Hi, I’m Yifeng! I’m a researcher at Queen’s University, and I’m researching an important caribou habitat in an area of coastal Labrador called the permafrost peatlands. That’s where thick layers of decaying plants called peat help the ground stay frozen. And it’s where lichen and other plants grow that caribou love to eat.
Caribou have large hooves, huge antlers, and thick, brown fur. They belong to the deer family — you might also know them as reindeer!
These amazing animals live in the arctic tundra and boreal forest in Canada, Alaska, and the western United States, but certain types are also found in Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Their hooves are like big wide shovels that help them dig through the snow for food, and walk on top of the snow instead of sinking in. In the summertime, their footpads grow spongy and springy so they can travel over different types of ground. Plus, caribou hooves can act as paddles to help them swim! Another cool fact? They’re the only member of the deer family where both males and females grow antlers.
Caribou are great at moving from place to place to find food and shelter, but these days they’re threatened due to climate change in their habitats. We need to do whatever we can to help. That’s where you come in!
If I can study where and how the permafrost peatlands are changing, it will help us figure out how to help the caribou for years to come. But I can’t do it alone!
Head to the Adoptions section in the Earth Rangers App or visit the Earth Rangers Shop to get your Caribou Adoption Kit and make a difference today!
