Do you know what reindeer eat? Believe it or not, there is a lot of debate on this topic. Some people say that they primarily eat lichen, while others believe that they mostly dine on grasses and other plants. In this blog post, we will take a look at the diet of these creatures and try to get to the bottom of this mystery!
Reindeer are native to the Arctic tundra and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. In these cold environments, they have access to a variety of different plants and lichens. One study found that reindeer consume about 50 different plant species!
What Reindeer Eat
Reindeer are definitely not picky eaters. They will consume just about anything that is available to them, including lichen, grasses, shrubs, and even small trees. In fact, they are actually known to be quite efficient at browsing for food in difficult environments. This makes them well-suited to the tundra and other frigid regions where they live.
Interestingly, reindeer are the only animals in the world that can digest lichen. This is because they have a specially adapted digestive system that allows them to break down the tough fibers in lichen. Lichen is made up of a combination of algae and fungi, so it contains both plant and animal components.
While lichen makes up a large part of the reindeer diet, they also consume other plant matter. This includes grasses, shrubs, and even small trees. In fact, during the winter months when food is scarce, reindeer have been known to eat bark and twigs. Given their ability to digest a wide variety of plant material, it is no wonder that reindeer are such successful browsers!
Final Thoughs
So, what do reindeer eat? The answer is: just about anything! These versatile creatures have adapted to their environment in order to survive. By consuming both lichen and other plants, they are able to get the nutrients they need to thrive. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more blog posts on interesting animals!
