Svalbard Reindeer

The Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) is a unique and hardy subspecies of reindeer endemic to the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, north of mainland Norway. It has evolved to thrive in one of the harshest and coldest environments on Earth.

Their thick, dense fur is pale, almost white, particularly in winter. It provides excellent insulation and camouflage in the snowy landscape. During summer, the fur becomes darker. The fur traps air, helping to insulate the animals against the cold.

Svalbard reindeer have short legs and broad hooves, which help them walk on snow and icy terrain. Their hooves are also well-adapted for digging through snow to find food in the winter.

Food is much harder to find in winter due to the snow cover. They dig through the snow to reach vegetation like moss and lichen, which they can find in relatively snow-free areas or have been exposed to wind.