Viking Cruises

Viking Explorer Society News - Issue 18 - Winter 2023

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The wildlife of the Arctic region is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature, embodying a delicate balance between survival and harmony in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Each creature that inhabits this region has its own story to tell, weaving a rich tapestry of life and adaptation in one of the planet's most extreme environments. Within the Arctic waters, majestic whales command attention with their graceful presence. Polar bears, the iconic symbol of the Arctic, are perfectly adapted to survive the harsh conditions of the Arctic. Migratory birds grace the Arctic skies, embarking on incredible journeys across continents. Other notable wildlife in the Arctic includes the Arctic fox, the elusive Arctic wolf and the musk ox. POLAR BEARS A marine mammal, they are the largest bear in the world and superbly adapted to survive in the Arctics harsh conditions. They spend most of their time on sea ice hunting for food. ARCTIC HARE Their long hind legs allow them to travel at speeds of more than 60 km an hour. In some areas of the Arctic they shed their fur changing colour from white to brown with the seasons. MIGRATORY BIRDS See black-legged kittiwakes, greater snow geese and the Arctic tern who embark on incredible journeys, flying from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back. ARCTIC FOX Camouflaged against the snow, the Arctic fox is a marvel of adaptation, their thick fur coat and fluffy tails keep them warm allowing them to thrive in extreme conditions. WHALES Home to 17 species including humpback, fin and minke whales who migrate to the region, while beluga and bowhead whales reside almost entirely in the Arctic year round. MUSK OXEN With their shaggy coats and imposing horns, these Arctic natives roam the tundra in search of lichens and vegetation. As their name suggests, males emit a musky odour during mating season. e wildlife OF THE ARCTIC Antarctic & Arctic fauna 66 VIKING

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