Caribou

About

How caribou lives

Caribou move between tundra, boreal forest, and mountain ranges, feeding on lichens, sedges, and shrubs. Some caribou herds migrate enormous distances between calving and wintering grounds. Forest habitats reward animals that can climb, hide, or move quietly through layered vegetation.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink. Protecting caribou also depends on keeping forest, polar, mountains habitats healthy and connected.

Vulnerable species can decline quickly when habitat loss, climate pressure, or human conflict intensifies.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Some caribou herds migrate enormous distances between calving and wintering grounds.
• Mammals often invest heavily in parenting, which shapes social behavior and learning.
• Forest habitats reward animals that can climb, hide, or move quietly through layered vegetation.
• Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink.