Arctic Tundra And Polar Regions

Treeless land of permafrost and endless summer light.

The Arctic tundra rings the top of the world, a treeless plain frozen for much of the year. Underneath lies permafrost, ground that stays frozen all year and locks away carbon.

The poles are warming faster than almost anywhere else, which makes them a global warning sign.

The Landscape

Low shrubs, mosses and lichens cover the ground, and the short summer thaw creates a surface rich in ponds and wetlands. Sea ice and coastal waters connect land animals to the ocean.

Who Lives Here

Polar Bears hunt on sea ice, Arctic Foxes and Snowy Owls follow lemming numbers, and Muskoxen and Caribou (Reindeer in Europe) roam the tundra. In the Antarctic, Emperor Penguins and seals depend on the ice and the rich Southern Ocean.

Through The Year

A brief explosion of life follows the thaw in summer, when migratory birds such as Arctic Terns arrive to breed under the midnight sun. In winter, polar night and extreme cold leave only hardy residents.

Pressures And Care

Warming, melting sea ice and permafrost thaw reshape the polar world, alongside industrial development and pollution. Cutting emissions is the most important action, while careful, low-impact visits reduce harm.

Visiting Well

Travel with expert operators who follow polar codes, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and take everything back with you.

Look for

Polar Bear
Arctic Fox
Snowy Owl
Muskox
Arctic Tern

Often a good time to visit: June, July. Conditions vary from year to year and place to place.

Related habitats

Upland · Coastal