Why do caribou have antlers

In the north, caribou are an iconic circumpolar species whose distribution ranges from the arctic and tundra to the boreal and mountains of Europe, Siberia and North America. Caribou are members of the cervidae family, a branch of ungulates, who grow antlers every year. The process of shedding and re-growing antlers year after year is a unique process.

In just a matter of weeks, bull caribou can grow antlers which weigh up to 20 pounds and are over a meter in length! Caribou are the only species among the deer family which both males and females have antlers :.

Within the Cervidae family, the female caribou is unique in that they are the only of their gender to carry antlers. While the antlers of female caribou are much smaller than their male counterparts, cows will carry their antlers throughout the winter season whereas the bulls will loose theirs by late fall after the rut.

It is thought that females keep their antlers to defend food which is critical during their pregnancy. Grade 8 students exploring Parks Canada sites. Compare countries' statistics and explore our changing world. Innovative projects in the developing world.

Commemorating Canada's Great War flyers. The revolution of mapping in the First World War. Canadian pilots heroically earn their wings. Connecting the past and present. Animal Facts: Caribou. June 7, Fast Facts: Caribou Scientific name: Rangifer tarandus Average weight: 55 kilograms to kilograms Average lifespan: 10 to 15 years Antler Antics Unlike other members of the deer family, both male and female caribou sport antlers for part of the year.

Extended Family There are several subspecies of caribou. Did you know? Share this page. Topics About Can Geo. Canada Charting Change.

Commemorate Canada. Explore Podcast. Gear Reviews. Map archive. Ocean Bridge. Ocean Supercluster. The Franklin Expedition. The North. Not all females have antlers, however, because growing them costs a lot of energy. In habitats where food is scarce or of poor quality, antlerless females dominate. Email your question to wildquestions immediate. Home Animal Facts Mammals Why do female reindeer grow antlers?

Adult female reindeer with antlers in velvet Rangifer tarandus , walking across upland moor in the Cairngorms, Scotland.