Wildlife of Iceland

The habitats on the island include high mountains, lava fields, tundras, rivers, lakes and a coastal plain of varying width.

Iceland is of volcanic origin with the landscape being influenced by water and wind erosion, abrasion and frost action.

The Highlands form a plateau some 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level, lying in the central and southeastern part of the island, and occupy about 40% of the landmass; they consist largely of volcanic deserts interspersed with glaciers.

Other parts of the country consist of mountains and hills surrounded by coastal lowlands, cut by steep-sided valleys and fiords.

The climate is rendered warmer than other places at similar latitudes by the North Atlantic Current and the coast normally remains free of ice.

Typical is Iceland moss, a lichen which grows abundantly forming mats on the tundras and mountain slopes and which can provide "famine food" in times of necessity.

[8] Walruses were native to Iceland, but disappeared after human settlement, likely as a result of hunting, climate change and/or volcanism.

There are few passerines (perching birds), perhaps because of a lack of nesting opportunities or a dearth of insect food at some times of year.