Wonderful Animal: Reindeer in Mongolia
Reindeer in Mongolia: Guardians of the Taiga
What is a Reindeer?
The reindeer, also known as caribou in North America, is a species of deer with a circumpolar distribution, native to the Arctic, sub-Arctic, tundra, boreal forests, and mountainous regions of northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. Reindeer populations can be sedentary or migratory, depending on their habitat and environmental conditions.
- Body length: Up to 220 cm
- Shoulder height: Up to 140 cm
- Weight: Up to 300 kg
They have a long neck, short ears, and antlers that vary by age and sex. Their coat changes seasonally: brownish-gray in summer, and light gray with darker tones in winter for better camouflage.
Reindeer in Mongolia
In Mongolia, reindeer are herded by the Dukha (Tsaatan) people, a small Tuvan community residing in the taiga forests of the northern Khuvsgul province. These reindeer herders represent one of the few remaining nomadic groups in the world that still rely on reindeer for transportation, milk, antlers, and cultural identity.
- Lowest population: Just 642 reindeer recorded in 2005
- Current estimate (2025): Approximately 2780 reindeer
Reindeer are classified as “Very Rare” in the Mongolian Red Data Book, and hunting them has been banned since 1953.
Life in the Taiga
Reindeer graze in high mountain taiga zones, feeding on lichens, moss, shrubs, and other tundra vegetation. They are well-adapted to harsh winters and live in tight-knit herds, migrating seasonally with the Dukha people.
Why Are They Still Herded?
Reindeer remain vital to the traditional lifestyle of the Dukha:
- Transportation: They can carry 50–70 kg of cargo and travel 60–70 km per day.
- Riding technique: Due to their smooth skin, saddles may slip on uneven ground. Riders use a thin stick (1.5 meters long) for balance and guidance instead of a whip.
- Cultural importance: Antlers are shed and regrown annually, with older reindeer typically having fewer antler branches.
- Domestication: Some scientists believe reindeer were among the first domesticated animals in North Asia.
Experience Reindeer Culture
Travelers to northern Mongolia can visit Tsaatan families in the Darkhad Valley and gain insight into one of the most ancient, remote, and unique nomadic cultures on Earth. These experiences are often organized through sustainable tourism initiatives in collaboration with local communities.
