If you ask children what they know about reindeer, chances are they will refer to what they know about the special team that is responsible for flying Santa around the world. They may start singing the famous song about the most famous of all with the glowing, red nose. Kids who want to expand their knowledge beyond the storybook version will enjoy reading these intriguing facts about reindeer.
Information About Reindeer for Kids
Kids will be interested to learn that reindeer are actually real! These animals are portrayed as magical creatures flying through the sky in children's books about reindeer.Iconic movies like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer have enthralled generations of children who have learned a lot of valuable life lessons about friendship and teamwork. Little ones will be amazed to discover more about the real animals that are the inspiration for Santa's crew. Here are some pretty cool facts about reindeer that stir the minds of curious kids, including what they eat, how they behave, where they live, and other information.
Anatomy of Reindeer
Thermal cameras have captured the phenomenon of noses taking on a reddish color in very cold climates. Veins circulate blood around their noses which warms up the air they breath in so they don't get too cold. This is particularly important in maintaining the brain function, which would deteriorate if exposed to extremely cold air. Animals that live in Arctic regions, like Russia, Scandinavia, Greenland, Alaska and Canada, have all been identified as true red-nosed reindeer. For scientific-minded kids, the formal name of this species is Rangifer tarandus.
Just like snowflakes and fingerprints, no two antlers are alike. Both male and female reindeer have them, unlike other deer species where only males grow antlers. The size of these antlers does vary depending on the sex. Antlers on female reindeer have measured up to 20 inches while male antlers can reach in excess of 50 inches long. In terms of antler to body weight ratio, reindeer have the heaviest burden to bear compared to other species.
An incredible feature is the way reindeer adapt based on significant seasonal changes in light in the Arctic. This visual phenomenon is a critical part of their survival in regions with harsh conditions. During the summer months when temperatures are more moderate, reindeer eyes are a beautiful golden color. But when the extreme cold arrives, their eyes change to a blue tone, amplifying the low light of the polar winters. By doing so, they can more easily spot predators and find scarce food sources.
Species and Types of Reindeer
In North America, they are most commonly referred to as caribou while in Eurasia they are called reindeer. The species, however, is one and the same- Rangifer tarandus. The biggest differentiation is that caribou refers to animals that lively completely in the wild. Reindeer, on the other hand may be wild, semi-domesticated or fully domesticated, meaning that they are bred for a very specific reason.
Leucistic reindeer, or sometimes incorrectly referred to as albino deer, are so rare that most don't even know they exist. In fact, they represent about 1% of the entire population. Their eyes and antlers are normal, but a genetic condition removes all pigmentation from their fur. Scandinavian countries associate them with good luck and happiness as do some indigenous cultures in northern Europe.
Why Reindeer Move in Herds
Reindeer typically travel in herds ranging in size from 10 to a few hundred. Super-herds have been spotted with as many as 500,000 reindeer. They are extremely social in nature, staying in close proximity while eating, traveling, and resting. One of the primary reasons they stick together is to defend themselves from predators. With many eyes keeping watch, it is easier to spot a threat, especially as they migrate thousands of miles in search for food.
China, Russia, Mongolia, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are among the countries with an ancient culture rooted in herding reindeer. In fact, humans all over the world have hunted reindeer for their meat, fur, and milk for centuries. Antlers were also a valuable part of their bodies, as they could be turned into useful weapons or tools. Today, reindeer are commonly hunted for recreational purposes or to control a population that is overrunning a particular area.
What Reindeer Eat and Other Dietary Information
The average adult reindeer consumes between 9 and 18 pounds of vegetation every single day. What they eat varies depending on the season and availability of plants in their region. For instance, during winter months, they use their hooves to scrape away snow in search of fungi and lichen, also called reindeer moss. When temperatures warm enough to melt the snow, there is a plethora of vegetation from which they can snack upon. These animals love various grasses, herbs, mosses, ferns, and shoots from plant and trees.
Kids will be disappointed to learn that the carrots they leave out, next to a plate of cookies for Santa, are not really an optimal snack. They lack a top row of teeth, so there is no way for them to chew the carrots down to small enough pieces for digestion. Also, carrots do not grow in Arctic regions, so these animals would find the food both unfamiliar and unappetizing. Despite the vitamins and minerals that would give them a boost of energy, a better choice would be a plate of grasses, seeds, alfalfa hay, raisins, and some diced apples.
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