Subarctic Grassland Animals

The sub-arctic is found in the Northern Hemisphere, with grasslands found in parts of Alaska, Canada and Siberia. While not as harsh as the Arctic region, the Sub-Arctic is somewhat inhospitable. During the short summer season, temperatures rarely exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the season lasts at most for three months. Cool season grasses thrive in this area, but the soil is very acidic. Peat bogs are commonly found in these regions, as well as Taiga forests, which surround the grasslands.

Throughout history, a few animals have evolved to tolerate this harsh climate. In paleolithic times, Caribou herds would migrate through these areas to graze during the summer months, before moving on to miss the harsh winter season. Predators such as the wolf and bear found a foothold in these areas, sharing the land with moose, elk, reindeer and the caribou. Salmon and trout can be found in the waterways coursing though the subarctic regions.

Numerous species of birds also call the subarctic home, although they are primarily found in areas closer to water. In 2004, a study published in Science magazine found that the bird's habitat was greatly disrupted by the introduction of predators such as the arctic fox. The long-term effects of this introduction have yet to be determined, but it appears that the grasslands will suffer as a result due to the role these birds played in transporting soil nutrients from Oceanic areas to the mainland.

Carnivores

Cross fox


Read more at the list of biomes of the world...