern Hemisphere, primarily distributed within the Arctic Circle.
The wild reindeer display collective migratory behavior; every winter, tens of thousands gather in large herds and move southward towards the edges of the frozen terrain where trees grow. October to November marks the mating season for reindeer during their migration to wintering grounds. Male reindeer engage in fierce battles for mating rights, and the victorious males mate with females. After this, the males often gather into smaller groups and continue their journey south, while the pregnant females and young typically pause along the way. In the following spring, reindeer return northward, reaching the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Typically, the mother leads the way. By April to May, they have returned to their familiar, quiet frozen landscapes.
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(Photo: Helsinki) |
Reindeer possess a pair of long, branching antlers that grow in an irregular manner. They also have four excellent cloven hooves, which differ from those of other deer species: each hoof has a “shoe” made of horn that fits snugly. The sides of the “shoe” are quite long, allowing direct contact with the ground. The antlers are wide and curved like a spade when they traverse muddy or soft snow, and the splayed toes create a type of “snowshoe,” also serving as a powerful tool for digging through snow. Their four legs are agile and strong, equipped with large, tough hooves that can dig down about one meter into the snow to find food.
Reindeer have an incredible tolerance for cold and are skilled swimmers. Their bodies are covered with two thick layers of fur. The outer layer consists of long, round guard hairs filled with air, while the inner layer is made of soft, dense underfur, with air also saturating the spaces between the underfur. Additionally, the subcutaneous fat layer of reindeer is quite thick. Thanks to these adaptations, they thrive comfortably without shivering in the icy world.
Reindeer are herbivorous animals, with their primary diet consisting of lichens and moss. They also eat willow leaves, grass, and fresh mushrooms. Humans have domesticated reindeer for thousands of years. They serve not only as excellent transporters on snow but also provide meat, milk, fat, and skin. Their antlers are also used for medicinal purposes.
