Reindeer

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) belong to the family of deer and is native to the Arctic, Subarctic and mountains of Europe, Asia and North America. Reindeer have been important for the livelihoods of people in their natural habitats for thousands of years, providing them with food, clothing, and transportation. Reindeer are the only deer species that can pull a sledge, making them valuable for transportation of goods and people in the Arctic. Today, there are many domesticated reindeer herds which are kept for meat, milk, fur and leather, and they are being increasingly used in ecotourism. Reindeer are also an important part of many northern cultures, being seen as a symbol of strength, resilience and adaptability.