Porcupine caribou facts for kids

The Porcupine Caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti), also known as Grant's Caribou, is a special type of caribou. It's a subspecies, which means it's a distinct group within the larger caribou family. These caribou live in Alaska and parts of Canada. They look quite similar to another type of caribou called the barren-ground caribou.

What's in a Name?

Caribou herds are often named after the places where their young are born. The Porcupine Caribou herd gets its name from the Porcupine River. This river flows through a large area where these caribou live.

Their Amazing Journey

The Porcupine Caribou are famous for their incredibly long migrations. Each year, they travel over 1,500 mi (2,400 km)! This journey takes them between their winter homes and the special areas where they give birth near the Beaufort Sea. It's the longest land migration route of any land mammal on Earth. Their journey takes them across the border between Alaska and the Yukon territory in Canada.

Population and Management

The number of Porcupine Caribou has changed over the years. In 1989, there were about 178,000 caribou in the herd. By 2010, this number had dropped slightly to around 169,000.

Because their home covers both Alaska and Canada, the herd is managed by both governments. Local Native American and First Nations peoples also help manage the caribou.

Importance to People

The Porcupine Caribou are very important to several Indigenous groups. For example, the Gwichʼin people have traditionally followed the caribou for their food and way of life. Other groups, like the Inupiat, Inuvialuit, Hän, and Northern Tutchone, also hunt the caribou as a vital food source.

Images for kids

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  Boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in yellow

See also

In Spanish: Caribú de Grant para niños