It might come as a surprise to many, but North America is indeed home to reindeer, albeit they are more commonly known as caribou. Specifically, when we talk about reindeer in North America, we are often referring to caribou, which are scientifically classified as the same species, Rangifer tarandus. However, the term “reindeer” typically refers to the domesticated and semi-domesticated subspecies found in Eurasia and parts of North America, while “caribou” generally denotes the wild subspecies in North America.
Understanding the population of reindeer in North America requires delving into the caribou subspecies and their distribution. While definitive, continent-wide numbers are challenging to pinpoint due to the vast and often remote habitats of caribou, we can explore the populations in different regions to get a clearer picture.
Woodland Caribou: The Southernmost Reindeer of North America
Focusing on the contiguous United States, the question “How Many Reindeer Are In North America?” leads us to a fascinating and somewhat concerning answer. The original article highlights the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho and northeastern Washington as home to the last wild woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in the Lower 48 states. These caribou are part of a transboundary herd that roams between the US and Canada.
The numbers for this specific group are critically low. Estimates suggest only a few dozen individuals remain in this southernmost range. This tiny population represents a remnant of what was once a much wider distribution of woodland caribou across northern New England, the Great Lakes region, and parts of the upper Midwest and Northwestern US.
Historically, woodland caribou occupied a significant range throughout southwestern British Columbia and extended into northeastern Washington and northern Idaho, even reaching into central Montana. However, habitat loss, fragmentation, and other factors have led to dramatic declines. By 2002, woodland caribou had disappeared from Montana.
Broader Caribou Populations in North America
While the Selkirk herd represents the southernmost extent and a critically endangered population, North America as a whole boasts a more substantial caribou population, primarily in Canada and Alaska.
In Canada, various populations of caribou, including woodland, barren-ground, and Peary caribou, inhabit different regions. The total Canadian caribou population is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. However, many woodland caribou populations across Canada are also facing declines and are listed as threatened or endangered in certain areas. The article mentions a total of approximately 1,900 mountain caribou (a type of woodland caribou) in thirteen populations in British Columbia, ranging in size from a dozen to several hundred animals.
Alaska is home to a large number of barren-ground caribou, with populations fluctuating and numbering in the hundreds of thousands across various herds. These caribou undertake impressive migrations and are a vital part of the Alaskan ecosystem and subsistence way of life for many communities.
Conservation is Key for North American Reindeer
So, to directly answer “how many reindeer are in North America?”, it’s complex. If we strictly consider the southernmost wild woodland caribou in the Lower 48 US states, the number is tragically small – perhaps just a few dozen. Looking at the broader picture of caribou across North America, primarily in Canada and Alaska, the numbers are in the hundreds of thousands.
However, the overall trend for many caribou populations, particularly woodland caribou in the south, is concerning. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these iconic animals. Organizations like Conservation Northwest and the Mountain Caribou Project are dedicated to caribou recovery and habitat protection.
For those interested in learning more and supporting conservation, resources such as Conservation Northwest’s caribou webpages and the Mountain Caribou Project website offer valuable information and avenues for engagement. Understanding the delicate state of reindeer in North America highlights the importance of ongoing conservation work to safeguard these magnificent creatures for future generations.
Further Reading and Resources:
- Conservation Northwest – Mountain Caribou
- Conservation Northwest – Caribou Recovery: A Long Time Coming
- Mountain Caribou Project
- Sightline Institute – Cascadia Scorecard Wildlife Indicator
- Sightline Institute – Map of Caribou Habitat
- Mountain Caribou Project – Detailed Terrain Map
- University of Alaska Fairbanks – Differences Between North American Caribou and True Reindeer
