Page 26 - An-introduction-to-Svalbard

MAMMALS

The ice plays a central role in the Arctic ecosystem, which is both
unique and vulnerable. In many ways, the mammals are Svalbard’s
very soul. Half of the 22 species of mammal that live on land and
ice and in the sea around Svalbard are whales. Svalbard reindeer
and Arctic fox are the only mammals that live entirely on land.

SVALBARD REINDEER (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus)

With its remarkably short legs and sturdy body, the Svalbard reindeer differs from other reindeer.
It has a thick, insulating fur, helping it to stand the long, cold winters. It has no natural
enemies and is never seen in large herds. Individuals usually stay within a radius of one
square kilometre. During the summer, Svalbard reindeer graze primarily on moss, heather
and lichens that are more nutritious here than in other, southerly parts of the Arctic. When
winter arrives, Svalbard reindeer have built up a decent reservoir of fat, which at the end of
the long dark period is substantially depleted. During the winter, the animal can lose almost
half of its body weight without endangering its life.

ARCTIC FOX (Alopex lagopus)

The Arctic fox is one of Svalbard's few predators, but it is smaller than the Scandinavian
Arctic fox. Both the white (white in winter, brown back and lighter belly during the summer)
and the blue (brown throughout the year) Arctic fox is found on Svalbard. Its compact body
and insulating fur are clever adaptations for life in the extreme Arctic climate. The coat is
dense, and the Arctic fox only has trouble keeping warm with temperatures creeping below
- 50°C. Its summer diet consists of birds and bird eggs, which the fox also stores in burrows
and rock crevices. During the winter it follows the polar bear on the ice and feeds on the
remains of the bear’s seal feasts.

Upper right: Grazing Svalbard reindeer.
Lower right: Arctic foxes.

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