Can Caribou Live In Texas? Exploring The Possibilities

Habitat of the Rangifer Tarandus

The Rangifer tarandus, commonly known as caribou, inhabits a diverse range of environments across North America. Their preferred habitats are primarily within boreal and subboreal forests, as well as arctic tundra regions during specific seasons.

Caribou herds found outside the Columbia Mountains are commonly observed in boreal and subboreal forests throughout North America [24, 74, 99]. However, their habitat preferences can change with the seasons. During the summer months, caribou herds in northern Canada and northern Alaska migrate to the arctic tundra to take advantage of the abundant forage available in this vast landscape. In contrast, during the harsh winter months, these caribou herds retreat to the shelter of boreal forests, where they find suitable protection from the elements and access to food resources [99]. This adaptive behavior allows caribou to thrive in a variety of habitats throughout their range.

The size of North American caribou varies between males and females and depends on their age. Adult male caribou, known as bulls, typically range from 350 to 400 pounds (159-182 kg) in weight. Mature females, referred to as cows, are generally smaller, with an average weight ranging from 175 to 225 pounds (80-120 kg). These caribou are primarily found in diverse habitats across North America, including the arctic tundra, mountain tundra, and northern forests. They are not limited to North America alone but also inhabit regions in Russia and Scandinavia. Globally, the caribou population is estimated to be around 5 million individuals. This population distribution and size provide insight into the ecological significance of caribou in the regions they inhabit.