The in-game reindeer is (very deliberately) the general 'reindeer' species (Rangifer tarandus), however I know there's a general consensus on what subspecies it is morphologically most similar to. I'm wondering if someone can enlighten me as to what subspecies this is. My gut is pointing to the Norwegian reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) as this is the nominate subspecies, but it could also be the Finnish forest reindeer (R. t. fennicus). What does everyone think? The only thing I'm confident of is that it probably isn't a North American caribou (well, technically it is, but you get the point).
Reindeer Subspecies
- Thread starter NZFanatic
- Start date
Pretty sure it's not the Finnish Forest Reindeer... those guy's are blue-ish grey colored... what little consensus I've seen says it's the Svalbard Reindeer.
I kind of wish there was a little more clarity in the game here. Specifically, I would appreciate if it was clear that the reindeer currently available in the game is of a Eurasian variety, and that we had a separate iteration available for the North American caribou. Morphologically/genetically speaking they are quite distinct from their Eurasian cousins. More significantly though in my opinion the conservation concerns and cultural significance of the caribou are wildly different, especially when Indigenous history and populations are taken into account.
I think it would be appropriate to create a distinction within the game. It seems particularly reasonable to me given that we currently have arctic wolves and grey wolves, which are functionally subspecies of canis lupus.
I think it would be appropriate to create a distinction within the game. It seems particularly reasonable to me given that we currently have arctic wolves and grey wolves, which are functionally subspecies of canis lupus.
The in-game timber wolf actually is Canis lupus. On its own. No subspecies, same as the reindeer.
Right, but the arctic wolf in-game is canis lupus arctos. The only other distinct species of wolf is canis rufus, the American red wolf.
I still stand by the point that it would be appropriate to include this distinction in a game that focuses so much on conservation and education. Again, differing conservation and cultural concerns along with morphological distinctions warrant separate representation/zoo-pedia entries.
Personally im of the opinion that adding and keeping the broader species ingame is generally better since it creates the most versatility. We have so many species that have yet to be added subspecies should be the least priority. If they clarify whether it is a eurasian or north american reindeer subspecies all that does is hurt the roster not improve it so I hope they dont. There are only a few cases where for me the addition of a subspecies is reasonable is when its debated whether it is a species or subspecies ie dingo or masai giraffe.
I do agree talking about and identifying subspecies is important for the conservation message but it shouldnt come at the cost to the game itself it wouldnt be better if it was like a list in the zoopedia with the different ranges able to be highlighted based on which subspecies. The ingame model should remain a mix of multiple. Also one larger issue revolving around subspecies is unclear boundaries and changing classifications based on differing sources.
It is possible the reindeer could also be along the lines of the koala where its a visual mix of multiple subspecies.
I do agree talking about and identifying subspecies is important for the conservation message but it shouldnt come at the cost to the game itself it wouldnt be better if it was like a list in the zoopedia with the different ranges able to be highlighted based on which subspecies. The ingame model should remain a mix of multiple. Also one larger issue revolving around subspecies is unclear boundaries and changing classifications based on differing sources.
It is possible the reindeer could also be along the lines of the koala where its a visual mix of multiple subspecies.
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It is opposite of conservation btw.
I said conversation not conservation will make my post clearer