CARIBOU, REINDEER

(Rangifer tarandus)CARIBOU, REINDEER

What size are Jasper Alberta's Caribou?

• Mass: 60 to 318 kg
  Length: to 8 ft. (2.4 m)




Where do Caribou Live?

• Wildlife living area: tundra, taiga, temperate forest & rainforest
  Status: endangered.
  Range: Historically, caribou were found in all northern latitudes, but due to extensive hunting by humans are now extinct in many parts of their range. The largest herds now occur in arctic tundra regions of Alaska, Canada, Scandanavia and Russia.




Details on Caribou in Jasper

• Caribou are fairly large animals, measuring 870-1400 mm in height at the shoulder. The total length of these animals ranges from 1270 - 2410 mm, of which 70-210 mm are tail. There is marked sexual dimorphism, with males being significantly larger than females. The coat is very heavy with dense, wooly underfur. Coat color is predominantly brown to olive, with whitish underparts, buttocks and legs, but there is a great deal of geographic variation. Some populations in Greenland and northeastern Canada have nearly white coats. Both sexes are antlered.



• This species has been heavily hunted by humans. They have been extinct in most parts of Europe since at least the 1600s. Currently, there are 30 herds in North America. Some, in Washington and Idaho, number less than 30 animals. The seven largest herds fluctuate between 50,000 and 200,000 animals. Exploration for oil and minerals in may parts of their range threaten caribou habitat. The USA endangered species act lists them as endangered in Canada and in Idaho and Washington.