Although generally classified as a "least concern" species, the Novaya Zemlya subspecies (Dicrostonyx torquatus ungulatus) is considered a vulnerable species under Russian nature conservation legislation (included in Red Book of Russian Federation since 1998).

[1] It is found only in the Arctic biomes in the Russian Federation, and it is the most common mammal on Severnaya Zemlya.

[3] Arctic lemmings migrate when population density becomes too great, and they resort to swimming in search of a new habitat.

[5] Recovery of lemmings after years of low density is associated with a period of successful breeding and maintenance of their young in the snow.

[9] One of their predators is the Arctic Fox and they would find that it difficult to hunt lemmings because they would burrow themselves deep within the snow.