Birds and mammals

Some of the largest concentrations of birds (hundreds of thousands) in the North Atlantic region can be found at Svalbard. The bird-rocks are dominated by the little auk, the kittywake and the fulmar. All along the coast of Svalbard, as well as across the tundra in the large valleys, there are large populations of geese and wading-birds. The eider duck nests on all the islands of Svalbard. Most of the birds are migratory, spending the winter at the Barents Sea, along the coast of Norway or on the continent. 36 bird-species nest on Svalbard. The Svalbard-ptarmigan is the only bird that stays at Svalbard throughout the winter.

The Svalbard reindeer and the Arctic fox are found on most of the islands. A species of mouse, a vole, has found its way to the Isfjord area, most likely as stowaways on boats.

The polar- bear is considered a maritime mammal as it spends most of its life on the drifting pack-ice. A large number can be found on the islands east of Spitsbergen, yet you should be prepared to encounter a polar-bear wherever you are on Svalbard. The bears give birth to their cubs in snow-caves ashore. Their diet consists primarily of meat from seals.

In addition to the ringed seal, we find the bearded seal, the harbour seal and the walrus. The White whale is the most common whale frequenting the coast of Svalbard.

The rich nutrients found in the Barents Sea are the key source of sustenance for most of the animals living at Svalbard. It is the Gulf Stream bringing a potent mix of warm and cold water, relatively shallow waters and round-the-clock sunshine that allows this polar ocean region to be so tremendously productive during the summer.