Rangifer tarandus, commonly known as the reindeer or caribou, inhabits Arctic and subarctic regions. It is known for its migratory behavior, traveling up to 3,000 miles annually. Both males and females grow antlers, a rarity among deer species. They have specialized hooves for walking on snow and digging for food.

Rangifer tarandus, commonly known as the reindeer or caribou, is native to the Arctic, Subarctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. Its geographical distribution includes countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Greenland, Canada, and the United States (specifically Alaska).

Reindeer inhabit a variety of environments ranging from arctic tundra to boreal forests. They are well adapted to cold climates with long winters and short, cool summers. Typical environmental conditions include snow-covered landscapes for a significant portion of the year, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing.

Reindeer are primarily grazers, feeding on lichens, especially in the winter, and a variety of other vegetation during the summer months, including grasses, leaves, and herbs. They are adapted to a migratory lifestyle, often traveling long distances between seasonal ranges, which is vital for accessing different types of forage and avoiding predators. The species also plays an important role in the ecosystem, serving as prey for large carnivores and impacting vegetation dynamics through grazing.