The Arctic desert ecoregion (WWF ID: PA1101) is a terrestrial ecoregion that covers the island groups of Svalbard, Franz Josef Land, Severny Island and Severnaya Zemlya in the Arctic Ocean, above 75 degrees north latitude.

The temperature does rise above freezing for short periods in the summer, so some ice melt occurs, and the area supports colonies of sea birds and mammals.

Mean precipitation at the Ernst Krenkel Observatory in Franz Josef Land has, since 1961, averaged 294 mm/year, with mean temperatures of −25.6 °C (−14.1 °F) in January, and 0.8 °C (33.4 °F) in July.

[5] Plant life is scarce due to the cold climate, but there is moss and lichen vegetation on 5-10% of the territory at low elevations and where bare rock or soil exists.

The largest colonies of Ivory gull are found in the region, as well as Atlantic walrus and Polar bear.