Indeed if you cut down a dead standing tree with lichen on its branches this can attract reindeer into the area to feed. Lichen above the level at which the reindeer can feed will have been brought down to the level of the snow and the reindeer really value this as a food source in winter. They are well known for feeding on one type of lichen in particular, a food source which is known as Reindeer Lichen ( Cladina rangiferina). In the summer, a Reindeer’s diet is much more varied. They will feed on a variety of grasses and herbaceous plants. Mating & Reproduction in Rangifer tarandus The size and behavior of Reindeer herds varies by location. Some herds are basically sedentary – preferring to stay in one location – while other herds are migratory – meaning they move great distances as a unit. Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus) are species of deer found at high latitudes and a number of longitudes around the world. They inhabit cool climates, and are native to the arctic, sub-arctic, tundra, boreal, and mountain ranges of Northern Europe, Siberia, and in North America, where this species is known as the Caribou.

Successful males may be able to collect together as many as 20 females to mate with in a given season. Gestation & Birth With the exception of Rudolph and Santa’s other Reindeer (who are magical creatures and live forever), the maximum lifespan of wild living Reindeer is between 10 and 15 years. Tired of the same old decorations? Fed up with tangled lights? Bored of boxes of boisterous baubles? Fear not, Twinkl Art Gallery is the place for you! We’ve popped together this handy blog with our 10 ways to have artsy and festive fun with Twinkl Art Gallery.

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Reindeer in the forests of northern Sweden. Photo: Paul Kirtley Reindeer, Rangifer tarandus, known as Caribou in North America, are a widespread northern hemisphere species of deer, which are found in the boreal forest, mountains and tundra.

Interestingly though, unlike the vast majority of deer species, reindeer have furry noses. unlike the vast majority of deer species, reindeer have furry noses. Sweden, 2015. Photo: Paul Kirtley.

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The fur of a Reindeer’s feet is especially long, and it acts like treads beneath their hooves. This allows Reindeer to maintain a firm grip on slippery and icy surfaces. People are often surprised that reindeer at not particularly big, especially without their antlers, I know I certainly was. What also surprises, though, is quite how big their feet are. At first they look ungainly and out of proportion but if you’ve ever walked on snowshoes, you’ll realise how useful big feet are in deep snow. In summer, they’ll spend up to 20 hours a day eating, and pretty much double their body weight in preparation for the colder months. They can live almost entirely off those fat stores during the winter months, eating only the odd bit of lichen or moss. They become very static in the winter, keeping still as much as possible to conserve precious energy. We see the same pattern in reindeer at the Zoo. They don’t exactly shut down, but they’re definitely on a go-slow. Reindeer's eyes change colour After the calves are born, Caribou continue northwards to new feeding grounds on the tundra where they spread out and spend the summer. Males try to collect together a small number of females, which they can then mate with as they come into season. Other males will try to fight these males for the possession of these small groups. How do Reindeer Fight?