Difference between reindeer and deer:

Scientific classification of reindeer and deer

In the animal kingdom, scientific classification is a system used to organize and categorize species based on common characteristics and evolutionary relationships. When we talk about reindeer and deer, we are referring to two animals that are members of the family Cervidae ( Deer Family ) but belong to different Genera and Species.

In detail we have:

Reindeer (or Caribou)

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Cervidae
• Genre: Rangifer
• Species: R. tarandus

Deer (e.g. Red Deer)

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Cervidae
• Genus: Cervus
• Species: C. elaphus

When we talk about the differences between reindeer and deer “breeds,” we are actually referring to subspecies. Reindeer, for example, have several recognized subspecies, including the tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and the woodland reindeer (Rangifer tarandus caribou), which differ in size, coat color, and habitat.

Even among deer there are numerous subspecies. Taking the red deer as an example, we have the European subspecies (Cervus elaphus elaphus) and the Asia Minor subspecies (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus), which differ in size, appearance of the antlers and characteristics of the coat.

If instead we use the term “deer” to refer “in a generic and approximate way” to any member of the Cervidae family, which includes over 90 species, then we can also include the species Rangifer tarandus, i.e. the reindeer or caribou.

At this point we can consider the generic term we can also refer to the red deer (Cervus elaphus), the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), the moose (Alces alces), the elk (Cervus canadensis) and dozens of other species.

In summary, the differences between reindeer and deer from the point of view of scientific classification lie mainly in the genus and subspecies, with reindeer belonging to the genus Rangifer and deer belonging to various genera within the family Cervidae.

Physical characteristics of reindeer and deer

Reindeer are generally larger and heavier than most other deer species . Male reindeer can weigh up to 318 kg, while females can weigh up to 90 kg. In contrast, white-tailed deer , one of the most common species in North America, weigh up to 136 kg for males and 90 kg for females.

Reindeer have unique, large, crescent-shaped, forked legs that are adapted for snow and tundra. These legs act as snowshoes, preventing the reindeer from sinking into the snow. They also have a unique adaptation in their noses – they are built to warm cold air before it reaches their lungs.

One of the most notable differences between reindeer and other deer species is their antlers . In most deer species, only males develop antlers. However, in reindeer, both males and females develop antlers , which is an exception in the deer family.

Reindeer antlers are also denser and heavier than those of other deer species . They use them for a variety of purposes including foraging for food under the snow and competition between males during the mating season.

Geographical distribution of reindeer and deer

Both reindeer and deer have specific habitats that suit their survival needs.

Reindeer Habitat

Reindeer are primarily cold-weather creatures and are found in the northern regions of the planet, in tundra and taiga areas . These include Scandinavia , northern Russia , Alaska , Canada , and Greenland . They have special adaptations to handle the extreme cold of these environments, such as a dense coat of fur and a thick underlying skin for insulation. Their fur is generally lighter in color than that of other deer, which helps to reflect sunlight and conserve heat.

During the summer, reindeer move to the coast to feed on aquatic plants, but they head inland during the winter to avoid the harsher conditions and snowy ground. Reindeer also migrate long distances in search of food, with some populations traveling thousands of kilometers each year.

Deer Habitat

Deer habitat is much more diverse , as the term “deer” refers to many different species within the Cervidae family. Deer can be found in a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and even mountainous regions . For example:

• The white-tailed deer is widespread throughout North America and adapts to a variety of environments, from forests to grasslands, and even suburban areas.
• The red deer is widespread in Europe, Asia Minor, Iran, parts of northern Africa and some parts of North America. It prefers mixed forests, grasslands and mountainous areas.
• The mule deer is native to western North America and prefers a semi-desert habitat with rugged terrain.
• The moose is found in the forests of North America, Europe, and Asia, preferring areas near water such as swamps, lakes, and rivers.

The habitat of a deer therefore depends on the specific species and its adaptability to local conditions. Deer are very adaptable animals and can live in a variety of habitats, as long as there are sufficient food resources and shelter.

Feeding of reindeer and deer

Reindeer and deer are ruminant herbivores , meaning that their diet consists mainly of plant material and that they have a complex stomach divided into four compartments to aid in digestion. However, there are significant differences in their diets due to their different nutritional requirements and the habitats in which they live.

Reindeer Feeding

Reindeer feed on a variety of plant material, including lichens, leaves, buds, grasses and mosses. During the winter, when most plants are covered in snow, reindeer feed largely on Cladonia lichens, also known as “reindeer lichens,” which they scrape from the surface of rocks and soil with their sharp hooves. These lichens are an important source of energy during the winter months. During the summer, reindeer feed on a wider variety of plants, including ferns, grasses and flowers, as well as tree bark and shoots.

Deer Feeding

Deer diets vary depending on the species and habitat. In general, deer are opportunistic herbivores and feed on a wide range of plants, including grasses, leaves, buds, flowers, fruits, nuts, and bark. For example:

• White-tailed deer feed on a variety of plant foods, including leaves, shoots, berries, and nuts. During the winter, when food is scarce, they may also feed on tree bark.
• The red deer  feeds mainly on grass, but may also eat leaves, twigs, fruit and bark, depending on availability.
• Moose have a diet that includes a large amount of aquatic plants during the summer. They also eat leaves, twigs and bark of various trees and shrubs.

The variety of foods that deer consume can vary depending on the season and food availability. For example, during the summer and fall, when food is abundant, deer may be more selective and focus on foods with high nutritional content. However, during the winter and spring, when food is scarcer, they may be forced to eat a wider range of plants, including some that they might normally avoid.

Life expectancy of reindeer and deer

The difference between the life expectancy of reindeer and deer can vary depending on a number of factors , including the species, environmental conditions, the presence of predators and diseases. However, in general, we can make the following distinctions:

Average Life Expectancy of Reindeer

Reindeer in the wild live on average 10-15 years, but can live up to 20 years or more . Their life expectancy can be affected by factors such as food availability, weather conditions, and predator pressure. Reindeer in captivity tend to live longer, with some reaching 20 years or more, due to the absence of predators and access to constant food.

Average Life Expectancy of Deer

The life expectancy of deer can vary greatly depending on the species. For example:

• The white-tailed deer in the wild has an average life expectancy of about 4-5 years , although some individuals can live up to 10-12 years. In captivity, they can live up to 20 years or more.
• Red deer in the wild have an average life expectancy of about 10-13 years . In captivity, they can live up to 20 years or more.
• Moose , the largest deer species, have an average life expectancy of about 15 to 20 years in the wild . In captivity, they can live up to 25 years or more.

In general, deer life expectancies in the wild tend to be shorter due to factors such as predation, disease, competition for resources, and vehicle accidents. In captivity, where these threats are greatly reduced, deer tend to live longer.

Domestication

Reindeer are the only deer species that have been widely domesticated . They have been used by indigenous cultures for transportation, milk, meat, and hides. In contrast, other deer species have generally remained wild , although some have been semi-domesticated for hunting purposes.