Greenland, the world’s largest island, presents a formidable Arctic environment characterized by vast ice sheets and extensive coastlines. Despite these harsh conditions, its unique ecosystems support a diverse array of animal life. These species have developed remarkable adaptations, enabling them to thrive in extreme cold and challenging terrain. Understanding Greenland’s native animals offers insights into the resilience of life in one of Earth’s most demanding habitats.
Land Mammals
Greenland’s terrestrial environment is home to several iconic mammals, each exhibiting specialized adaptations for survival in the Arctic.
The musk ox (Ovibos moschatus), a large, shaggy herbivore, is well-suited to the treeless tundra. It possesses a dense two-layered coat for insulation against extreme cold. These animals often form groups for protection from predators and thermal regulation.
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are found along Greenland’s coasts, relying heavily on sea ice for hunting seals. A unique population in Southeast Greenland has adapted to reduced sea ice by hunting from freshwater glacial ice. These bears demonstrate behavioral plasticity in their hunting strategies.
The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) has a thick, insulating coat that changes color seasonally for camouflage, from brown in summer to white in winter.
Arctic hares (Lepus arcticus) share similar camouflage, with some populations remaining white year-round. They possess shortened limbs and ears, along with a body adapted for heat retention. Hares can dig burrows under the snow for shelter and evade predators at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are widespread along Greenland’s west coast. Their double-layered fur, featuring hollow hairs, provides exceptional insulation and aids buoyancy when crossing water. Both male and female reindeer grow antlers, which females use in winter to clear snow and access food.
Marine Mammals
Greenland’s icy waters teem with a variety of marine mammals, many of which are specially adapted to life in a cold, ocean environment.
Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) are the most abundant Arctic seals, known for maintaining breathing holes in thick ice using their stout foreflipper. They often reside in snow-covered lairs on the ice, which offer protection from predators.
Harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), named for the harp-shaped marking on their backs, are highly migratory. Their thick blubber layer provides insulation in frigid waters, and their sleek bodies facilitate efficient swimming.
Greenland’s waters are also a summer feeding ground for numerous whale species.
The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is unique among baleen whales for overwintering in Greenland, possessing a blubber layer up to 60 cm thick and using its head to break through sea ice. They filter vast amounts of zooplankton and can live for over 200 years.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate to Greenlandic waters in summer, feeding on krill and small fish. They sometimes employ a cooperative bubble-netting technique to trap prey.
Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) also feed in these waters, primarily consuming capelin, sand eels, and krill.
The narwhal (Monodon monoceros) and beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) are medium-sized toothed whales. Beluga whales are recognizable by their distinctive white coloration, flexible necks, and absence of a dorsal fin, which allows for easier movement under ice. Their echolocation abilities are crucial for navigation and finding prey.
Birdlife
Greenland serves as a breeding ground and migratory stopover for a variety of bird species, many of which are highly adapted to the Arctic environment.
The rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) is a year-round resident, known for its seasonal camouflage, changing from mottled brown in summer to entirely white in winter. This grouse feeds on buds, seeds, leaves, and berries, with young ptarmigans also consuming insects.
The snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is an Arctic specialist, breeding across the circumpolar Arctic. These social birds migrate south for winter, returning to the high Arctic for breeding. Males arrive earlier to establish territories and attract females with loud songs and aerial displays.
Greenland’s coastal areas support numerous seabirds.
The Arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea) undertakes the longest migratory journey of any animal, traveling between its Arctic breeding grounds and the Antarctic. This allows them to experience two summers each year.
Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) breed in colonies along Greenland’s cliffs, digging burrows for their single egg. They spend autumn and winter at sea, returning to coastal areas in late spring to nest.
Common eiders (Somateria mollissima), large sea ducks, are predominantly resident in Greenland, nesting in dense colonies on small islands safe from foxes. They feed primarily on mussels and other benthic invertebrates, diving for food.
Among birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is Greenland’s largest raptor. It primarily feeds on marine fish and waterbirds, though it also consumes carrion and small mammals.
Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus), the largest falcons globally, are widely distributed in Greenland. Their diet varies by availability, including seabirds in coastal regions and rock ptarmigans and hares inland.
Aquatic Life and Insects
Greenland’s aquatic environments, from its cold ocean depths to freshwater lakes and rivers, support diverse fish populations, and its brief summer brings forth various insect species.
The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is a widespread fish in Arctic lakes and fjords, known for its adaptability to both freshwater and marine environments. Smaller char feed on macroinvertebrates, while larger individuals prey on smaller fish.
Greenland cod (Gadus ogac) are bottom-dwelling fish found in coastal waters and continental shelves. They are carnivorous, consuming other fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
The Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) is a flatfish inhabiting deeper, colder waters. This predatory fish primarily feeds on prawns, krill, and various fish, with its diet shifting from small crustaceans to fish as it grows.
During the short Arctic summer, insects such as mosquitoes, black flies, and midges emerge in large numbers. These insects play a foundational role in the food web. Their larvae are a food source for fish, and adult insects provide sustenance for many migratory birds.