The Svalbard rock ptarmigan is the only bird species in Svalbard during the winter. One of Europe’s largest bird cliffs may be found here in Svalbard. In the summer, the manure from the bird droppings creates green and lush vegetation under the bird cliff.

This includes polar bears, walruses, five species of seals and 12 species of whales. Of these, polar bears, walruses, narwhals, white and bowhead whales stay in the area year-round. The other species visit the area sporadically when food availability is favourable around Svalbard – in summer.

Are there narwhals in Svalbard?

The distribution of narwhal is largely confined to the North Atlantic region. They are most numerous in the eastern Canadian Arctic and along the coasts of Greenland. They also occur in the northern parts of Svalbard and the Franz Josef Land Archipelagos.