A reindeer is a deer in which both sexes grow antlers. The Eurasian subspecies lives in cold regions with snow cover.
Broad hooves help support it on snow. Antlers are shed each year and regrown.
Reindeer may rely on lichens in northern winters. A reflective layer behind the retina changes from gold in summer to blue in winter.
A 2023 study in Scotland’s Cairngorms examined lichen reflectance. UV-absorbing lichens appear dark against snow in a visual approximation, suggesting an advantage for locating food.
In Norway’s Setesdal–Ryfylke area, roads and activity obstruct access to habitat. A 2025 study simulated tunnel alternatives to assess potential reconnection of grazing and calving areas.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.
For wild reindeer in mainland Norway, roads, reservoirs, cabins and human activity fragment habitat. Researchers model measures intended to reconnect grazing and calving areas.