The North Pole is one of the most mysterious and inhospitable areas on planet Earth, with truly extreme weather and geography. Likewise, the fauna of the North Pole is truly surprising, as it is perfectly adapted to the cold living conditions of its surroundings.
In this article on our site we will talk about the animals of the North Pole, how these animals adapt to their habitat and the characteristics that make it possible. We will also show you some curiosities about some of the animals of the North Pole that you will surely like to know about.
Habitat of the animals of the North Pole
The North Pole is located in the Arctic Ocean, forming a huge floating ice cap without any landmass. Geographically described between the parallels 66º - 99º north latitude, this place is the only one on the planet where all directions point south. However, human beings are unaware of a large amount of data about this place, because given our biology and the conditions of the arctic, living in the North Pole is practically impossible, something that only a few daring people can achieve.
Given its location on planet Earth, the arctic zone enjoys 6 months of sunlight continues and followed by others 6 total night During winter and autumn, the temperature of the North Pole ranges between -43ºC and -26ºC, the harshest time of the year and, although it is hard to believe, it is a "warm" time compared to the winters in the South Pole, where temperatures reach - 65ºC in winter
In the light season, spring and summer, temperatures are around 0ºC. But it is precisely at this time when you can see a large number of living beings struggling to survive. However, it is also the period in which the greatest loss of ice is observed.
The North Pole melting problem is one of the most worrying global issues today. Although the thickness of the arctic sea ice is about 2 or 3 meters, this is not always the case. Studies show that the average thickness has decreased considerably in recent years and that it is very likely that in the coming decades the summers at the North Pole will be completely free of ice.
global warming is accelerating, threatening the persistence of the poles and the animals that live in them and even ours. The loss of the poles would entail very severe complications for the he alth of the planet, its climate in general and the subsistence of ecosystems
Characteristics of the animals of the North Pole
Compared to the South Pole, where climatic conditions are even harsher, the North Pole is the most biodiverse of the two poles. However, life here is not like what we are used to seeing in forests and jungles, but there is much less diversity. There are very few species of animals and only a few of plants.
The endemic animals of the North Pole stand out, in general and among many other characteristics, for the following:
- Fat layer under the skin: to insulate you from the cold and keep your body warm.
- Dense fur: in order to protect and adapt to the intense cold.
- White hair: Used by arctic mammals for camouflage, defense, or attacking prey.
- Few bird species: There are hardly any bird species, and those that do tend to migrate south during the winter to seek more warm.
1. Polar Bear
Among the animals that stand out the most in this inhospitable place are the famous polar bears (Ursus maritimus). These precious "bears", which look like cuddly toys, are actually one of the strongest animals in all of polo. This particular species is only visible in the arctic regions, at least in the wild, and they are solitary, intelligent and very protectiveanimals with their young, which are born during its parent's hibernation period.
These North Pole carnivores feed on a wide variety of mammals, such as baby seals and reindeer. Unfortunately, the most emblematic animal of the North Pole is also one of the species that is risk of disappearing We should know that the polar bear is in danger of extinction due to climate change, subsequent habitat destruction (thaw) and hunting.
two. Pied Seal
Seals are also abundant in these places, just as they are in the rest of the world. Seals are gregarious animals, living in groups, and feed on fish and shellfish. In addition, these mammals, categorized within the group of pinnipeds, can dive up to 60 meters deep and remain underwater for up to 15 minutes without breathing.
The Pia Seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) abound in the Arctic and stand out for sporting beautiful white and yellowish fur at birth that turns into silver gray as they age. In their adult stage they can weigh between 400 and 800 kg and reach speeds of more than 50 km/h despite their weight.
Despite being the prey of some of the animals of the North Pole, this species is especially long-lived and some specimens have even reached 50 years of age.
3. Humpback Whale
Likewise, among the aquatic animals of the North Pole we can highlight the whales or fin whales, the largest aquatic animals of the North Pole. Unfortunately, the colossal whales have also been seriously affected by human action, which places most of them in a state of vulnerability or threat
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is one of the largest aquatic mammals. It is approximately 14 meters long and weighs around 36 tons, although the species found in arctic waters can weigh up to 50 tons.
This particular species can be recognized by its characteristic "hump" located on the dorsal fin. In addition, it is very sociable, it has a generally louder song than the rest of the whales and they tend to perform somersaults and extraordinary movements in the water that are worth seeing.
4. Walrus
This other impressive semi-aquatic carnivorous animal lives in the arctic seas and coasts. The walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) belongs to the pinniped family and has a very special appearance, with enormous tusks provided in both sexes that can measure up to 1 meter in length.
Like other North Pole animals, it displays extremely thick fur and weighs approximately 800 to 1,700 kg in the male specimens and 400 and 1,250 in females.
5. Arctic or polar fox
This canid stands out for its singular beauty, thanks to its white coat, and its sociable character. In addition to its fur, the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) sports long, pointed ears and a nose. Since it is a nocturnal animal, its smell and hearing are highly developed These senses allow it to locate its prey under the ice and hunt them.
Thus, their diet is based on lemmings, seals (which polar bears often hunt, although they do not devour them completely), and fish. Thus, despite being a small animal, weighing between 3 and 9.5 kg, it is a natural predator in this inhospitable area.
Other North Pole Animal Names
Schematically, within the wild nature of this region, in addition to the above emblematic species, we can find the following North Pole animals:
- Narwhal (Monodon monoceros)
- Sea Lion (Otariinae)
- Elephant Seal (Mirounga)
- Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas)
- Caribou or reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
- Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos)
- Arctic tern or arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea)
- Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus)
- Arctic lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)
- Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
- Musk ox (Ovibos moschatus)
- Lemming vulgaris (Lemmus lemmus)
Finally, it is worth clearing up one of the most common misunderstandings about animals that live at the poles: there are no penguins at the North PoleAlthough we can observe other types of birds from the North Pole, such as the arctic tern, penguins are native to Antarctica, just like polar bears, they only live in the arctic zone.
Have you been wanting more? Don't miss this EcologíaVerde video about the animals of the North Pole and the South Pole, you'll love them!
