10 Animals That Live in the Tundra: From Penguins to Oxen

One of the most iconic arctic animals, the polar bear (Ursus martitimus) uses thick fur and body fat to conserve body heat while hunting seals on ice floes. These are the largest animals occasionally found in the tundra and are key predators in the tundra ecosystems.

Small but mighty, arctic foxes are experts in camouflage and insulation. They shift their coat color with the seasons and burrow underground during the winter season to stay warm.

This bird of prey is one of the most notable animals in the high arctic. Snowy owls rely on keen eyesight to hunt small mammals, especially during the short summer season when the lemming population booms.

The musk ox is a symbol of the tundra regions. These herbivorous animals use dense coats and huddle together during the cold season for warmth. Their presence helps maintain balance in the food web.

Adapted for speed and warmth, arctic hares live in areas where the soil thaws just enough for sparse tundra plants like arctic willows to grow. They’re an important food source for other animals.

While not found in the arctic tundra, rockhopper penguins live in the antarctic tundra. Known for their bright crests and hopping gait, these marine animals breed on rocky shores and forage in cold waters.

In the alpine meadows of the alpine tundra, mountain goats thrive in mountainous regions like the Rockies. Their specialized hooves help them navigate steep, icy terrain.

Also found in the antarctic tundra, the king penguin is second only to the emperor penguin in size. These birds are highly social and breed in large colonies on sub-Antarctic islands.

Tiny but vital, arctic springtails are among the few tundra insects active during the short summer season. They help decompose organic matter, supporting other organisms in the fragile ecosystem.

A key small mammal in the tundra biome, the lemming is crucial to the survival of many predators. Its population cycles influence the behavior and success of migratory birds, arctic foxes and snowy owls.

Though threatened by habitat loss and a warming planet, these tundra species continue to show the incredible resilience of living organisms in harsh conditions. Whether you're curious about animals survive in polar extremes or fascinated by animal species found nowhere else, the tundra offers some of Earth’s most inspiring wildlife.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.