Arctic birds. The fauna of the Arctic - mammals, birds, predators and marine animals living in the Arctic. Dangerous land predators

Beyond the Arctic Circle extends the boundless harsh Arctic. This is the land of snowy deserts, cold winds and permafrost. Rainfall is rare, and the sun's rays do not penetrate the darkness of the polar night for six months.

What animals live in the Arctic? It is easy to imagine what kind of fitness organisms existing there should have, forced to spend a hard winter among the snows and ice-burning cold.

But, despite the harsh conditions in these parts about two dozen species live animals of the Arctic  (on the photo  you can verify their diversity). In the endless darkness, illuminated only by the northern lights, they have to survive and earn their own food, hourly fighting for their existence.

Feathered creatures in the mentioned extreme conditions have easier. Due to their natural characteristics, they have more opportunities for survival. That is why more than a hundred species inhabit the country of the ruthless north.

Most of them are migratory, leaving an endless, inhospitable land at the first sign of a harsh winter. With the onset of spring days, they return back to take advantage of the gifts of stingy arctic nature.

During the summer months there is enough food beyond the Arctic Circle, and round-the-clock lighting is a consequence of a long, half a year, polar day. animals and birds of the Arctic  to find the necessary food.

Even in the summer, the temperature in this territory does not rise so much that the shackles of snow and ice that fall for a short time give an opportunity to take a break from difficulties in this snowy kingdom, except for a short period of time, a month and a half, not more. Only non-hot summers and Atlantic currents bring warmth to this region, warming, dead from the dominance of ice, water in the south-west.

In the photo animals of the Arctic

However, nature took care of the possibility of preserving heat, the lack of which is felt even during the short summer, and its reasonable saving among living organisms: animals have long thick fur, birds have a plumage suitable for the climate.

Most of them have a thick layer of so-called subcutaneous fat. An impressive mass helps many large animals to produce the right amount of heat.

Some of the representatives of the fauna of the Far North are distinguished by small ears and legs, since such a structure allows them to not freeze, which greatly facilitates animal life in the Arctic.

And birds, precisely for this reason, have small beaks. The color of the creatures of the described area, as a rule, is white or light, which also helps various organisms adapt and be invisible in the snow.

Such is fauna of the Arctic. Surprisingly, many of the species of the northern fauna, in the fight against the harsh climate and adverse conditions, interact with each other, which helps them to overcome difficulties together and avoid dangers. And such properties of living organisms are another proof of a rational device of a multifaceted nature.

Polar bear

Description of animals of the Arctic  it should begin with this creature - a vivid representative of the fauna of the Far North. This is a large-sized mammal, inferior in size among the mammals that live on the planet, only to the sea elephant.

Males of this closest relative of the brown in some cases reach a mass of up to 440 kg. These are dangerous predators, not afraid of frost due to the existence of an excellent fur coat, white in winter and yellow in the summer months.

They swim beautifully, do not slip on the ice because of the wool on the soles and wander, drifting on the ice. became the heroes of many beautiful legends and tales of arctic animals for children.

Reindeer

A very common resident of the snowy tundra. There are wild ones, but some of them are domesticated by the peoples of the north. The length of their case is about two meters, and the height at the withers is just over a meter.

Covered with wool, which changes its color from gray to brown, depending on the time of year. They are the owners of branching horns, and their eyes glow yellow in the darkness of the polar night. Reindeer - another hero of famous legends about animals of the Arctic.

In the photo is a reindeer

Partridge

Near reindeer herds try to stay. In this way, these birds gain access to food. Deer, tearing snow in their hooves in search of lichens, free the soil from snow cover, while opening up access to a source of food for their neighbors.

Northern partridge is a famous bird, a real beauty of the land of permafrost. During the period of severe frosts, it is almost completely snow-white, and only the tail is distinguished by a black tint.

In the photo a white partridge

Seal

This is a mammal, a little less than two meters long and weighing up to 65 kg. Such creatures live mainly in deep-sea areas, where the fish they usually eat is enough for them.

These are the most numerous arctic animalswho prefer to live alone and usually do not leave their homes. They dig up their spacious shelters from frost and uninvited guests right in the thickness of the snow, making holes outside for the possibility of escape and breathing. White-haired cubs are born on ice floes.

Sea leopard

A ferocious arctic predator belonging to the seal family. Prefers loneliness, so they seem small. However, scientists believe that their population is estimated at half a million individuals.

The animal has a serpentine body, equipped with sharp teeth, but it looks quite elegant, although it looks significantly different from members of its family.

Pictured sea leopard

Walrus

The largest pinniped resident of the Arctic, having a size of more than 5 m and reaching a weight of about one and a half tons. by nature, they have impressive tusks of almost a meter length, with which they are able to repulse even the most dangerous predator - the polar bear, who prefers not to mess with such prey, rarely showing interest in it.

Walruses have a strong skull and spine, thick skin. With the help of their sharp tusks, they tear up sea silty soil, finding mollusks there - their main delicacy. This is an amazing creature, like many arctic animals, at   Red Book  listed as rare.

polar Wolf

It is found in all corners of the Far North, but lives only on land, preferring not to go on ice floes. Outwardly, this animal looks like a large-sized (weighing more than 77 kg) sharp-eared with a fluffy, usually lowered tail.

The color of the thick two-layer fur is light. they are omnivorous and able to eat almost all types of food, but can live without food for a whole week.

polar Wolf

polar bear

It is considered a white brother, but differs in an elongated body, more awkward structure; strong, thick, but short legs and wide feet, helping him when walking in the snow and swimming.

The robe is a long, thick and shaggy fur that has a milky yellow color, sometimes even snow-white. Its weight is about seven hundred kilograms.

polar bear

Musk ox

Animals inhabit the Arcticwith very ancient roots. A primitive man was still hunting, and the bones, horns, skin and meat of these animals served as great help for the ancestors of modern people in their difficult existence.

Males can reach a mass of up to 650 kg. The largest representatives of this type live in the west of Greenland. Impressive rounded hooves help musk oxen to move on rocks and ice, to rake through the thickness of snow in search of food.

Also, a wonderful scent helps them in this. Male animals are decorated with horns. Such formidable weapons help them defend against, and wolverines.

Snow ram

It lives in Chukotka, is distinguished by a strong physique, impressive horns, thick brown-brown coat, an impressive head and a shortened muzzle. These creatures live in the midlands and on hilly terrain in small groups of up to five members.

Due to the shortage of feed in the winter and low reproduction, as well as the damage caused by reindeer herding brigades, the snow was on the verge of destruction.

In the photo a snow ram

Arctic hare

This is a polar one, which differs from its counterparts in large sizes. Outwardly, it is similar to, and only longer ears are a hallmark. The Arctic hare lives in the tundra of Greenland and in northern Canada. The animals are capable of speeds up to 65 km / h.

Ermine

It is widespread in many regions, including a resident of the taiga and tundra. This is a nimble, voracious, predatory animal with an elongated body and a fluffy tail.

It feeds on animal food. Insolently attacking a victim superior to him in size, able to successfully fish. it doesn’t dig holes, but seeks natural shelters for living.

Arctic fox

Predator belonging to the canine family. He barks like a dog, has a long tail, and his paws are protected by hair. His stamina cannot be described, because he is able to endure fifty-degree frosts, escaping in the tangled labyrinths dug in the snow, which have many exits.

The diet includes animal food, they mainly eat the meat of rodents and other small animals, not disdaining carrion. In the summer, they saturate the body with reserves of herbs, algae and berries.

In the photo is a fox

Lemming

A small representative of the rodent family that inhabits the islands of the Arctic Ocean. The body is covered with mottled, gray-brown or gray fur. It has short ears and a tail, and its length usually does not exceed 15 cm.

Pictured animal lemming

Wolverine

A predatory representative of the Kunih family, awarded the nickname of the demon of the north, a fierce hunter by nature, possessing a brutal appetite.

There are attacks of such creatures on livestock and even on humans, for which the animals, in turn, suffered, undergoing mass extermination. But in the summer, they enjoy eating fruits, nuts and bird eggs.

Narwhal

This is Arctic or large-sized, reaching a length of about 6 m, also called a sea unicorn, since males are owners of a straight long tusk.

It is found off the coast of Greenland and Alaska, as well as in the northern waters of Canada. Has a speckled brownish color. The body has a streamlined shape ideal for swimming.

Narwhal (Sea Unicorn)

Bowhead whale

Much more narwhal, although it is considered his closest relative. A whalebone and an impressive tongue give him the opportunity to absorb the plankton hardening in its plates, although this animal does not have teeth.

This is a very ancient harmless creature living in cold waters for many millennia. Creatures are rightfully considered the largest representatives of the world fauna, their weight in some cases reaches almost 200 tons. They migrate between the seas of the two cold poles of the planet.

In the photo, a bowhead whale

Killer whale

Mammals that are frequent inhabitants of cold waters. Black and white in color refers to the order of cetaceans. Mostly lives at great depths, but often swim to the coasts. When driving, it is able to reach a record speed. This is a dangerous aquatic animal, nicknamed the "killer whale."

Polar cod

Fish belongs to the category of small creatures that inhabit the Arctic Ocean. Spending her life in the thickness of cold water, the polar one tolerates low temperatures without problems.

These aquatic creatures feed on plankton, which positively affects the balance of biological balance. They themselves serve as a food source for a variety of birds of the north, seals and cetaceans.

Polar cod fish

Haddock

Fish are large enough (up to 70 cm). Usually it weighs about two, but it happens that it reaches 19 kg. The body of this aquatic animal is wide, flat on the sides, the back is dark gray, and the belly is milky. A characteristic black line runs along the trunk in the horizontal direction. Fish live in schools and are a valuable commercial commodity.

Haddock fish

Beluga whale

Perfectly complements the rich world of the Arctic Ocean, also called the polar dolphin. The length of the aquatic animal is about six meters, the weight can reach two or more tons. This is a large predator, the owner of sharp teeth.

In the photo beluga whale

Arctic cyan

It has another name: the lion's mane, considered among the world's aquatic inhabitants the largest jellyfish. Its umbrella reaches a diameter of up to two meters, and the tentacles of its half-meter length.

Life does not last long, only one summer season. With the onset of autumn, these creatures die, and in the spring new, fast-growing individuals appear. Cyanaea feeds on small fish and zooplankton.

Jellyfish

White Owl

It belongs to the category of rare birds. Feathered can be found throughout the tundra. They have a beautiful snow-white plumage, and to preserve heat, their beak is covered with small bristles.

White has many enemies, and such birds often become prey of predators. They feed on rodents - frequent destroyers of nests, which is very useful for other feathered inhabitants.

White Owl

Guillemot

Sea birds of the Far North arrange mass colonies, which are also called bird bazaars. They are usually located on sea rocks. - famous patrons of such colonies.

They lay one egg with a bluish or greenish color. And they incubate their treasure without leaving for a minute. In the edges of exorbitant frosts - this is just an urgent need. And the eggs, thoroughly heated from above by the body of birds, from below remain completely cold.

In the photo of the guillemot bird

Gaga

It occurs in all regions of the Arctic, nests on the Baltic coasts and in the north of England, flies south to non-freezing reservoirs located in the center of Europe during the cold season.

Protect their offspring from the cold, specially plucking their reddish-gray fluff, lining their nests. Such waterfowl spend almost their entire lives on seawater, feeding on mollusks and mussels.

In the photo, the eider bird

Polar goose

The bird is also called white for its impressive snow-white plumage, and only the tips of the wings of birds are distinguished by black stripes. They weigh about 5 kg, and their nests, like eiders, are lined with their own down.

These inhabitants of the Arctic coast flee from the murderous cold of the polar winter, flying away. This type of wild geese is considered quite rare.

Polar white goose

Polar gull

It has a light gray plumage, wings are slightly darker, the beak is yellowish-green, legs are light pink. The main food of the polar is fish, but these birds also eat mollusks and eggs of other birds. They live about two decades.

Pink gull

A fragile beautiful bird, adapted to exist in the harsh regions of the Arctic, usually does not exceed 35 cm in size. The back and upper part of the plumage of the wings have a grayish-gray hue. Breeds in the lower reaches of the northern rivers. It became an object of unbridled hunting due to the original shade of feathers.

Polar terns

The bird is famous for its range (up to 30 thousand kilometers) and duration (about four months) of flights, spending the winter in Antarctica. The birds fly north to the Arctic in early spring, creating huge nesting colonies.

Distinctive features are a forked tail and a black cap on his head. characterized by caution and aggressiveness. Their life expectancy is more than three decades.

Polar terns

Loon

Arctic seabird, populated mainly by waterfowl. spends time in the Far North mainly from May to October, being a migratory bird. It has the dimensions of a large one, it dives and swims perfectly, and at moments of danger it deeply immerses the body in water, only one head remains outside.

In the photo, a loon bird

Goose Goose

In the genus, it is the smallest representative, nesting in the northern regions of the tundra. Its wings and back are dark brown in color, a white “collar” stands out on the black neck. Birds feed on algae, lichens and grass.

Goose Goose

Even at first glance, the desert regions of the planet, where the climate is rather harsh and inhospitable, are the habitat of many interesting animals. In order to understand what animals live in the Arctic, you need to learn more about the features of this ice edge.

The fauna of the Arctic is subject to certain natural laws. So, the ability to blend in with the surrounding landscape is very important for local conditions. Therefore, for most inhabitants of the Arctic, a pure white or light color is characteristic. Among them there are special specimens: deer, bears, musk ox, etc.

Herbivorous arctic animals - musk ox, lemming, wild reindeer, arctic hare. They are hunted by a wolf and a polar fox. The polar bear prefers the inhabitants of the sea as food. In addition, in the Arctic tundra you can see ermines, ground squirrel (long-tailed), and wolverine.

Who lives in the Arctic?

Another inhabitant of the Arctic is seals, walruses, seal, beluga whales, killer whales, bowhead whales and narwhals. Due to the peculiarities of the terrain, all animals of these parts are adapted for food at dusk or even in complete darkness. For insignificant consumption and heat saving the inhabitants of the land are thick fur.

Large animals have a dense layer of subcutaneous fat, and they manage to generate more heat due to the large body mass. Thanks to their short legs and ears, they also have the ability to store heat more easily. In total, no more than 20 species of animals live in the difficult conditions of the North.

What animals live in the Arctic

A kind of symbol of the coldest places on the planet is considered a polar bear - these are rare animals of the Arctic. He is a kind of traveler among the animals of the Arctic, as he travels both by land and on drifting ice floes. He is not afraid of ice and cold. Thick dense fur serves as excellent protection against frosts, and massive wide and shaggy paws with sharp claws allow free movement in the conditions of snow ice. In addition, these Arctic animals are excellent swimmers, because they have a special membrane on the pads. Very mobile, moving fast and diving.

The weight of a polar bear is from 150 to 500 kg. There are individuals weighing more than 700 kg. The size of the largest predator in the world is 3 meters or more (from the muzzle to the tip of the tail), at the withers - up to one and a half meters. Likes to feast on meat of animals - walruses, seals, etc.

Wolverine is another predator among those found in the Arctic lands, it is also called the demon of the North. Wolverine - a fierce hunter with excellent appetite, can attack people or livestock.

The number of individuals in the Arctic ice fauna population depends on the number of small lemmings rodents, which are the “main course” for arctic foxes, wolverines, polar wolves, and in some cases reindeer.

The polar wolf is considered one of the most beautiful animals in the Arctic. In one flock, as a rule, from 7 to 9 individuals. It feeds on small animals, but musk oxen and deer also belong to his area of \u200b\u200binterest.

The pinniped inhabitants of the Arctic are seals, walruses, seals, sea leopards and elephant seals. The considerable size of the nostrils gives them the opportunity to inhale so much air at a time to stay at least 10 minutes under the water. The front legs are flippers, thanks to which they can lift, and on land crawl on the belly. The food for these animals of the Arctic are crustaceans, fish, shellfish, krill.

The largest representative of the group of pinnipeds in the world is the elephant seal: an adult male “eats” weight up to 3500 kg. It differs from females by bloating on the head, similar to a short trunk, which is due to the name.

Walruses of rather large sizes have fangs, the volume of body weight is also impressive: up to 1500 kg. If the walrus makes a sound, then it can resemble the roar of a lion and a bull at the same time. These animals of the Arctic are obstinate, irritable, but able to come to the rescue of their relative, who was attacked by hunters.

Seals are also found in the Arctic, their habitat is very wide - the Atlantic, the Pacific Ocean, the North and Baltic Seas. On land, the seal does not feel very confident, but in the water it is able to frolic like a real acrobat, but they do not swim to the depth of the seal. They do not feel cold thanks to waterproof fur and a significant layer of subcutaneous fat.

No representative of living creatures of the Arctic, perhaps, can be compared with beluga whales, narwhals and bowhead whales in their ability to survive in the realm of eternal ice and cold. They do not have the dorsal fin common to other cetaceans. A long horn sticks out from the mouth of the narwhal. A horn is a tooth 3 meters long and weighs 10 kg. And to make it easier to lick the stuck plankton, a large tongue and a whalebone are perfectly adapted. The daily diet of the giant can be up to 2 tons!

The "native" of the narwhal is considered to be a bowhead whale, only it surpasses the narwhal in size.

Beluga whale is a polar dolphin of very large sizes, reaches 6 m in length. The main food is fish.

But the killer whale comes first among the predators in size and strength. Lives in arctic waters, preys on walruses, seals, seals.

Fauna of the Arctic

Currently, some animals living in the Arctic may completely disappear as a species. Changes in the climatic conditions of the region pose a serious threat to wildlife. The list of animals in danger of the Arctic includes: polar bears, musk ox, whale, narwhal, Laptev and Atlantic walruses. Today it is an endangered species listed in the Red Book.

The musk ox is also a rare species - a beautiful powerful animal with a dense undercoat that is eight times warmer than a mutton. Elegant wool covers it from above, therefore the most severe frosts are not afraid of the musk ox. His ancestors lived in the North during the time of the mammoths.

If we talk about animals of the Arctic, we cannot fail to mention Arctic foxes, which also require a careful attitude. As a rule, their fur is always white, but there is black, bluish-gray or light gray color. These animals are very hardy because they can survive at 50 degrees below zero. They are saved from frost in dug snow holes, which are whole tunnels with a large number of entrances and exits. Arctic foxes can eat meat, herbs, berries and even algae.

In June 2009, by order of the Russian government, the Russian Arctic National Park was created. On a vast territory, unique natural objects are located here and all kinds of fauna endangered are inhabited.

The northernmost natural area of \u200b\u200bthe planet is the Arctic desert, which is located in the latitudes of the Arctic. The territory here is almost completely covered by glaciers and snow, sometimes fragments of stones are found. Here, most of the time, winter reigns with frosts of –50 degrees Celsius and below. There is no change of seasons, although a short summer occurs during the polar day, and the temperature in this period reaches zero degrees, without rising above this value. In the summer it can rain and snow, there are thick fogs. Also here is a very poor flora.

Due to such weather conditions, animals of the Arctic latitudes have a high level of adaptation to this environment, so they are able to survive in harsh climatic conditions.

What birds live in the arctic deserts?

Birds are the most numerous representatives of the fauna that live in the zone of arctic deserts. There are large populations of pink gulls and guillemots, which feel comfortable in the Arctic. There is also a northern duck - the common eider. The largest bird is the northern owl, which preys not only on other birds, but on small animals and young animals of large animals.

Pink gull

Common eider

What animals can be found in the Arctic?

Among the cetaceans in the arctic desert zone, there is a narwhal, which has a long horn, and its cousin, the bowhead whale. There are also populations of polar dolphins - belugas, large animals that feed on fish. Even in the arctic deserts there are killer whales hunting various northern animals.

There are numerous seal populations in the Arctic desert, including harp seals, motile and large sea hares - seals 2.5 meters tall. Even in the vast expanses of the Arctic, one can meet walruses - predators that prey on smaller animals.

  Polar bears live among land animals in the arctic desert zone. In this area, they hunt well both on land and in water, as they dive and swim well, which allows them to eat marine animals.

White bears

  Another severe predator is the Arctic wolf, which in this area does not occur singly, but lives in a pack.

  Here lives such a small animal as a polar fox, which has to move a lot. Among rodents you can find lemmings. And, of course, large populations of reindeer live here.

Arctic fox

Adaptation of animals to the Arctic climate

All of the above species of animals and birds have adapted to life in the Arctic climate. They have developed special adaptive capabilities. The main problem here is the conservation of heat, so in order to survive the animals must regulate their temperature. Bears and arctic foxes have thick fur for this. This protects animals from severe frost. Polar birds have loose and close-fitting plumage. In seals and some marine animals, a fatty layer forms inside the body that protects against cold. Protective mechanisms in animals are especially active with the approach of winter, when frost reaches an absolute minimum. To protect themselves from predators, some representatives of the fauna change the color of their fur. This allows some species of the animal world to hide from enemies, and others - to hunt successfully to feed their offspring.

The most amazing inhabitants of the Arctic

According to many people, the most amazing animal in the Arctic is the narwhal. This is a huge mammal that weighs 1.5 tons. Its length reaches up to 5 meters. This animal has a long horn in its mouth, but in fact it is a tooth that does not play any role in life.

In the waters of the Arctic there is a polar dolphin - beluga. He eats only fish. Here you can also meet the killer whale, which is a dangerous predator that does not neglect either the fish or the larger marine inhabitants. A zone of arctic deserts is inhabited by seals. Their limbs are flippers. If on land they look awkward, then in the water the fins help animals to maneuver swim at high speed, hiding from enemies. Relatives of seals are walruses. They also live on land and in water.

The nature of the Arctic is amazing, but because of the harsh climatic conditions, not all people want to join this world.

Today, a rather large number of the most diverse living creatures live in the northern regions, and beyond the Arctic Circle, in territories where almost eternal frosts reign, there are also inhabitants represented by some birds and animals. Their body was able to adapt to adverse climatic conditions, as well as a rather specific diet.

Mammals

The vast expanses of the harsh Arctic are characterized by snowy deserts, very cold winds and permafrost. Precipitation in such areas is very rare, and sunlight may not penetrate the darkness of the polar nights for several months. Mammals existing in such conditions are forced to spend a difficult winter period among the cold-burning snow and ice.

Arctic fox, or polar fox

Small representatives of the species of foxes (Alopex lagopus) have long inhabited the Arctic. Predators from the Canidae family resemble a fox in appearance. The average body length of an adult beast varies between 50-75 cm, with a tail length of 25-30 cm and a height at the withers of 20-30 cm. The body weight of a sexually mature male is approximately 3.3-3.5 kg, but the weight of some individuals reaches 9.0 kg Females are noticeably smaller. The Arctic fox has a squat body, a shortened muzzle and rounded ears that protrude slightly from the wool, which prevents frostbite.

Polar or polar bear

The polar bear, the northern mammal (Ursus maritimus) from the Bear family, is a close relative of the brown bear and the largest land predator on the planet. The body length of the beast reaches 3.0 meters with a weight of up to a ton. Adult males weigh approximately 450-500 kg, and females are noticeably smaller. The height of the animal at the withers most often varies between 130-150 cm. Representatives of the species are characterized by a flat head and a long neck, and translucent hairs can only transmit UV rays, which gives the coat of the predator thermal insulation properties.

It will be interesting:  why are polar bears polar

Sea leopard

Representatives of the species of real seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) owe their unusual name to the original spotted skin and very predatory behavior. The sea leopard has a streamlined body, which allows it to develop a very high speed in water. The head is flattened, and the forelimbs are noticeably elongated, so that the movement is carried out by strong synchronous strokes. The body length of an adult animal is 3.0-4.0 meters. The upper part of the body has a dark gray color, and the lower one is characterized by a silver-white color. There are gray spots on the sides and head.

Snow ram or Chubuk

Artiodactyl (Ovis nivicola) belongs to the genus of rams. Such an animal has medium size and a dense physique, a thick and short neck, as well as a small head with rather short ears. The limbs of the ram are thick and not tall. The body length of adult males is approximately 140-188 cm, with a height at the withers between 76-112 cm and a body weight of not more than 56-150 kg. Adult females are slightly smaller than males. Diploid cells in representatives of this species contain 52 chromosomes, which is less than in any other modern sheep species.

Musk ox

A large ungulate mammal (Ovibos moschatus) belongs to the muskox family and the family of Bovids. The height of adults at the withers is 132-138 cm, with a mass in the range of 260-650 kg. The weight of females most often does not exceed 55-60% of the weight of the male. The musk ox has a hump-neck in the shoulder area, passing into the rear narrow part. Legs are small, stocky, with large and rounded hooves. The head is elongated and very massive, with sharp and rounded horns that grow in an animal up to the age of six years. The hairline is represented by long and thick hair, which hangs almost to the ground level.

Arctic hare

   iv\u003e

The hare (Lepus arcticus), previously considered a subspecies of the hare, but today stands out as a separate species. The mammal has a small and fluffy tail, as well as long, powerful hind legs that allow the hare to easily jump even in high snow. Relatively short ears contribute to a decrease in heat transfer, and plentiful fur allows the northern inhabitant to tolerate very strong cold quite easily. Long and straight incisors are used by the hare to feed scarce and frozen Arctic vegetation.

Weddell Seal

The representative of the family of true seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) belongs to the not too widespread and rather large in size body predatory mammals. The average adult length is 3.5 meters. The animal is able to stay under the water for about an hour, and the seal produces fish in the form of fish and cephalopods at a depth of 750-800 meters. Weddell seals quite often have broken fangs or incisors, which is explained by their making special products through young ice.

Wolverine

Predatory mammal (Gulo gulo) belongs to the family of marten. A fairly large animal with its size in the family is inferior exclusively to a sea otter. The weight of an adult is 11-19 kg, but the females are slightly less than males. The body length varies between 70-86 cm, with a tail length of 18-23 cm. The appearance of a wolverine is most likely similar to a badger or a bear with a squat and clumsy body, short legs and an arcuate upward-curved back. A characteristic feature of the predator is the presence of large and hooked claws.

Back to contents

Birds of the north

Too many feathered representatives of the north feel quite comfortable in extreme climatic and weather conditions. Due to the nature of its natural features, more than a hundred different species of birds are able to survive in almost permafrost. The southern border of the Arctic coincides with the tundra zone. In the polar summer, several millions of the most diverse migratory and flightless birds nest here.

Seagulls

Numerous representatives of the bird genus (Larus) from the Gull family, live not only in the open sea, but also inhabit inland water bodies in habitable territories. Many species belong to the category of synanthropic birds. Typically, a seagull is a large or medium-sized bird that has white or gray plumage, often with black marks in the area of \u200b\u200bits head or wings. Some of the significant distinguishing characteristics are represented by a strong, slightly bent beak at the end, and very well-developed swimming membranes on the legs.

White goose

>

A medium-sized migratory bird (Anser caerulescens) from the genus of geese (Anser) and the family of ducks (Anatidae) is characterized mainly by white plumage. The body of an adult is about 60-75 cm long. The weight of such a bird rarely exceeds 3.0 kg. The wingspan of the white goose is approximately 145-155 cm. The black color of the northern bird is predominant only around the beak area and at the ends of the wings. The paws and beak of such a feathery have a pink color. Often in adults, a golden yellow spot is observed.

Whooper Swan

A large waterfowl (Cygnus cygnus) from the family of ducks has an elongated body and a long neck, as well as short legs laid back. In the plumage of birds there is a significant amount of fluff. The lemon-yellow beak has a black tip. The plumage is white. Young growth is characterized by smoky-gray plumage with a darker area of \u200b\u200bthe head. In appearance, males and females have practically no differences from each other.

Gag

Feathered representatives of the genus (Somateria) belong to the family of ducks. Such birds are united today in three species of rather large-sized diving ducks, which nest mainly on the territories of the Arctic coasts and tundra. All species are characterized by a wedge-shaped structure of the beak with a wide marigold, which occupies the entire upper part of the beak. On the lateral parts of the beak there is a deep notch covered with plumage. The bird comes to the coastline only for rest and reproduction.

Thick-billed guillemot

Seabird (Uria lomvia) from the family of Alkidae (Alcidae) is a representative of a medium-sized species. The bird has a weight of one and a half kilograms, and in appearance resembles thin-billed guillemots. The main difference is represented by a thicker beak with white stripes, black-brown dark plumage of the upper part and the complete absence of a grayish hatching on the sides of the body. Thick-billed guillemots, as a rule, are noticeably larger than thin-billed guillemots.

Antarctic tern

The northern bird (Sterna vittata) belongs to the family of gulls (Laridae) and the order Charadriiformes. Arctic tern migrates annually from the territory of the Arctic to the Antarctic. Such a small feathered representative of the Krachki genus has a body length of 31-38 cm. The beak of an adult bird is dark red or black in color. Adult terns are characterized by white plumage, and chicks are characterized by gray feathers. In the head area there are black feathers.

White or polar owl

A rather rare bird (Bubo scandiacus, Nyctea scandiaca) belongs to the category of the largest feathered order of owls in the tundra. Polar owls are distinguished by a round head and a bright yellow iris. Adult females are larger than sexually mature males, and the average wingspan of the bird is about 142-166 cm. Adult individuals are characterized by white plumage with dark transverse mottles, which provides excellent predator disguise on a snowy background.

Arctic partridge

Partridge (Lagopus lagopus) is a bird from the subfamily grouse and order of chicken. Among many other chickens, it is the white partridge that is distinguished by the presence of pronounced seasonal dimorphism. The color of this bird varies with the weather. The winter plumage of the bird is white, with the presence of black tail outer feathers and densely feathered legs. With the onset of spring, the neck and head of the males acquire a brick-brown color, sharply contrasting with the white plumage of the body.

Back to contents

Reptiles and Amphibians

Too harsh climatic conditions of the Arctic do not allow the widest distribution of various cold-blooded animals, including reptiles and amphibians. Moreover, the northern territories have become quite suitable habitat for four species of lizards.

Viviparous lizard

The scaly reptile (Zootoca vivipara) belongs to the family Real Lizards and the monotypic genus Forest Lizards (Zootoca). For some time, this reptile belonged to the genus Green Lizards (Lacerta). A well-swimming animal has body sizes in the range of 15-18 cm, of which about 10-11 cm falls on the tail. The body color is brown, with the presence of dark stripes that stretch along the sides and in the middle of the back. The lower part of the body is light in color, with a greenish yellowish, brick red or orange hue. Males of the species have a more slender physique and bright color.

Siberian Triton

The four-fingered newt (Salamandrella keyserlingii) is a very prominent member of the angler family. An adult caudate amphibian is distinguished by a body size of 12–13 cm, of which less than half falls on the tail. The animal has a wide and flattened head, as well as a tail compressed from the sides, which is completely devoid of fin folds of a leathery type. The color of the reptile has a grayish-brown or brownish color with the presence of small spots and a fairly light longitudinal strip in the back.

Semirechye frog-tooth

The Dzungarian newt (Ranodon sibiricus) is a caudate amphibian from the family of angliot (Hynobiidae). Today, an endangered and very rare species has a body length of 15-18 cm, but some individuals reach a size of 20 cm, of which the tail part takes up just over half. The average body weight of a mature individual can vary between 20-25 g. From 11 to 13 intercostal and clearly visible grooves are present on the sides of the body. The tail is laterally compressed and has a developed fin fold in the back. The color of the reptile varies from a yellow-brown hue to a dark olive and greenish-gray color, often with spots.

Tree frog

Tailless amphibian (Rana sylvatica) is able to freeze in the harsh winter period to the state of ice. An amphibian in this state does not breathe, and the heart and circulatory system stop. When warming, the frog quickly “thaws”, which allows it to return to normal life. Representatives of the species are distinguished by large eyes, a clearly muzzle of a triangular shape, as well as yellow-brown, gray, orange, pink, brown or dark gray-green areas of the back. The main background is supplemented with blackish or dark brown spots.

Back to contents

Arctic fish

For the coldest regions of our planet, not only many species of birds are endemic, but also various marine inhabitants. Walruses and seals live in the Arctic waters, some species of cetaceans, including baleen whales, narwhals, killer whales and whales, as well as several species of fish. In total, a little more than four hundred fish species inhabit the ice and snow territory.

Arctic char

Ray-finned fish (Salvelinus alpinus) belong to the salmon family, and are represented by many forms: migratory, lake-river and lake char. Passing char is distinguished by large size and silver color, have a dark blue back and sides, covered with light and rather large spots. Widespread Arctic lakes are typical predators that spawn and walk in the lakes. Lake-river forms are characterized by a smaller body. At present, the Arctic char population is prone to decline.

Polar sharks

Somniosa sharks (Somniosidae) belong to the shark family and the cataract-like order, which includes seven genera and about two dozen species. The natural habitat is arctic and subantarctic waters in any oceans. Such sharks inhabit mainland and island slopes, as well as shelves and open ocean waters. In this case, the maximum recorded body size does not exceed 6.4 meters. The spines located at the base of the dorsal fin are usually absent, and a notch is characteristic of the edge of the upper lobe of the caudal fin.

Cayfish, or polar cod

Arctic cold-water and cryopelagic fish (Boreogadus saida) belongs to the cod family (Gadidae) and the cod-like order (Gadiformes). Today it is the only species from the monotypic genus of sais (Boreogadus). The body of an adult has a maximum body length of up to 40 cm, which has significant thinning towards the tail. The caudal fin is characterized by the presence of a deep notch. The head is large, with the lower jaw slightly protruding forward, large eyes and a small tendril at the level of the chin. The upper part of the head and back are grayish-brown in color, and the belly and sides are distinguished by a silver-gray color.

Eel-pout

Sea fish (Zoarces viviparus) belongs to the family of belugaids and the order of perciform. The water predator has a maximum body length of 50-52 cm, but usually the size of an adult does not exceed 28-30 cm. The beldyuga is distinguished by a rather long dorsal fin with short spiky rays at the back. Anal and dorsal fins merge with the caudal fin.

Pacific herring

Ray-finned fish (Clupea pallasii) belongs to the herring family (Clupeidae) and is a valuable commercial object. Representatives of the species are distinguished by a rather weak development of the abdominal keel, very clearly visible exclusively between the anal and abdominal fin. Typically pelagic schooling flocks are characterized by high locomotor activity and constant collective migrations from wintering and feeding areas to spawning zones.

Haddock

Ray-finned fish (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) belongs to the cod family (Gadidae) and the monotypic genus Melanogrammus. The body length of an adult varies from 100-110 cm, but sizes up to 50-75 cm are typical, with an average weight of 2-3 kg. The body of the fish is relatively high and slightly flattened on the sides. The back is dark gray with a purple or lilac hue. The sides are noticeably lighter with a silver tint, and the belly has a silver or milky white color. There is a black sideline on the haddock body, below which there is a large black or blackish spot.

Nelma

Fish (Stenodus leucichthys nelma) belongs to the salmon family and is a subspecies of the white fish. Freshwater or semi-passageal fish from the order Salmonidae reaches a length of 120-130 cm, with a maximum body weight of 48-50 kg. A very valuable species of commercial fish is today a popular breeding target. Nelma differs from other members of the family by the peculiarities of the structure of the mouth, which gives this fish a rather predatory appearance, in comparison with related species.

Arctic omul

Commercial valuable fish (Latin Coregonus autumnalis) belongs to the whitefish family and the salmon family. The migratory type of northern fish walks in the coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean. The average body length of an adult reaches 62-64 cm, with a weight in the range of 2.8-3.0 kg, but larger individuals are found. A widespread aquatic predator preys on a wide variety of large representatives of benthic crustaceans, and also eats young fish and small zooplankton.

Back to contents

Spiders

Arachnids belong to obligate predators, demonstrating the highest potential in the development of a complex Arctic environment. The Arctic fauna is represented not only by a significant number of spiders coming from the southern part of the boreal forms, but also by purely arthropod species - hypoarcts, as well as hemiarcts and evarcts. Typical and southern tundra are rich in a wide variety of spiders, differing in size, hunting method and biotopic distribution.

Oreoneta

Representatives of the genus of spiders belonging to the family Linyphiidae. Such arachnid arthropod was first described in 1894, and today about three dozen species are assigned to this genus.

Masikia

Representatives of the genus of spiders belonging to the family Linyphiidae. The first inhabitant of the Arctic territories was described in 1984. Currently, only two species are assigned to this genus.

Tmetits nigriceps

A spider of this genus (Tmeticus nigriceps) lives in the tundra zone, is distinguished by an orange prose, with a blackish-cephalic region. The legs of the spider are orange, and the opistosome is black in color. The average body length of an adult male is 2.3-2.7 mm, and females are in the range of 2.9-3.3 mm.

Gibothorax tchernovi

Spinworm, belonging to the taxonomic classification of Hangmatspinnen (linyphiidae), belongs to the arthropod arachnids of the genus Gibothorax. The scientific name of this species was first published only in 1989.

Perro Polaris

One of the spider species that has not been sufficiently studied to date, first described in 1986. Representatives of this species are assigned to the genus Perrault, and are also included in the family Linyphiidae.

Sea spider

In the polar Arctic and in the waters of the Southern Ocean, marine spiders have been relatively recently discovered. Such aquatic inhabitants are gigantic in size, and the length of some of them exceeds a quarter meter.

Back to contents

Insects

A large number of insectivorous birds in the northern regions is due to the presence of numerous insects - mosquitoes, midges, flies and beetles. The world of insects in the Arctic is very diverse, especially in the polar tundra, where with the onset of the summer season, countless mosquitoes, gadflies and small midges appear.

Hot Mokrets

The insect (Culicoides pulicaris) is able to produce several generations during the warm season, and is today a massive and common blood-sucking biting midge, not found only on the territory of the tundra.

Caramors

Insects (Tipulidae) belong to the family of dipterans and suborder of long-nosed (Nematocera). The body length of many long-legged mosquitoes varies between 2-60 mm, but sometimes larger representatives of the order are found.

Chironomids

The mosquito (Chironomidae) belongs to the family of the Diptera squad and owes its name to the characteristic sound that the wings of the insect emit. Adults have underdeveloped oral organs and are harmless to humans.

Wingless nails

The northern insect (Collembola) is a small in size and very fast arthropod, primary wingless form, usually resembling a tail with a common hopping appendage.

Back to contents

Source: simple-fauna.ru

Arctic animals

A list of Arctic animals with pictures and interesting information. You can get more information about many animals by clicking on the images.

Common arctic fox

The Arctic fox has some features that allow it to live in the difficult conditions of the Arctic. The most remarkable feature is its fur, which changes color from brown (summer color) to white (winter color). Thick fur coat provides the Arctic fox with good camouflage and excellent protection from the cold.

Arctic hare

Polar hares dig burrows underground. There they sleep and hide from frost and predators. Hares run very fast, developing speeds of up to 60 km / h.

Arctic terns are the real conquerors of nature. These incredible birds overcome in flight over 19,000 km per year. They can be seen in broad daylight much more often than any other animals and birds. Thanks to flights, terns have two summers a year.

This is one of the Arctic predators that live in the coldest regions of northern Canada and other territories of the Arctic. The polar wolf is a subspecies of the gray wolf; it is smaller in size than the northwestern wolf - another subspecies of the wolf.

Since the polar wolf is found in the Arctic, it, unlike other subspecies, is least exposed to extermination by humans.

Bald eagle

The bald eagle is the national symbol of America. Its habitat extends far beyond the Arctic. You can meet this beautiful bird throughout North America - from Canada to Mexico. Orlan is called the bald-headed thanks to the white feathers growing on his head. These birds often catch fish: diving down, they pry fish out of the water with their paws.

Beluga whale

Belugas are found off the coast of Russia, North America and Greenland. These are social animals, and, as a rule, they prefer to live in small groups, numbering about 10 individuals. White color perfectly masks them under the arctic ice.

Caribou / Reindeer

In Europe, caribou is better known as reindeer. The deer adapted well to the cold climate of the North. He has large cavities in his nose that serve to heat frosty air. The animal’s hooves in winter become smaller and harder, making it easier for a deer to walk on ice and snow. During migration, some herds of reindeer travel vast distances. No other land mammal living on our planet is capable of this.

Ram dalla

The Dall Sheep Range is located in the subarctic regions of North America. These animals are very agile and dexterous, which helps them in most cases to avoid attacks of predators.

Ermine

The ermine belongs to the family of mustelids. The name ermine is sometimes used only to refer to an animal in its white winter skin.

Ermines are fierce hunters who eat other rodents. Often, they even dwell in the burrows of their victims, instead of digging their own shelters.

Polar shark

Polar sharks are mysterious animals. This photo was taken by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Polar sharks are mysterious giants living in the Arctic region. This photo was taken by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Click on the image to learn more about this animal.

Most often, polar sharks are found in the northern Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Canada and Greenland. Of all species of sharks, they are the most northern. These animals swim slowly enough and prefer to catch their prey while she sleeps. Also, polar sharks do not disdain to eat up what other predators left after their meal.

Harp seal

At birth, the harp seal pups have a yellow fur coat. She turns white in three days. As an animal grows up, its color acquires a silver-gray color. Harp seals have a thick layer of subcutaneous fat that retains heat well. Seal fins serve as a kind of heat exchangers: in the summer excess heat is removed through them, and in winter the body is heated due to the movements of the fins in the water.

Lemming

Lemmings are small rodents with long soft fur. They are herbivores and feed on grass, leaves and plant roots. In winter, lemmings remain active and do not hibernate. Before the onset of winter, they make reserves, and also burrow under the snow for food.

Elk

Elk is the largest representative of the deer family. Prongs are most often found in Alaska, Canada, Russia and Scandinavia. Elk have one feature that distinguishes them from other representatives of the deer family. This feature is that they are solitary animals and do not live in herds. As a rule, the moose moves slowly, slowly. But a frightened or angry forest giant can be a serious danger.

You can learn more about moose here: Moose Information

Musk ox (musk ox)

Musk of this musk ox is called because of the sharp musky smell that males of this species give off in order to attract females to themselves during the mating season. Musk bulls have thick fur coats that perfectly retain heat. Both males and females have long curved horns.

Narwhal

A narwhal is a medium-sized whale that can be recognized immediately by the long tusk protruding from the front of the head. This tusk is actually an overgrown front tooth. Narwhals spend the whole year in arctic waters washing the coasts of Russia, Greenland and Canada.

Killer whale

The killer whale is often called the killer whale. This toothed whale belongs to the dolphin family. The killer whale has a very characteristic color: black back, white chest and belly. There are also white spots near the eyes. These predators prey on other marine inhabitants, for this they very often gather in groups. Killer whales occupy the top of the food pyramid, in vivo they have no enemies.

No list of Arctic animals can be considered complete if it does not have a polar bear. Polar bears are one of the species of predatory mammals. But unlike their forest relatives, they live on the Arctic coast and are able to swim long distances in cold water. They can also move quickly on snow and ice. Polar bears are the largest of all bears.

Partridge

In winter, partridges have white plumage, so they are difficult to notice in the snow. They find food under the snow, and in the summer, these birds feed mainly on berries, seeds and green shoots of plants. The partridge has many local names, such as, for example, “white grouse” or “talovka”, “alder”.

Dead end (hatchet)

Dead ends are amazing birds, they can fly and swim. Short wings, like fins in fish, help them move quickly in the water column. The puffins have black and white feathers and brightly colored beaks. These birds form entire colonies on coastal cliffs. From the rocks, puffins dive into the water, where they seek food.

Ringed seal

Ringed seal is the smallest species of seal. She has a small, feline-like head and a fat body. This seal was called “ringed” because silver rings against the background of brown fur are visible on her back and sides. Ringed seals prey on small fish.

Sea otter

Sea otters are one of the largest representatives of the marten family, but at the same time, they are one of the smallest marine mammals. Sea otters spend more time in water than on land. Thick and dense fur saves them from hypothermia.

White Arctic Goose

White Arctic geese spend the whole summer in the northern part of the USA and Canada, taking care of the offspring, and fly away to the south by winter. During migration, these birds tend to look out for agricultural fields. Here they feed, digging out the roots of plants with beaks adapted for digging the soil.

Hare

White hare is white only in winter. In summer, his skin is brown. In addition, by winter, his hind legs are overgrown with thick hair, become large and fluffy. This prevents the hare from falling into the snow.

Walrus

It is easy to recognize a walrus by its large tusks, long stiff mustache and short flippers. Walruses, these large and heavy animals, used to be hunted a lot because of meat and fat. Now walruses are under state protection, and hunting for them is prohibited.

Animals that live in the Arctic are adapted to extreme conditions. Almost all of these animals have white skins. They not only help them hide in the snowdrifts of white snow, but also give them incredible beauty and unusualness, in contrast to their brothers, who live in warmer places.

polar Wolf  (Canis lupus tundrorum) - a subspecies of the wolf. It lives throughout the Arctic, with the exception of ice floes and large areas covered by ice.
The polar wolf lives in the vast expanses of the polar regions, which are 5 months immersed in darkness. To survive, the wolf adapted to eat any food that only comes across. It is well adapted to life in the Arctic: it can live for years at sub-zero temperatures, not see sunlight for months, and be left without food for weeks.
For centuries, humans have ruthlessly exterminated wolves of all varieties. However, the polar wolf is the only subspecies that still lives throughout the territory that was accessible to his ancestors. This happened because people rarely get here.

Arctic fox, polar fox (lat. Alopex lagopus or lat. Vulpes lagopus) - a predatory mammal of the canine family, the only representative of the genus of arctic foxes (Alopex). The fox lives in one of the coldest places on the planet. Arctic fox is an incredibly hardy animal that can survive cold Arctic temperatures up to -58 ° F (-50 ° C). To do this, there is fluffy hair, short ears, all this is necessary to survive in such a low temperature. Arctic foxes live in holes, and in a blizzard they can dig a tunnel in the snow to create a shelter. Arctic foxes have a beautiful white (sometimes blue-gray) fur coat, which act as a very effective winter camouflage. Natural shades allow the animal to mix in the ubiquitous snow of the tundra.






White Owl  - The largest bird from the order of owls in the tundra. The head is round, the iris of the eyes is bright yellow. Females are larger than males. The body length of the male can reach 55-65 cm, weight - 2-2.5 kg, females, respectively, 70 cm and 3 kg. The wingspan is on average 142-166 cm. The color is patronizing: adult birds are characterized by white plumage with dark transverse streaks. Females and young birds have more variegated streaks than males. Chicks are brown. The beak is black, almost completely covered with feathers — bristles. The plumage of the legs is similar to wool, forms “cosmas.” White owls play one of the key roles in the tundra biota, being one of the main fighters of rodents, as well as a factor in the successful nesting of some tundra birds. Using the extreme aggressiveness of the white owls in protecting the breeding territory, ducks, geese, geese, waders nest on it. Owls do not touch birds, but they successfully drive arctic foxes ravaging nests from their territory. It is listed in the Red Book.







Outside the windows there is a harsh winter, but not all animals took refuge in her cozy minks, hibernating. In addition to the classic, from childhood, according to the tales of the famous wolf, fox and hare, representatives of the marten family are awake in winter forests. The smallest kunim is an animal called. Weasel received such a well-defined characteristic as the "thunderstorm of mice." This animal is the only one of the marten, which does not have commercial value because of its small size. With a length of 20 centimeters, 4.5 cm falls on a short tail. Like a ferret, a weasel is a rather smelly animal. First you hear her smell, then you see. In winter, weasel is completely white, the color of snow, and in summer white-brown. Moreover, the edge of the upper lip, the entire lower side of the body and the inner sides of the legs remain white. Weasel is predominantly a nocturnal animal, but where it does not see dangers for itself, it can hunt during the day. Of mammals, prey is made up of house, field and forest mice. Of birds, weasel is enjoyed by larks and other birds living on the ground, as well as pigeons, chickens, if it gets into the chicken coop. She does not disdain lizards, frogs, fish and snakes. It can attack the viper, although the bite of this snake for petting is fatal. All kinds of insects are a delicacy for her, she also copes with the hard shell of cancer, when such an incident occurs. Weasel runs well, jumps, swims and climbs trees. The ability to climb through the narrowest gaps and holes is its main strength. So, weasel easily pursues mice in their own burrows. Small animals caress enough for the back of the head or head, and the big strives to cling to the neck. In bird eggs, she skillfully makes one or more holes and sucks their contents, without losing a single drop.




Polar hare  (lat. Lepus arcticus) - a hare, mainly adapted for living in polar and mountainous areas. Previously, it was considered a subspecies of the hare, but now stands out as a separate species.




Snow leopard.


Polar bear, Oshkuy (lat. Ursus maritimus) - a predatory mammal of the bear family. Sometimes this species is isolated in a separate genus Thalarctos. The Latin name Ursus maritimus translates as “sea bear.” The white bear is the largest land representative of the predatory mammals. Its length reaches 3 m, weight up to 800 kg. Usually males weigh 400-450 kg; body length 200-250 cm, height at the withers up to 130-150 cm. Females are noticeably smaller (200-300 kg). The smallest bears are found on Svalbard, the largest - in the Bering Sea. A polar bear is distinguished from other bears by a long neck and a flat head. His skin is black. The color of a fur coat varies from white to yellowish; in summer, the fur may turn yellow due to the constant exposure to sunlight. The hair of a polar bear is devoid of pigmentation, and the hairs are hollow. There is a hypothesis that they act as optical fibers, absorbing ultraviolet rays; in any case, with ultraviolet photography, the polar bear seems dark. Due to the structure of the hairs, the polar bear can sometimes “turn green”. This happens in a hot climate (in zoos), when microscopic algae starts inside the wool.








Harp seal, or bald (Lat. Phoca groenlandica, Lat. Pagophilus groenlandicus) - a common species of real seals (Phocidae) in the Arctic. A pronounced inhabitant of cold waters, but avoids the Arctic pack, preferring drifting ice. He makes holes in the ice. It performs extensive seasonal migrations. During periods of reproduction and molting, he arranges lying on the ice. Not strict monogamous. Greenland seals are kept in herds, the sex and age composition of which varies throughout the year. There are fights between males during the mating season. Whelping occurs in strictly localized areas (<детных>  ice). In communication, acoustic and visual signals are of primary importance. It feeds on pelagic demon vertebrates and fish. Mating takes place in March. The puppy was recorded in late February - early March. Pregnancy is 11.5 months; there is a prolonged latent stage in the development of the embryo. Usually 1 cub is born, covered with a thick long white fur (squirrel) with a greenish tint (the tint disappears a few days after birth). The mass of the newborn is 7-8 kg. After a week, the squirrel begins to molt (hohlusha stage), a completely molted cub is called serok. It reaches puberty in 4.5 years.

Reindeer - Rangifer tarandus.The reindeer has an elongated squat body (length 180-220 cm, height at the withers 100-140 cm). On the neck there is a short, not always noticeable mane; the muzzle is elongated. The color in summer is brown, in winter gray, lighter at tundra deer. The mane is white in winter. Small deer are one-color, only in southern Siberia they have white spots along the back. Both males and females have horns. They are very long, thin, sickle-curved; lateral processes are located on the outside (back) side of the trunk, and not on the inside (front), as in real deer.
At the ends of the horns, and often in front of their base, are small triangular shovels with processes. Domestic deer are difficult to distinguish from wild deer, but in their herds there are much more white and spotted animals. In addition, they are almost not afraid of humans, while savage deer (sokjo) are usually very careful. The eyes of a reindeer shine at night with a dull yellowish light. When the reindeer moves, a peculiar clicking sound is heard, according to which hundreds of meters can be found out about the approaching herd at night.

Original article -