Woodland Caribou

The Woodland Caribou is one of two Caribou (Reindeer) groups along with the Tundra Caribou. Tundra Caribou are subdivided into six subspecies, and Woodland Caribou have three subspecies. They all inhabit various habitats and differ in appearance and habits.

The Woodland Caribou inhabits mostly forested habitats where it stays year-round. Mountain populations migrate to the forested foothills in winter and to alpine meadows in summer. Woodland Caribou bulls are not very large compared to other deer. They average about 180 kg. The largest bull recorder weighted 270 kg. Cows are about 115 kg. Both sexes have antlers, but cows’ antlers are smaller and with fewer points. The coat of the Woodland Caribou is brown with cream neck and mane. The Woodland Caribou reaches the breeding age at about 2.5 to 3 years. The rut typically takes place high in the mountains in alpine or sub alpine meadows. Cows usually give birth to one calf a year. To calve, these animals also migrate to higher elevations.

Woodland Caribou separate themselves from other ungulates (deer, elk, and moose) by choosing remote habitats with harsh climate and low food supply. Shrubs and grasses are common summer foods for these animals. In winter, the Woodland Caribou feeds on lichens. Lichens can grow only in old forests. It takes over 100 years for a forest to grow enough lichen after a Woodland Caribou herd has grazed on it. Caribou overpopulation was very dangerous for the ecosystem several decades ago, but today, the population of the Woodland Caribou is decreasing.

Though the Caribou in general is listed as the Least Concern, the Woodland Caribou is endangered in some areas of its habitat. In Alberta, Canada, for instance, hunting or disturbing Woodland Caribou is no longer allowed for non-natives, though hunting is not the main threat to the Caribou population. These animals that live in boreal forests, mountainous regions, and foothills suffer from habitat destruction and human encroachment. Many roads for oil, gas, and forestry operations are built in Woodland Caribou habitats. Poaching for meat and for antlers is another serious problem. Wolf predation also has a serious effect on the population of the Woodland Caribou.