Iceland’s isolated position in the North Atlantic has shaped a unique ecological landscape, characterized by a sparsity of terrestrial fauna. This isolation, combined with the island’s geological youth and extreme climate, has resulted in a distinct predator ecosystem.
Iceland’s Endemic Land Hunter
The Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) is Iceland’s only native terrestrial mammal predator. It exhibits a thick, multi-layered fur coat that changes color seasonally, from white in winter to brown or grey in summer for camouflage. Arctic foxes are opportunistic feeders with a varied diet, consuming birds, eggs, small rodents, and carrion. Coastal populations often rely on seabirds and marine mammal carcasses, while inland foxes primarily prey on migratory birds and rock ptarmigan. They also employ “mousing,” leaping into snow to catch prey detected by keen hearing.
Apex Predators of the Sea
In the surrounding waters, the Orca (Orcinus orca), or Killer Whale, is an apex marine predator. These intelligent whales hunt cooperatively. While Icelandic killer whales frequently feed on herring, they also consume other fish, marine mammals, birds, and cephalopods. They utilize coordinated strategies, like herding fish with tail slaps and pulsed calls, to debilitate prey.
Iceland’s coastal waters host various seal species that prey primarily on fish. The Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) is the most common, preying on cod, herring, and capelin. Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) are another common, opportunistic species. Numerous seabird species, such as puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots, also prey on fish like capelin and sandeel in Icelandic waters.
Occasional Arctic Visitors
Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) are not residents of Iceland but are extremely rare visitors, typically arriving on drift ice from Greenland. These predators are often hungry upon arrival after extensive journeys on ice floes. Due to the threat they pose to humans and livestock, and the difficulties of capture and relocation, any polar bear sighted on land in Iceland is typically culled.
Other Notable Predators
The American Mink (Neovison vison) is an introduced species that has established wild populations across Iceland. Originating from fur farms in 1931, escaped mink spread rapidly, occupying most lowland areas by the mid-1970s. These semi-aquatic predators negatively impact local bird populations, especially ground-nesting species, and freshwater fish.
Iceland’s avian predators include birds of prey. The Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), Iceland’s national bird, is the largest falcon globally and a skilled hunter. Its diet primarily consists of birds like ptarmigan, but also includes seabirds, waterfowl, and small mammals. The White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is another avian predator, known for its large size and impressive wingspan. These eagles primarily hunt fish and water birds, but also scavenge carrion, especially in winter.