Terrestrial fauna

The indicators for the wildlife on land (the terrestrial fauna) are intended to provide an impression of the state of such life in Svalbard and on Jan Mayen. The monitoring now concerns populations of Svalbard reindeer, arctic foxes and Svalbard ptarmigan.

Fauna Terrestrial fauna

Arctic fox

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is indigenous to the Arctic tundra and an apex predator and scavenger in Svalbard. It is functionally important because it affects prey species on land, through ground…

Fauna Terrestrial fauna

Svalbard reindeer

Management of the Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus), which is only found in Svalbard, is an all-Norwegian responsibility. It is monitored because it is a key species in the…

Fauna Terrestrial fauna

Svalbard rock ptarmigan

The Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea) is a subspecies of rock ptarmigan and is the only resident herbivorous bird species in Svalbard. It is endemic to Svalbard in Norway…