As a wildlife biologist with a focus on Arctic ecosystems, I can provide a detailed overview of the animals that inhabit the tundra. The tundra is a unique biome characterized by its cold, dry climate and short growing season. Despite these harsh conditions, a variety of hardy species have adapted to thrive here.

Herbivorous Mammals: The tundra is home to a number of herbivorous mammals that play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Lemmings are small rodents that are an important food source for predators.
Voles are similar to lemmings but are generally larger and have a more diverse diet. The caribou, also known as reindeer in some regions, are large ungulates that migrate in large herds. They are a key species for the tundra, as they provide food for predators and their movements influence the distribution of other species.
Arctic hares are well-adapted to the cold with their thick fur and large hind feet for hopping through the snow.
Squirrels are not typically associated with the tundra, but some species can be found in the southern edges where trees are present.

Carnivorous Mammals: Predators are essential for maintaining the balance of the tundra ecosystem. The Arctic fox is a small, adaptable predator that feeds on lemmings and other small mammals. It has a thick white coat that provides excellent camouflage in the snow.
Wolves can also be found in the tundra, though they are more common in the taiga biome that borders it. They are social animals that hunt in packs. The polar bear is the apex predator of the tundra. It is the largest land carnivore and primarily feeds on seals, which it hunts from the sea ice.

Migratory Birds: The tundra is a stopover for many migratory birds during their seasonal migrations.
Ravens are intelligent birds that can be found year-round in the tundra. They are opportunistic feeders and scavengers.
Snow buntings are small birds with a distinctive white plumage that helps them blend into the snowy landscape.
Falcons and other birds of prey use the tundra as a hunting ground.
Loons and ravens are aquatic birds that can be found on the few lakes and rivers of the tundra.
Sandpipers, terns, and snow birds are shorebirds that visit the tundra during migration.
Gulls are common seabirds that can be seen along the coastlines.

In addition to these, there are other species that inhabit the tundra, such as the musk ox, which is known for its thick fur and ability to withstand the cold. The wolverine is another carnivore that is adapted to the harsh conditions of the tundra, feeding on carrion and small mammals.

The tundra's fauna is not only diverse but also fascinating in terms of the adaptations these animals have developed to survive in such an extreme environment. Their survival strategies, such as hibernation, migration, and unique feeding behaviors, are a testament to the resilience of life in some of the planet's most challenging habitats.

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The fauna in the arctic is also diverse: Herbivorous mammals: lemmings, voles, caribou, arctic hares and squirrels. Carnivorous mammals: arctic foxes, wolves, and polar bears. Migratory birds: ravens, snow buntings, falcons, loons, ravens, sandpipers, terns, snow birds, and various species of gulls.read more >>