Svalbard & Spitsbergen Destination Guide

Things to See

WILDLIFE

Wildlife in the Svalbard region and on Spitsbergen have had to adapt to extreme conditions in order to survive. As a result, there are few species, but those that have adapted are greater in number. Food is the greatest challenge, especially during the dark winter months. Arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer have adapted by spending the summer building a layer of body fat for winter survival. Other prolific species include walrus, many whale species and five types of seal. Only walrus, narwhal and bowhead whales stay in the area year-round, with the rest returning during summer months. It’s those months that give Spitsbergen its reputation as the place for arctic wildlife viewing.

SPITSBERGEN WILDLIFE

 Polar bears  Whales

 Arctic fox  Reindeer  Walrus  Beluga whale  Seals  Birds (over 30 species)

6 | QUARK EXPEDITIONS