Arctic Lemming
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Family
Subfamily
Genus
SPECIES
Dicrostonyx torquatus
Population size
Unknown
Life Span
3 years
Weight
63-155
2.2-5.5
goz
g oz 
Length
8-14
3.1-5.5
cminch
cm inch 

The Arctic lemming (Dicrostonyx torquatus) is a species of rodent native to Russian Federation. This species was once found in England, but it is now extirpated.

Di

Diurnal

No

Nocturnal

He

Herbivore

Te

Terrestrial

Co

Congregatory

Vi

Viviparous

Bu

Burrowing

Al

Altricial

So

Social

Co

Colonial

Mi

Migrating

A

starts with

Appearance

In the summer fur of Arctic lemming on the top is gray to gray-brown with reddish shades. Due to mixed black, red, and light gray hairs, the coat appears speckled. The underside is predominantly light brown to light orange-brown. The orange-brown collar that gives it its name is not pronounced in all specimens.

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Countries
Biogeographical realms
WWF Biomes

Arctic lemmings are found only in the Arctic biomes in the Russian Federation, and they are the most common mammals on Severnaya Zemlya. These rodents live in the tundra with scattered bushes both in lowlands and in mountainous areas. Arctic lemmings migrate when population density becomes too great, and they resort to swimming in search of a new habitat.

Climate zones

Habits and Lifestyle

Arctic lemmings live in colonies. They dig burrows with tunnels in the ground or snow with a nest chamber lined with grasses, sour grasses or mosses and a seed storage chamber. These nests help maintain thermoregulation during winter, maintaining their young, and aid in their survival against predators. Arctic lemming can be active at any time of the day or night. When sencing danger they burrow themselves deep within the snow or seek shelter in holes.

Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Arctic lemmings are herbivores. Their diet includes various plants including, leaves, shoots, herbs, saxifrage plants, and berries.

Mating Habits

PREGNANCY DURATION
17-21 days
BABY CARRYING
1-12 pups
BABY NAME
pup

Little information is known about the reproductive habits of Arctic lemmings. Females produce 2 to 3 litters per year, each containing up to 12 pups. The gestation period usually lasts 17 to 21 days.

Population

Population threats

There are no major threats to this species at present.

Population number

According to IUCN Red List, the Arctic lemming is common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.

Coloring Pages

References

1. Arctic lemming Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_lemming
2. Arctic lemming on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/6568/115082665

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