Birds and mammals of Svalbard

Polar bears are the largest species of bear in the world, and live mostly in areas that have sea ice during a significant part of the year. A 2004 survey of the Barents Sea population concluded that there are about 3,000 polar bears in this region.

The Arctic fox has a circumpolar distribution and is found in a wide variety of tundra habitats. It has a short snout, short rounded ears and a body size smaller than its close relative the red fox.

The ivory gull is a high arctic species that frequents ice-filled waters throughout the year, and is a medium-sized gull that is easy recognized by its pure white plumage, black legs and yellow bill with dark base.