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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…

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…

The common eider (Somateria mollissima borealis) is monitored due to that it is a significantly important species in the Arctic marine food chain. Eiders feed on benthic organisms and can…

The glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) has a circumpolar, high-Arctic distribution and breeds throughout Svalbard. It is a generalist that exploits many different kinds of prey such as fish…

Since the Brünnich’s guillemot (Uria lomvia) feeds on key species in the ecosystem and is so abundant, it may be a good indicator for the productivity of the ecosystem. The Brünnich’s…

The polar cod (Boreogadus saida) is the only strictly arctic pelagic fish species in the Barents Sea. It is adapted to Arctic water masses, with temperatures down to the freezing point. The…

The common guillemot (Uria aalge) is a dietary specialist that primarily feeds on pelagic fish species such as capelin and herring during the breeding season. This makes it a good indicator of changes in…

The black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) obtains its food on the surface and hence functions as an indicator for this part of the marine ecosystem. This pelagic gull constitutes a large proportion of the seabirds, in…

The hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) is one of two pelagic seal species that have been harvested in Norwegian territories. The population size of hooded seal has declined steadily after the…

The ivory gull (Pagophila eburnea) is a high-Arctic species that is associated with ice-filled waters throughout the year. The species is found in north-eastern Canada, Greenland, Svalbard and…