Animals in Greenland

Greenland has four basic habitats, all of which are delicate. Coastal deserts are the more temperate parts of Greenland and where the majority of the population lives. Cold deserts, Arctic Tundra and polar regions. Each habitat is home to animals that have developed adaptations to survive the cold temperatures.

Several types of whales make their homes in Greenland, including the Narwhal, Humpback, Sperm, Pilot, Greenland, Beluga, Minke, Blue and Fin whales. These can be seen swimming close to shore during the late summer and early fall.

Along with whales, there is a great population of seal. It is estimated that about two million seals live in the waters around Greenland. The three primary species of seal are the Harp Seal, the Common Seal and the Ringed Seal.

The Greenland Shark, also known as the Grey Shark or Sleeper Shark, is the second largest shark, after the Great White Shark, in the world. Males grow to about 21 feet. These sharks live about 200 years and their meat is poisonous. Humans do not have much contact with these sharks; however, native peoples say that the Greenland Shark has been known to deliberately overturn kayaks.

In addition to the whales, seals and sharks, the waters are filled with algae, mollusks, shrimp and crab. Other commonly found fish include, the Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Char, Rose Fish, Seawolf Fish, Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Halibut.

The world's largest national park is situated in northeastern Greenland. This park is home to polar bear, reindeer, a herd of about 3,000 Musk Ox, wolves, lemming, porcupine, Arctic Fox, caribou, Arctic Hare, squirrels and weasels.

Common species of bird include the raven, White-Tailed Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Snow Bunting and Atlantic Puffin. Humans cannot escape insects, not even in the cold climate of Greenland. Arctic Bumblebees, Black Flies, mosquitoes, moths and grasshoppers are all found here. Even Wood Frogs live in Greenland.

All of the wildlife living in Greenland have developed adaptations to cope with the cold weather and harsh conditions. For example, some have double-layered fur, frogs burrow deep underground and coat themselves with a kind of gel. But no matter how brutal the climate, animals always manage to survive.