Arctic lemming pictures and facts

Arctic lemming

Order : Rodentia
Suborder : Sciurognathi
Family : Muridae
Subfamily : Arvicolinae
Species : Dicrostonyx torquatus

The Arctic lemming is listed as Least Concern (LR/lc), lowest risk. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Facts about the Arctic lemming

6 if Arctic lemmings are scarce these fly to Shetland (5,4)

Arctic lemming is now found living in burrows below the snow in the arctic regions from Scandinavia to eastern Canada and their abundance at the end of the Pleistocene is probably linked to extensive soft snow cover at this time.

Habitat and habits Back to top The smallest of the mammals of the High Arctic, lemmings are key species in arctic ecosystems.

Habitat and habits The smallest of the mammals of the High Arctic, lemmings are key species in arctic ecosystems.

Figure 1: The collared lemming, Dicrostonyx torquatus, is one of three lemming species found in Canada's Arctic. (Full text)

In the Arctic, lemmings are its preferred prey, although in winter it supplements its diet by scavenging from carcasses killed by bears and wolves. (Full text)

The mammoth with its long upwardly curved tusks 1 – is in the woodlands, and with him the companion whose remains are often found associated with his–the woolly rhinoceros; the hibernating marmot may be disturbed in its winter's sleep; 2 the arctic lemming is about, and the river drift hunter is pursuing the musk sheep and reindeer. (Full text)

The smallest of the mammals of the High Arctic, lemmings are key species in arctic ecosystems. (Full text)

The Arctic Lemming is an unusual little animal. (Full text)