Why Are Reindeer Called ‘Reindeer’, How Did They Get Their Name?

Why Names Are Important

One reason that biologists have worked so hard to determine whether the caribou and reindeer of the world belong to one single species, or several different species, is conservation. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists Rangifer tarandus as a single, vulnerable species under the name, reindeer. They currently estimate approximately 2.9 million individuals exist worldwide, down from about 4.9 million within the last 10 to 25 years. That equals an estimated decrease of around 40 percent across the board, but some of the subspecies face far more pressures than others.

Conservationists can increase efforts directed specifically at certain populations if scientists find evidence that a subspecies is actually a unique species and that it is threatened or endangered. Getting funding and support to help save an animal sometimes depends on the animal’s name, and whether it is a fully unique species on the brink, or just a floundering subspecies of an otherwise thriving species.   

Reindeer, Caribou, and People

Call them reindeer or call them caribou, these animals have had a close relationship with people for thousands of years. Some estimates indicate that certain indigenous people of North America have had a strong relationship with this species for roughly 11,000 years. And in Europe, reindeer herding existed up to 3,000 years ago, or more. People have long used reindeer and caribou for meat, as well as clothing, blankets, and tents. Parts of these animals even contribute to snowshoes, sleds, fishing nets, and tools. Beyond that, some indigenous people have a spiritual connection to the animals. Efforts to protect the reindeer and caribou of the far north are important, not just to the species, but to human populations as well.