Iceland’s distinct geographical position in the North Atlantic, combined with its volcanic origins and subarctic climate, creates a unique environment for its animal inhabitants. The island’s isolation and geological youth result in fauna that, while not as diverse in terrestrial species as continental landmasses, shows remarkable adaptations and significant populations in its surrounding waters and skies.
Land Mammals and Introduced Species
The Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) is Iceland’s sole native land mammal, adapted to the island’s environment since the last Ice Age. These foxes display seasonal coat changes, shifting from brown or grey summer fur to a thicker white or blue-grey winter coat for camouflage. Opportunistic feeders, Arctic foxes consume a variety of small prey, birds, eggs, and carrion, particularly in the Westfjords.
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), introduced from Norway in the 18th century, are a non-native land mammal population predominantly found semi-wild in eastern Iceland. The American Mink (Neovison vison), another introduced species, established wild populations after escaping fur farms in the 20th century, now inhabiting waterways and coastal areas. Iceland lacks native reptiles and amphibians due to its cold climate, isolation, and historical import restrictions.
Marine Life
Iceland’s nutrient-rich North Atlantic waters support a diverse array of marine mammals, making it a prime location for wildlife observation. Over 20 species of cetaceans have been recorded, including frequently sighted humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). These baleen whales typically arrive in Icelandic waters during spring and summer to feed, migrating to warmer breeding grounds in winter.
Toothed whales, such as orcas (Orcinus orca), white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), and harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), are also present, with some species year-round. Two seal species, the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus), breed along Iceland’s coastline and are commonly observed resting on rocky shores or sandy beaches. Other seal species, like harp and ringed seals, regularly visit Icelandic waters, particularly in colder northern regions.
Bird Diversity
Iceland is an important breeding ground for many migratory seabirds. The Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) is an iconic summer visitor, forming large nesting colonies along coastal cliffs. Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea) also breed here, known for their remarkable annual migration between the Arctic and Antarctic. Other abundant seabirds include:
- Various gulls, such as the Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus).
- Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis).
- Common Murres (Uria aalge).
- Razorbills (Alca torda).
The island hosts several raptor species. The Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), Iceland’s national bird, is the largest falcon and found across the country. The White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Europe’s largest eagle, inhabits coastal areas, particularly in western Iceland. Merlin (Falco columbarius) and Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) are also present.
Freshwater and Coastal Aquatic Animals
Iceland’s freshwater systems support a limited but notable array of fish species. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) are an anadromous species, migrating from the ocean to spawn in rivers, making them a focus for angling. Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) is the most widespread freshwater fish, found in various habitats and can also be anadromous. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) are another common freshwater fish, with both resident and sea-run populations. Other species include the Three-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and European Eel (Anguilla anguilla).
Iceland’s coastal waters support commercially important fish stocks. Cod (Gadus morhua) has historically been the most significant species for the Icelandic fishing industry, followed by haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus). Other key coastal species include herring (Clupea harengus), capelin (Mallotus villosus), and redfish (Sebastes marinus).