A young Arctic fox already in its winter coat enjoying the last rays of midnight sun. ©Aztrid Novillo
Located between 74 and 81°N and between 10 and 35°E, the Arctic archipelago known as Svalbard experiences some of the most impressive natural phenomena on the planet when it comes to sunlight.
Due to the tilt of the Earth's rotational axis, around the different solstices, the angle of the sun's rays changes, giving rise to long periods of polar night and midnight sun.
From extreme darkness to 24-hour sunlight
It has been two and a half months since we last saw the sun shine above the horizon. Svalbard is hidden in the deep darkness of the polar night.
By mid-February, the sun begins to light up the sky, increasing by approximately 15 minutes of sunlight each day. A blue and magenta blanket covers the snowy mountains and the vast stretches of sea ice.
In a matter of a couple of weeks, the sun shines 24 hours a day. This is how animals welcome the midnight sun.
The midnight sun period lasts from April 20 to August 22. ©Aztrid Novillo
Changes in the landscape and wildlife
Unfortunately, the sea ice continues to melt rapidly, affecting the habitats of all Arctic wildlife that depends on it. According to the Norwegian Polar Institute, Svalbard is experiencing climate change at an accelerated rate. It is warming twice as fast as the rest of the Arctic and seven times faster than the global average. Polar bear and glaucous gull. ©Aztrid Novillo
Due to the presence of sunlight and accelerated climate change, the landscapes of the archipelago begin a period of transformation. The snow gradually disappears, and the sea ice breaks apart.
As the tundra vegetation regains its colors, some animal species that live permanently in Svalbard undergo changes in their appearance due to hormonal adaptations, allowing them to better camouflage with their surroundings.
Svalbard Ptarmigan. (Lagopus muta hyperboreal). ©Aztrid Novillo
One of them is the Svalbard rock ptarmigan, the only species of land bird that inhabits the archipelago year-round. In winter, its plumage is thick and white. In summer, on the other hand, it turns brown, increasing its chances of avoiding predators.
Similarly, Arctic foxes shed their thick, fluffy coats for shorter, darker-colored fur. In Svalbard, there are two types of Arctic foxes: the white type (with white fur during winter) and the blue morph type (which retains its dark coloration even in winter).
The archipelago becomes filled with life and color
Arctic fox moulting. ©Aztrid Novillo
The arrival of migratory species marks a crucial point for the balance of the Arctic ecosystem. Both marine species and birds contribute vitally to biodiversity. For example, birds, by transporting nutrients to nesting sites, benefit vegetation, which in turn supports the survival of other herbivorous species like reindeer and geese. Similarly, they also serve as a food source for other species such as foxes and polar bears.
Barnacle goose with goslings. ©Aztrid Novillo
Svalbard is home to thousands of individuals from different species, both fauna and flora, each with an important role and a story to tell. And it is upon us, humans, that the responsibility lies to respect and preserve this diversity, safeguarding the delicate balance that allows life on this planet to continue its course.
