What animals live in the Arctic? Inhabitants of the Arctic: the northernmost animals in the world Birds of the Arctic

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The Arctic and Antarctic are areas located around the Northern and South Pole. In winter, the days here are short and the nights are long, there are many winter days when the sun does not rise at all. In summer, on the contrary, the days are long and there are many days when the sun does not set around the clock. Winters here are extremely cold, and even in summer the temperature rarely rises above freezing. But the most amazing thing is that here there are animals that have adapted to life in these harsh conditions. A thick and subcutaneous layer of blubber keeps whales and seals warm, and terrestrial mammals Thick fur also protects from the cold.

Almost all of Antarctica is covered with ice, small areas nothing grows on the earth except algae, mosses and lichens. The basis of all food chains there are tiny planktonic plants in the ocean. Almost all types of animals, such as penguins, live in water or go there for food. The exceptions are seals, which come out of the water to their usual rookeries to breed and raise their offspring. The Arctic is slightly warmer than the Antarctic. In summer, on the border of the Arctic Circle, many plants appear that serve as food for rodents. Some of the most beautiful animals eat rodents birds of prey- white (polar) owls. The Arctic is home to reindeer, polar bears, arctic foxes and seals.

Arctic Animals

The Arctic is the northernmost polar region of the globe. It includes the entire Arctic Ocean with islands and the northernmost outskirts of Europe, Asia and America. It is always cold here, even in summer the air temperature rarely exceeds 0 °C. Low temperatures air does not allow plants and cold-blooded animals to develop. But in the Arctic you can find mammals and birds. Their whole life is connected with the ocean. IN sea ​​water, the temperature of which, even in severe frosts, is always above O °C, there is food for them - plants, fish and invertebrates.

The dark polar winter lasts for six long months, but even in the summer the sun does not rise high above the horizon. Temperatures only rarely rise above zero, and in Antarctica, where it is even colder than the Arctic, it can drop to -84.4 C. Despite this, some animal species feel at home here.

Since there is practically no vegetation here, large animals feed on marine fish, which are found in great abundance. For mammals and birds, the most important thing is to maintain heat, so they adapt to the conditions of their environment, having either a thick subcutaneous fat layer, or thick fur or dense plumage. Some types of insects spend the winter hibernating under snow cover. Animals that have not adapted to extreme cold conditions spend winter period in warmer southern countries.

White bears

The mighty polar bear is the largest land predator in the Arctic (not counting the huge brown bears in Alaska and Russia). The polar bear mainly lives in coastal areas and on pack ice. In the tidal zone of the polar seas there is a lot of plankton, which feeds fish and other animals, which, in turn, become food for polar bears.

Adult animals reach sizes of about 3.3 meters in length and a height at the withers of up to 1.5 m. An adult male polar bear can weigh up to 800 kg. Hardy swimmers, they can cover long distances, and sometimes bears swim many hundreds of kilometers on drifting ice floes. .

The main prey of polar bears is small seals, there are many of them in the Arctic. In search of seals, the bear stands on its hind legs and sniffs - it smells prey from kilometers away. The bear approaches from the leeward side, so that the wind does not carry its scent to the seals, and crawls towards the rookery on its belly. They say he even covers his black nose with his paw so as not to be noticed. Having chosen a victim, the bear grabs it in a deft throw. The bear will swim under the water to the seals resting on the edge of the ice floes and drag away the closest one. It happens that the ice traps arctic dolphins - orcas - in small ice holes. The bear beats the floundering animals with its paws, drags them onto the ice and stacks them in the cold, creating a food warehouse in a natural refrigerator. The walrus is a desirable prey, but it is twice as heavy as a bear, and a predator cannot defeat it. The smart bear, knowing the timidity of walruses, runs around their rookery and growls. The walruses, in a panic, crushing each other, rush to the sea, and the bear collects the “harvest”: wounded adults and crushed walruses. In summer, bears enter the tundra to diversify their diet with lemmings, nesting birds, as well as mosses, lichens and berries.

However, the most favorite food of polar bears is ringed seals and bearded seals (sea hares). The bear waits patiently at the hole as they come up for air. Having stunned the prey with its powerful paw, it pulls it out of the water and immediately eats it. A female bear usually gives birth to one or two cubs and raises them in a den made in ice.

Seals

There are eight species of seals living in the Arctic - seven species of true seals and walruses. The common seal is an inhabitant of the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Seals do not go out to the open sea. They can be found swimming near the shore or resting on land or ice. Adult seals have very thin fur, which is in no way capable of protecting them from the cold. How does a seal escape from severe frosts and icy water? It turns out that their subcutaneous fat plays a heat-insulating role. Its thickness can reach tens of centimeters. With such a pillow, a seal can lie for hours on the snow, which does not even melt under it, while its body temperature remains constant and high (+38 ° C).

Seals trace their origins back to ancient land animals. carnivorous mammals. Over millions of years of evolution, they have adapted to life in water: their limbs turned into flippers, and their body became spindle-shaped and streamlined. Seals move on land with great difficulty and, in case of danger, immediately dive into the water - they can remain in a state of immersion for several minutes.

Seals feed mainly on fish. In pursuit of schools, they often swim into the lower reaches of rivers.

Unlike whales, seals breed exclusively on land. Their cubs are dressed in lush white or gray fur, which disappears after the first moult.

Walruses

Walruses are huge sea animals, inhabitants of the Arctic. They, like seals and fur seals, belong to the order Pinnipeds. Walruses have sparse hair, and in older individuals it is completely absent. They are warmed by a thick layer of subcutaneous fat. The skin is very strong, almost like armor, with many huge folds. Among modern animals, walruses have the most powerful tusks. In some males their length can reach 80 cm!

In Arctic waters, walruses stay in shallow water areas rich in bottom animals: mollusks, worms, crabs - this is their main food; they use their extraordinary fangs to dig up prey from the bottom of the sea.

Walruses are excellent swimmers and divers. On land they are clumsy and move with great difficulty, and when getting out onto an ice floe they help themselves with their fangs.

They breed on land. Fierce fights occur between males. Thick skin protects them from serious damage by powerful fangs. Cubs are born with thick hair, which disappears over time. Nobody teaches little walruses to swim; immediately after birth, they fearlessly rush into ice water and dive with pleasure.

Due to predatory fishing, there are few walruses left (they were hunted for their meat, skin, fat and tusks). In our country, walruses are protected.

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

In connection with such weather conditions Animals of 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 Arctic deserts?

Birds are the most numerous representatives of the fauna that live in the area arctic deserts. Here there are large populations of pink gulls and guillemots, which feel comfortable in Arctic conditions. There is also a northern duck – the common eider – found here. The largest bird is the northern owl, which hunts not only other birds, but small animals and the young of large animals.

Pink seagull

Common eider

What animals can be found in the Arctic?

Among the cetaceans in the Arctic desert zone there is a narwhal, which has long horn, and its relative – the bowhead whale. There are also populations of polar dolphins - beluga whales, large animals that feed on fish. Killer whales are also found in the Arctic deserts, hunting various northern animals.

There are numerous populations of seals in the Arctic desert, including harp seals, mobile, large sea hares - seals, 2.5 meters tall. Even in the vastness of the Arctic you can meet walruses - predators that hunt animals of smaller dimensions.

Among the land animals in the Arctic desert zone, polar bears live. In this area, they are excellent hunters both on land and in water, as they dive and swim well, which allows them to feed on marine animals.

White bears

Another severe predator is the Arctic wolf, which in this area is not found alone, but lives in a pack.

Here lives such a small animal as the arctic fox, which has to move around a lot. Among the rodents you can find lemmings. And, of course, there are large populations of reindeer.

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 maintaining heat, so in order to survive, animals must regulate their temperature. Bears and arctic foxes have thick fur for this purpose. This protects animals from severe frost. Polar birds have loose plumage that fits tightly to the body. Seals and some marine animals develop a fatty layer inside their bodies that protects them from the cold. Animals' protective mechanisms are especially active as winter approaches, when frosts reach 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, while others can successfully hunt to feed their offspring.

The most amazing inhabitants of the Arctic

According to many people, the most amazing animal of 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 essentially it is a tooth that does not play any role in its life.

The polar dolphin, the beluga, lives in Arctic waters. He eats only fish. Here you can also meet the killer whale, which is a dangerous predator that does not neglect either fish or larger ones. sea ​​creatures. The Arctic desert zone is home to seals. Their limbs are flippers. If on land they look clumsy, then in water flippers help animals maneuverably swim with 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 due to the harsh climatic conditions, not all people want to join this world.

Beyond the 65th parallel. The Arctic begins there. It affects the northern extremities of Eurasia and America, adjacent to north pole. If the latter reigns endless winter, then it is summer in the Arctic. It is short-lived and allows about 20 species of animals to survive. So, here they are - the inhabitants of the Arctic.

Herbivores

Lemming

Outwardly, it is little different from a hamster; it also belongs to rodents. The animal weighs about 80 grams and reaches 15 centimeters in length. The lemming's fur is brown. There are subspecies that turn white in winter. In cold weather the animal remains active.

Lemmings - arctic animals feeding on plant shoots, seeds, moss, and berries. Most of all, northern “hamsters” love young shoots.

Herbivorous lemmings themselves provide food for many Arctic inhabitants

Muskox

It lives mainly in northern Greenland and the Taimyr Peninsula. The number of the species is declining, so in 1996 the musk ox was listed in Krasnaya. The closest relatives of the northern giants are mountain sheep. Outwardly, musk oxen are more similar to bovid animals.

The approximate height of the musk ox is 140 centimeters. In length Animals of the Arctic Red Book reach 2.5 meters. There is only one species living on the planet. There used to be two, but one has died out.

These giant bulls are on the verge of extinction and are protected by law

Belyak

Recently isolated as a separate species, it no longer belongs to the common hare. The Arctic has short ears. This reduces heat loss. Thick, fluffy fur also saves from the cold. The body weight of the Arctic hare is greater than that of the common hare. The length of the resident of the North reaches 70 centimeters.

On photo animals of the Arctic often eat woody parts of plants. This is the basis of the hare's diet. However, favorite dishes are buds, berries, and young grass.

You can distinguish an Arctic hare from a regular hare by their shorter ears.

Reindeer

Unlike other deer, they have changeable hooves. In summer, their base resembles a sponge, cushioning on soft ground. In winter, the pores tighten, and the dense and pointed edges of the hooves become pronounced. They crash into ice and snow, eliminating slipping.

There are 45 species of deer on the planet, and only the northern one grows antlers, regardless of whether it is a male or a female. Moreover, males they shed their hats at the beginning of winter. It turns out that Santa's sleigh is pulled by reindeer.

Both male and female reindeer have antlers

Predators

Arctic fox

Otherwise called the polar fox, it belongs to the canine family. As for domestic animals, it resembles a Spitz dog. Like domestic quadrupeds, Arctic foxes are born blind. The eyes open after about 2 weeks.

Animals of the Arcticgood parents and partners. As soon as the female’s belly becomes round, the male begins to hunt for her, feeding the chosen one and the offspring even before birth. If someone else's litter is left without parents, the Arctic foxes that find the puppies adopt the babies. Therefore, 40 cubs are sometimes found in the burrows of polar foxes. The average litter size of Arctic foxes is 8 puppies.

Wolf

Wolves are born not only blind, but also deaf. After a few months, the puppies become powerful, ruthless predators. Wolves eat their victims alive. However, the point is not so much in sadistic inclinations, but in the structure of the teeth. Wolves are unable to kill prey quickly.

Scientists wonder how man domesticated the wolf. Modern grays cannot be trained, even having grown up in captivity and not knowing wild life. For now, the question remains unanswered.

Polar bear

This is the largest warm-blooded predator on the planet. Stretching up to 3 meters in length, some polar bears weigh about a ton. The giant subspecies grew up to 4 meters and 1200 kilos. He left animal world Arctic.

Polar bears may or may not hibernate. The first option is usually chosen by pregnant females. Other individuals continue to hunt mainly aquatic inhabitants.

Arctic sea animals

Seal

In Russian territories there are 9 species, all - animals of the Arctic and Antarctic. There are seals weighing 40 kilograms, and there are also about 2 tons. Regardless of the species, seals are half fat. It provides warmth and buoyancy. In water, seals, like dolphins, use echolocation.

In the Arctic, seals are hunted by killer whales and polar bears. They usually eat young animals. Large seals are too tough for predators.

Ringed seal

The most common Arctic seal and the main delicacy of polar bears. If the latter are included in the list of protected species, then this does not threaten the seal population yet. According to rough estimates, there are 3 million individuals in the Arctic. Tendency to increase in numbers.

Weight Limit ringed seal equal to 70 kilograms. The animal reaches 140 centimeters in length. Females are slightly smaller.

sea ​​hare

On the contrary, it is the largest of the seals. Average weight about a semitone. The length of the animal is 250 centimeters. In structure, the hare differs from other seals in its front legs, almost at shoulder level, shifted to the sides.

Possessing powerful jaws, the sea hare lacks strong teeth. They are small and wear out quickly and fall out. Old seals often have toothless mouths. This complicates the hunt for fish - the basis of the predator's diet.

Narwhal

A sort of dolphin with a horn instead of a nose. It seems so. The horns are actually long fangs. They are straight and pointed. In the old days, narwhal tusks were passed off as unicorn horns, supporting legends about their existence.

The price of a narwhal tusk is comparable to the cost of elephant tusks. In sea unicorns, the length of the fang can reach up to 3 meters. You won’t find such elephants in modern times.

Walrus

Being one of the largest pinnipeds, walruses grow only meter-long tusks. With them the animal clings to the ice floes, getting ashore. Therefore, in Latin the name of the species sounds like “walking with the help of fangs.”

Walruses have the largest baculum of any living creature. We're talking about a bone in the penis. An Arctic resident “boasts” of a 60-centimeter baculum.

Whale

It is the largest not only among modern animals, but also ever living on earth. Length blue whale reaches 33 meters. The weight of the animal is 150 tons. Here what animals live in the Arctic. It is not surprising that whales are the desired prey of the northern peoples. Having killed one individual, the same Evenks provide the settlement with food for the entire winter.

Scientists believe that whales originated from artiodactyl mammals. It’s not for nothing that there are scraps of fur on the bodies of sea giants. And whales feed their offspring with milk for a reason.

Birds of the Arctic

Guillemot

This is an indigenous inhabitant of the glacial expanses. The bird is medium in size, weighs up to one and a half kilos, and extends 40 centimeters in length. The wingspan is absurdly small, making it difficult for the guillemot to take off. The bird prefers to rush down from the rocks, immediately picked up by air currents. It takes off from the surface after a 10-meter run.

The guillemot is black above and white below. There are thick- and thin-beaked birds. They are classified into 2 separate subspecies. Both have nutritious feces. They are happily eaten by shellfish and fish.

Pink seagull

Residents of the North poetically call it the dawn of the Arctic Circle. However, in the last century, the same inhabitants of the Arctic, in particular the Eskimos, ate seagulls and sold their stuffed ones to Europeans. They charged about 200 dollars for one. All this reduced the already small population pink birds. They are included in the Red Book list as an endangered species.

The length of the pink gull does not exceed 35 centimeters. The back of the animal is gray, and the chest and belly are similar to the tone of a flamingo. The legs are red. The beak is black. The “necklace” on the neck is the same tone.

Ptarmigan

Loves hummocky tundra, but is also found in the Arctic. Like the common partridge, the ptarmigan belongs to the grouse family, an order of chickens. The Arctic species is large. The animal reaches 42 centimeters in length.

The partridge's thickly feathered paws help it survive in the north. Even their fingers are covered. The bird's nostrils are also “dressed”.

Chistik

It nests on rocky shores and is colored black. There are white markings on the wings. The bird's sky is bright red. The paws have the same tone. The length of the guillemot reaches 40 centimeters.

Guillemots are numerous in the Arctic. There are approximately 350 thousand pairs. The population feeds on fish. Nests on coastal rocks.

Lyurik

A regular at northern bird markets. Breeds in large colonies. They can be located either near the water or up to 10 kilometers away.

Lyurik has a short beak and appears to be dressed in a tailcoat. The bird's breast is white, and everything on top is black, as is the underbelly. The head is also dark. The dandy's dimensions are miniature.

Bunochka

It belongs to the oatmeal family, is miniature, weighing approximately 40 grams. Migratory bird from warm countries returns to the Arctic in March. The males arrive first. They are preparing their nests. Then the females arrive and the mating season begins.

In terms of nutrition, buntings are omnivores. In summer, birds prefer animal food, catching insects. In autumn, snow buntings switch to berries and mushrooms.

polar owl

It is the largest among owls. The wingspan of the bird reaches 160 centimeters. Like many animals of the Arctic, she is white as snow. This is a camouflage technique. In addition to external stealth, the flight is noiseless. This helps the owl catch prey. Mostly lemmings become her. In 12 months, an owl eats more than one and a half thousand rodents.

Polar owls choose high places for nests, trying to find a dry place without snow.

The polar owl is the most major representative owl family

In contrast to the 20 species of animals and birds, there are 90 species in the Arctic. Therefore, speaking about Arctic animals, you devote most of your time to birds. They began to study them, as well as the area itself, in the 4th century BC.

The reports of Pytheas from Marseille have been preserved. He traveled to Tula. This was the name of the country in the Far North. Since then, the general public has learned about the existence of the Arctic. Today, 5 states claim it. True, everyone is interested not so much in the unique nature as in the shelf with oil.

The populations of most species of Franz Josef Land seabirds are in relatively good condition. Birds here are not threatened by many negative factors associated with human activities in other areas Barents Sea, especially in the south and southeast, such as collecting eggs, hunting birds (mainly in the past), undermining the food supply due to overfishing of abundant fish species, high levels chemical pollution, bycatch in the net, hunting. Thus, archipelago seabird populations can be considered a good indicator of background changes in Arctic marine ecosystems.

Seabirds

The seabird population of the area is typical for the islands of the high-latitude Arctic. Species dependent on sea resources absolutely predominate here - these are typical seabirds, coastal semi-aquatic and waterfowl species.

Colonial seabirds undoubtedly form the core of the local avifauna. They absolutely dominate in numbers and are the most important component of the marine and coastal ecosystem of the area. To date, more than 100 seabird colonies have been recorded for Franz Josef Land, but this list is still far from complete. For example, based on the results of the analysis of multispectral space satellites, about 300 potential nesting sites for seabirds were identified on the islands of the archipelago, marked by the characteristic spectral characteristics of plant communities in the corresponding coastal habitats. The existence of numerous populations of seabirds is ensured by the presence of a rich food supply in the waters adjacent to the islands, as well as by their distribution along an extended coastline rocky cliffs and screes suitable for nesting.

The population of bird colonies is classified as the so-called high-Arctic type, which is characterized by the predominance of auks. Common numerous species are thick-billed guillemot and kittiwakes; Typical species are glaucous guillemot, Arctic guillemot and Atlantic fulmar. The ivory gull is also characteristic, but it nests in separate colonies. All six species rarely nest together in one colony; such a rich settlement is known, for example, on the Rubini rock, about. Hooker. According to rough estimates, the total number of seabirds in the archipelago can reach 400 thousand pairs.

Lyurik

A characteristic native of the Arctic, inhabiting the high-latitude regions of its Atlantic sector. Little auk is represented on Franz Josef Land large form– polar auk. Little auks nest everywhere on suitable areas coast in the shelters of rock crevices and scree. Little auks live together with other species of birds, and also form independent settlements in places unsuitable for nesting of other species. In total, about 70 colonies with a total number of about half a million birds have been described on the islands. Feeding little auks can be found throughout the waters of the archipelago and beyond. Sometimes they travel distances of 100–200 km to reach waters rich in food, such as the ice edge or slope area continental shelf. Little auks are specialized planktivores, their main food is small crustaceans; in the Franz Josef Land region these are calanus, mainly Calanus glacialis, with a smaller number of amphipods. Little auks are among the first to arrive in the nesting area; already in early March you can see flocks of them swarming near the icy rocks.

Thick-billed guillemot

Representative of auks, nests in southern and central regions archipelago, which is due to the presence of suitable rock walls and easier ice conditions. This is one of the most numerous species of seabirds in the northern hemisphere with a circumpolar distribution. In total, more than 20 colonies have been described on the archipelago, and the guillemot is probably in second place after the auk in terms of numbers. The largest colonies of up to 10 thousand pairs or more are located along the southern coast and in the center of the archipelago (on the Rubini rock).

Guillemots nest on cliffs that usually drop straight into the sea, but on Franz Josef Land they also inhabit cliffs hundreds of meters from the edge of the coast. Guillemot colonies are mixed, usually containing kittiwakes, little auks, guillemots, and a small number of glaucous guillemots. The placement of colonies is limited by ice conditions in the second half of summer and the presence of suitable rocky cliffs near the water's edge. Since guillemot chicks jump from the eaves of nesting colonies without yet acquiring the ability to fly, it is necessary that by the end of nesting there is no fast ice or compacted ice at sea under the colony. At Cape Bystrov, Jackson Island, is the northernmost known thick-billed guillemot colony. To feed, guillemots can fly far to the north of the breeding colonies; in particular, feeding aggregations of guillemots were found several tens of kilometers north of the archipelago, in the area of ​​the continental slope. Guillemots are typical seabirds that come to land only for nesting. Food is obtained by diving, they prefer common species of fish; on Franz Josef Land, this is, first of all, polar cod; if there is a shortage of it, it consumes various crustaceans.

Guillemots do not migrate long distances; in winter they usually move south from the advancing ice edge. A small number of guillemots can remain for the winter in the archipelago area, due to the presence of stationary polynyas. The mass appearance of guillemots in the polynyas occurs already at the end of March.

Arctic guillemot

It is found everywhere in the archipelago, but does not form large colonies. It settles in rock crevices on its own or in the vicinity of other species. The most severe areas of the archipelago and islands with a limited range of nesting habitats are characterized by joint settlements of guillemots with more numerous little auks. Several dozen nesting sites for guillemots have been described, but this list is very incomplete, since guillemots settle in any suitable places, sometimes in just a few pairs. Unlike previous species, guillemots lead a coastal lifestyle and do not form large aggregations at sea. They hunt coastal fish species and can collect food at the lower surface of drifting ice. Guillemots do not make long movements; they can spend the winter in open waters and clearings, incl. in small quantities in the waters of the archipelago.

Common Kittiwake

A characteristic species that forms bird colonies along with guillemot. It nests throughout the archipelago, where there are suitable rocks: more than 30 colonies have been described. The largest known settlements (more than 5–10 thousand pairs) are located on the southern coast. Kittiwakes are typical sea gulls that get all their food in the sea, but unlike diving auks, they catch prey from the surface of the water. The basis of nutrition is abundant species of small fish, in the conditions of the archipelago this is cod, and in its absence – zooplankton.

White seagull

Characteristic representative ice zone Arctic, this species has a fairly limited breeding range and low total numbers. White seagull included in the Red Book Russian Federation, and in the IUCN Red Book it protective status in 2005 raised to “vulnerable” (VU). On migrations and migrations, the white gull is found in all Arctic seas, but nests only on the islands of the Atlantic sector. Franz Josef Land is part of a key part of its breeding range.

The ivory gull is a typical ice-loving species - it is associated with ice throughout the entire life cycle. The white gull can rarely be found in ice-free waters, and on land it is found mainly on islands with glaciers or on islands surrounded by icy waters. The ivory gull feeds on fish, mainly cod, as well as crustaceans and other invertebrates. Seagulls also willingly pick up the remains of prey of other animals, kitchen waste and hunting waste, and they can often be found next to polar bears or in village dumps. Over the entire history of exploration on Franz Josef Land, less than 20 colonies of ivory gulls have been found. In favorable years, the total number of birds nesting on the archipelago can reach 2–3 thousand pairs.

The proximity of white gulls to humans is noteworthy - in some years the birds nested right next to the runway in the area of ​​the border post.

Burgomaster

The largest gull in the archipelago. It is widespread throughout the archipelago, nesting both in bird colonies and forming small independent settlements, or settling in isolated pairs. In the absence of lemmings and with low nesting densities of land birds, glaucous gulls on Franz Josef Land are entirely dependent on sea resources, either predating on seabird colonies or directly preying on fish and marine invertebrates.

Arctic tern

Widely distributed throughout the archipelago, but breeds sporadically. It does not form large colonies on Franz Josef Land. Its most numerous settlements, known, for example, on the islands of Hayes and Lamon, do not exceed 100–200 pairs. Usually there are up to 15–30 pairs in colonies, sometimes single nests are found. Terns settle close to the sea on beaches, spits, and small islands. They feed in coastal waters small fish. Terns are among the last to arrive at the archipelago and leave it earlier than others, since they make very long migrations to winter in the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic coast.

Other species of gulls, although not among the species that regularly nest on the islands, are widespread in the water area and give a characteristic appearance to the local bird population. These are, first of all, pink gulls and skuas.

Skuas

All four species of Arctic skuas have been recorded on the archipelago, but of these, only the Short-tailed Skua breeds regularly, but in very small numbers. Its nests are usually located near colonies of seabirds, which serve as the skuas' main source of food.

The skua is a common, sometimes numerous, nomadic species in the water area. The Long-tailed Skua is found much less frequently on migrations. Both species feed on mouse-like rodents during the nesting period, and the absence of lemmings on the islands limits their breeding opportunities here. The Great Skua was first recorded on the archipelago in 1992, and since then has been recorded occasionally but regularly. The Great Skua, a relatively recent invader to the Russian part of the Barents Sea, is expanding its presence in the region, and can currently be considered a regular visitor to Franz Josef Land.

Atlantic fulmar

On Franz Josef Land it has the northeastern limit of its breeding range. There are about 15 known nesting sites in the archipelago, all except in the extreme northeast, where there are no rocks suitable for breeding. Fulmar settlements on the archipelago are small; in the surveyed colonies the number did not exceed 500–650 pairs. In total, according to estimates, about 2–3 thousand pairs nest on the islands. Fulmars settle on rocky cliffs together with other inhabitants of bird colonies. These are typical seabirds that forage for food (mainly zooplankton) in the surface layer of the sea. Fulmars are characterized by very wide feeding movements, and the birds fly far beyond the archipelago to hunt.

Waterfowl

Greenland common eider

A common breeding species, but not numerous and sporadically distributed on the islands. In the territory national park and the reserve there are the only nesting sites of the Greenland subspecies in Russia. Eiders settle mainly on small low-lying islands, beaches and spits, but individual nests can also be found in the interior of the islands. Nesting has been found on more than 10 islands, but the list is far from complete. The most numerous settlements in the form of loose colonies are described from Alexandra Land, the region of. Apollo, Hayes Island, Lamon Island, Dead Seal Island, and some others. In the coastal waters of these islands, brood flocks of up to 20–30 birds can be found from the end of July. Eiders often nest under the protection of other birds. On Franz Josef Land they are known to nest together with Arctic terns and ivory gulls. Common eiders feed on benthic organisms, mainly mollusks and crustaceans, sea ​​urchins and other invertebrates, catching them by diving in shallow water.

Other species of waterfowl are very rare on the archipelago.

Atlantic brant

When nesting, it is more rare and less numerous than the eider. On Franz Josef Land and, apparently, in the far north of Novaya Zemlya, there are also the only nesting sites in Russia for the subspecies listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. Geese nests have been found on the islands of Alger, Graham Bell, Hooker, Elizabeth, Lamont, and Hayes. “Grey” geese are also regularly spotted on the archipelago; judging by the specimens caught, they are classified as short-billed bean geese.

Red-throated loon

An extremely rare breeding species, although birds are found quite regularly throughout the archipelago.

Land birds

Tundra partridge

One of rare species local avifauna. Its presence has been noted repeatedly on many islands, but its status remains unclear. Nesting in last years proven only for o. Hayes. A flock of partridges was observed in 2011 on the island. Hooker. The partridge is the only species not associated with the sea that winters on the archipelago.

Sandpiper

Common breeding species of the archipelago, the most widespread of land species. Sandpipers inhabit the flat areas of the islands with the most developed vegetation. Sandpipers feed on small soil and littoral invertebrates. During the nesting period, waders stick to tundra areas, and after the end of breeding they can more often be found on sea ​​coast, where they can form small flocks before leaving the archipelago.

Tiemaker

First recorded on the archipelago in 2006. On about. Hayes, a brood of downy chicks was found in the uninhabited territory of the polar station in late July.

Bunochka

The only native representative of passerine birds in the archipelago. Found everywhere, but nesting is limited by the availability of suitable habitats. The snow bunting makes nests in sheltered places, using rock crevices, scree, voids near large stones and other natural niches, as well as human buildings. Therefore, nesting snow buntings can more often be found in bird colonies than in the lowland tundra. After the end of the nesting season, snow buntings unite in small flocks and wander throughout the archipelago before leaving, choosing places with richer vegetation, as they feed on seeds during this period. Of the birds not associated with the sea, snow buntings are the first to arrive on the archipelago - their appearance is noted in early April, and cases of sightings of the first birds are known even in March.

Other species are noted as vagrants.

The Arctic climate is quite harsh. Snowfalls, strong cold winds, fog and gloom are all part of this northern region. Despite this, Arctic animals have learned to survive and defend their territory on this icy land.

Nature has been preserved here in its original form However, the constant melting of ice, oil production and poaching may lead to the fact that many species that live exclusively in this corner of the Earth will disappear forever.

Herbivores

The vast northern spaces shelter many representatives of the animal world on their territory. And no matter how strange it may sound, herbivorous fauna also live on the icy Earth. Every day begins with a search for food. Only in constant movement can natural selection be overcome.

The Arctic is home to animals that differ in the way they feed, obtain food, and habitat.

This representative of lagomorphs is an amazing animal. Previously, it was classified as a subspecies of the mountain hare, but today it is distinguished as a separate species. It has short ears, which reduces heat transfer. The fur is fluffy and very thick, which also saves the animal from extreme cold. The tail is only 5 cm, but the hind legs are long and powerful, which allows it to move through deep snowdrifts.

The hare runs very fast - 60-65 km per hour. This speed often saves him from a predator. It finds food with the help of its excellent sense of smell, and its claws help it reach plants by digging through layers of snow.

This rodent is not much different in external signs from a normal hamster. Little animal it reaches only 8-15 cm in length and weighs about 70-80 g. Small ears are hidden under fur, which in some subspecies turns white by winter. This camouflage helps to hide from dangerous predators. However, most representatives have completely gray or gray-brown fur. The rodent is found where there is vegetation. Well adapted to harsh climates. Lemmings feed on young shoots, moss, various seeds and berries. Life expectancy is only 2 years.

An elegant animal that wears branched horns on its head and has warm and dense fur. Perfectly adapted to the harsh climate of the Arctic. Reindeer feed on reindeer moss. Weighs about 200 kg, reaches a height of 1.5 meters. It lives not only throughout the region, but also inhabits nearby islands. Vegetation obtains itself with the help of wide hooves.

Interesting fact! Reindeer has variable hooves. In summer they are loose, which improves shock absorption on soft ground. In the winter season, the pores tighten, the hooves become dense and pointed, which prevents slipping on ice.

A large and powerful animal. The musk ox can be up to 1.5 meters in height and weigh up to 650 kg. These herbivorous mammals have thick and long hair, which retains heat and protects from strong winds in such a harsh climate of the region of our planet. They live in large herds of 20-30 animals. This is how they protect themselves from predators. They feed on moss, tree roots, lichen, grass and flowers. Rounded hooves help them move freely on ice and rocks, as well as rake layers of snow to find vegetation.

Reference! The musk ox has ancient roots. These mammals were hunted by primitive people. Today there is only one single species on our planet. The animal is listed in the Red Book as a rare animal of the Arctic.

It is also called bighorn or chubuk. This is a beautiful artiodactyl animal with beautiful horns on its head. The bighorn sheep is slow and peaceful. It is more active during the day, but can search for food at night. It lives in the mountains in groups of 20-30 animals. It feeds on lichen, moss, tree roots, pine needles, dry grass and other vegetation, which it digs out from under the snow with its powerful hooves.

Despite their massive body, chibouks easily move by jumping up to 2 meters in height. The number of these artiodactyls is gradually increasing, however, bighorn sheep Today it is under protection and is included in the Red Book.

Dangerous land predators

Animals of the Arctic, despite strong winds and lack of heat are varied. Among the inhabitants of the northern space there are many predatory mammals. Their way of life is to constantly move and search for food.

Belongs to the canine family. This beautiful predator known for his chic “fur coat” far beyond the Arctic. This is a small animal up to 30 cm in length and weighing up to 50 kg. The predator runs fast and is distinguished by its endurance. Often stays near polar bears during hunting and eats their leftovers. The animal can be found throughout the icy land. They are good parents. As soon as the female becomes pregnant, the male begins to hunt for both, bringing prey until the babies are born.

Reference! A notable feature of polar foxes (the second name for arctic foxes) is the change in fur color. In the summer she Brown, and closer to winter it becomes snow-white.

The largest and most formidable predator that lives on land in this icy region. The animal can reach about 2.5-3 meters in length and weight up to 500 kg. The bear's skin is dark, almost black. The fur is snow-white, but in the summer it can become covered under the rays of the sun. yellow spots. Under the skin there is a thick layer of fat. The animal is characterized by endurance and patience in obtaining food.

Hunts walruses, penguins, seals, dolphins. Polar bear not only runs fast, but also swims well, and it is not difficult for him to get food. Therefore, all Arctic animals can fall into the clutches of this predator. IN hibernation Mostly pregnant females fall in.

From infancy, these representatives of the animal world become ruthless predators, although they are born deaf and blind. The weight of an adult wolf is 70-80 kg. Wolves eat their prey alive because, due to the structure of their teeth, they are unable to kill it quickly. This predator is omnivorous and can feed on any type of food. Can live for a week without food.

Outwardly they resemble a fluffy, pointy-eared dog. Nature endowed polar wolves with thick snow-white fur and sharp claws, with the help of which the animal easily moves along the icy surface.

Aquatic inhabitants of the Arctic

The fauna of the Arctic shelters a huge number of aquatic fauna in its vastness. Let's look at the most amazing animals that have adapted to eternal ice.

It's ferocious and dangerous predator Northern Arctic Ocean. It belongs to the seal family, although it does not look like them in appearance. The animal has a snake-like body, a flattened head with two rows of sharp teeth. Leopard seals weigh 270-400 kg and can be up to 3-4 meters in length. There is practically no subcutaneous fat. The color of the skin is dark gray, the belly is white. There are dark spots on the sides and on the head, which is how it got its ferocious name.

Polar whale is its second name. The mammal ranks second in the world in terms of its mass. The length of males is 17 meters, females are slightly smaller. Weight can vary from 70 to 100 tons. Subcutaneous fat is about 60 cm. The whale has a large skull with a huge oral cavity. Distinctive feature is U-shaped lower jaw which is covered with light skin. Life expectancy can be 180 years. The diet consists mainly of crustaceans and small zooplankton.

Lives in coastal ocean waters. This is a fairly large representative of the body of water. It can reach 3.5 meters in length (females are larger than males). Weight up to 800 kg. A unique feature of walruses is their huge tusks, up to 80 cm long, protruding from their mouths. Each weight is 2.5-3 kg. Pinnipeds have a wide muzzle and special whiskers called vibrissae, which help to detect the smell of shellfish (it eats about 45 kg of them per day). The animal is myopic. The eyes are very small.

A mammal inhabiting coastal waters, which in appearance resembles a large dolphin 4-6 meters long. It is also called a unicorn because the males have a straight, long (3 m) tusk. The narwhal's skin is speckled brown and its belly is light. The head is round with a clearly visible frontal part. Oral cavity It is located low, the eyes are small with keen vision. The diet consists mainly of mollusks, fish and crustaceans.

Amazing birds

The cold region with a harsh climate called the Arctic surprises with its diversity of fauna. Birds also found their place on this piece of land.

A very beautiful bird. This is a harsh predator that is constantly in flight for prey. The wingspan of an owl can reach up to 1.5 meters. Males are smaller in size than females and have a distinctive feature in the form of black specks. The eyes are yellow, the ears are so small that they are not visible. The beak is black, but completely hidden under the plumage.

Long claws help them hunt and perch comfortably on elevated places. The diet consists of small mammals.

Interesting fact! In times when there is not enough food, owls stop breeding for this time and fly closer to the southern regions.

Despite the strong cold winds, this small bird has found its home in the Arctic. It builds nests on the shores of the ocean. The seagull is no more than 35 cm long and weighs only 250 grams. The head is pale pink, and the back and wings are gray. The paws are bright red, and on her neck there is a black collar, which disappears with the onset of severe cold. Swims well in water and can sometimes land on ice floes. It feeds mainly on small insects, fish, crustaceans and mollusks. These fragile birds are often targeted by predators. They are hunted by Arctic foxes and reindeer.

The little auk is the second name for these birds. They nest in high latitudes. Little auks are the most mobile and smallest inhabitants of the Arctic among birds.

They move on land very deftly and quickly. They also feel confident at sea. Great maneuverability and frequent flaps during flight resemble a large insect rather than a bird. The color of the plumage resembles a tailcoat.

Arctic animals are in a daily struggle for life. Natural selection is cruel. Despite this, the northern region shelters a variety of fauna on its land.