WWF: The Arctic
- 1/10
Of all of the wildlife in the Arctic, the polar bear is the most fitting icon for this region. Its amazing adaptation to life in the harsh Arctic environment makes it an impressive species. © Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon
© Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon - 2/10
For one of the smallest mammals, the sea otter can live its entire life without ever leaving the water. Sea otters are considered keystone species in their ecosystems, because they actually influence their environments. For instance, they eat sea urchins, which eat kelp in great abundance. When the sea urchins’ populations are controlled by sea otters, vital kelp forests can flourish. © Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon
© Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon - 3/10
The arctic fox eats lemmings, arctic hares and some birds and bird eggs. But its main source of food is the lemming and its population size fluctuates with the cycle of the lemming population. © Staffan Widstrand / WWF
© Staffan Widstrand / WWF - 4/10
Round Island - Considered a sanctuary for Pacific walruses. Walruses depend on sea ice as a platform for resting while they dive for food in the nearby shallow coastal waters. With plenty of space and lack of land-based predators, sea ice is also a safe place for calves to sit while mothers feed. © Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon
© Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon - 5/10
Of all of the wildlife in the Arctic, the polar bear is the most fitting icon for this region. Its amazing adaptation to life in the harsh Arctic environment makes it an impressive species. © Fritz Pˆlking / WWF
© Fritz Pˆlking / WWF - 6/10
A Northern Fulmar flies over calm seas. Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. © Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon
© Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon - 7/10
The arctic fox eats lemmings, arctic hares and some birds and bird eggs. But its main source of food is the lemming and its population size fluctuates with the cycle of the lemming population. © FranÁois Pierrel / WWF-Canon
© FranÁois Pierrel / WWF-Canon - 8/10
Belugas, like other Arctic whales, do not have dorsal fins (a dorsal fin causes extra heat loss and would be a major hindrance in the arctic ice), but they do have a tough dorsal ridge. They also have a thick layer of blubber that insulates them from the icy arctic waters. © Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon
© Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon - 9/10
Akutan Island seen from the Baby Islands Aleutian Islands, Alaska, United States of America. © Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon
© Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon - 10/10
A Northern Fur Seal sits on a rock, Seals are found along most coasts and cold waters but their biggest numbers are in the Arctic and Antarctic waters. © Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon
© Kevin Schafer / WWF-Canon
The Arctic – from the tundra, to the mountains, and to the sea itself – covers eight countries. It supports magnificent wildlife, the economy, and many cultures. Within the United States, the remarkable waters of the Arctic are home to whales, polar bears, walruses, and other wildlife found in few other places on Earth. The region is under threat from such factors as climate change, shipping, and oil and gas development. One of World Wildlife Fund’s top priorities in the region is protecting sensitive habitats and the people and wildlife that depend on them from these impacts. We bring together local communities, industries, governments, scientific institutions, and other conservation organizations to conserve this vibrant region. Go to www.worldwildlife.org/arctic to learn more about the Arctic and what you can do to help protect this beautiful place.