Tundra Animals: List of 15 Interesting Animals in the Tundra with Facts
The tundra, an icy expanse, is a treeless, frozen terrain situated in the Arctic and certain mountainous high-altitude regions (alpine) worldwide. Referred to as “permafrost,” the tundra features soil that remains frozen for the majority of the year. Due to its short growing season, high altitudes, and rocky terrain, tree growth is hindered. Consequently, the tundra predominantly hosts vegetation such as shrubs, grass, lichens, moss, and sedges. The animals inhabiting the frozen tundra plains have adapted remarkably to survive in this challenging environment.
Tundra Animals and their Adaptations
Understanding Tundra Animals
Tundra animals are specialized creatures that have adapted to survive the extreme weather conditions prevalent in the tundra. Given that the Arctic tundra’s winter temperatures can plummet to as low as -25 degrees F, many of these animals possess thick fur, rounded ears, and bodies to retain heat efficiently. Some tundra inhabitants are herbivores, relying on the scarce vegetation for sustenance, while others in the alpine tundra are adept climbers, effortlessly navigating rocky terrains and high altitudes. Certain tundra animals are also situated near the Arctic Ocean and Antarctica’s coastlines.
Varieties of Tundra Animals
The tundra’s climate limits the diversity of animal species that can thrive in such harsh environments. Carnivores, including the polar bear, arctic fox, kea (parrot), and snowy owl, are among the tundra animals that subsist in this unforgiving terrain. Additionally, semi-domesticated or domesticated animals like the yak, caribou (reindeer), and musk ox are utilized for their milk, meat, hides, and even as modes of transportation. Notably, herbivorous tundra dwellers include the mountain goat, arctic hare, lemming, and marmot.
List of Tundra Animals
- Polar Bear
- Antarctic Penguin
- Himalayan Tahr
- Snowy Owl
- Musk Ox
- Arctic Fox
- Yak
- Pika
- Lemming
- Arctic Hare
- Kea (Parrot)
- Marmot
- Chinchilla
- Caribou (reindeer)
- Mountain Goat
Tundra Animals: Notable Insights
Several tundra animals face critical endangerment, including the chinchilla, extensively hunted for its fur. The Himalayan tahr, categorized as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List, confronts threats stemming from hunting practices and habitat loss. Climate change poses a significant challenge, impacting the habitat of the polar bear and other herbivorous tundra inhabitants such as the yak, pika, marmot, and lemming, altering their environment through rising temperatures.
The arctic fox, musk ox, and Himalayan tahr boast thick coats, with the arctic fox’s fur transitioning from brown in the summer to white in the winter. Adapted to the Arctic climate, the arctic hare features a thick white coat, short limbs, and a small nose, facilitating heat conservation, and can sprint up to 60 km/hr. The marmot resorts to hibernation during winter, whereas the lemming remains active, utilizing tunnels in the snow pack for foraging. Notably, male snowy owls exhibit more extensive white plumage compared to their female counterparts.
