Iceland is known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world because of its amazing ecosystem.Iceland houses several volcanic islands and the geothermal springs and glaciers add to the beauty of the country. Over the years, Iceland has seen a massive influx of income through the tourism industry as many people visit the country to enjoy the riches that it offers.Iceland is home to diverse wildlife and animals. The Arctic fox and the polar bear are some of the wild animals that inhabit the country. Various species of marine life can be found in the Icelandic waters. The country is also full of birdlife and that can be found in the coastal regions of the country. Various wild mammals can be found in the countryside as well as near cities. Because of the booming tourism industry, it can be helpful to learn more about the Icelandic wildlife to enjoy your time in the country, and to get the best experience possible!If you like this article about animals in Iceland, be sure to check out articles about animals in the Arctic Ocean and animals in Iran too!Domestic Animals In IcelandIceland is famous for its widespread species of wild animals that can be found existing alongside various marine animals. However, the country is also rich with several species of Icelandic animals that have been domesticated over the years.Horse: Icelandic horses are one of the most majestic animals species that you will find in the rich world of Iceland’s animals. Icelandic horses are one of the farm animals in Iceland and compared to other horses, the Icelandic horse is friendlier and loves to be around people. Icelandic horses can be found in all of Iceland. Since these horses are friendly, they often approach strangers for food. It is better to avoid their request for food as human food can be harmful to the Icelandic horses and might affect their health.Icelandic sheep: Sheep are a non-native species of farm animals that can be found in Iceland. This animal species was brought to Iceland by the Vikings and soon became a part of the dense world of Iceland’s animals. Icelandic sheep serve the purpose of meat and wool, and the popular Icelandic wool that is known for being waterproof is made from Icelandic sheep wool. This farm animal can be spotted throughout the countryside.Icelandic sheepdog: With the introduction of the Icelandic sheep, a herding dog soon became a necessity. To tackle this situation, the Icelandic sheepdog was bred. Icelandic sheepdogs are a common sight around farms and these canines have been domesticated throughout the country as working dogs. Not to forget that Iceland is one of the very few countries which made the domestication of dogs as pets illegal. However, the rules have been changed a few times and now you need to get permission from the local municipality and pay a registration fee to be able to keep a pet dog!Goats: Goats are also one of the most common domestic animals that can be found in the country. These animals are as common as sheep and herd together on farms. Goats are used for their meat and dairy products in the country.Icelandic cattle: Much like most of the now domesticated animals, the Icelandic cow, too, has been introduced to Iceland by settlers.Compared to other cow breeds, the Icelandic cow is smaller in size. Because of their small size, these cows do not produce as much milk. These cows are, however, extremely colorful! Farmers breed these cows to produce more colorful individuals which helps them stand out in the crowd!Non-Native Wildlife In IcelandIceland is home to various wild animals that are both native and non-native in nature. The Icelandic horse is an example of such an animal.The polar bear without a shred of doubt is considered to be the most dangerous animal in Iceland. Polar bears usually migrate from Greenland to Iceland during the winter season. These animals travel thousands of kilometers to reach Iceland. Because of polar bears coming to Iceland in search of food, they can be seen as a threat to humans and domestic wildlife. Polar bears are excellent hunters and catching and relocating one polar bear can be quite expensive. Over the years Iceland has killed many bears in an attempt to keep the livestock as well as people safe.Wasps: The wildlife of Iceland is not just limited to land and marine animals. Iceland is also home to wasps. Prior to the 1970s, the Icelandic weather was too cold for these insects to exist in. Wasps can be found in Iceland nowadays as the country has become a bit hotter because of global warming. These insects migrate to Iceland and can cause harm if they come across you.Minks: The mink is a species of rodent that was introduced to Iceland by settlers. Since their introduction as an invasive species, the population of minks has increased and they can be found in their natural habitat in the natural environment of Iceland.Mice: Iceland is also home to two species of mice, the house mouse, and the wood mouse. These species were introduced to Iceland as invasive species. House mice are a common sight in Iceland and all around the world. They are found in cabins, farms, and stables and do not make direct contact with humans. Wood mice are found in areas with dense vegetation and these animals can eat whatever they can find.Native Wildlife In IcelandIceland is home to various native wildlife which include various species like the Arctic fox, oystercatcher, orca, whales, puffins, Arctic tern, gyrfalcon, porpoise, and dolphin.The Arctic fox, also known as the snow fox, is the only native land mammal species that can be found in Iceland. Prior to being settled by humans, Arctic foxes were thriving in Iceland. These animals have been said to exist during the ice age as they walked over the frozen sea under them and have been a part of the Icelandic wildlife for centuries.However, with the settlement of the country, Arctic foxes were forced to leave their natural habitats and were forced to find new habitats. In many areas, Arctic foxes were hunted and were processed in fur farms for their fur which led to humans becoming a significant threat to the animal.There are two types of Arctic fox in the regions, the white fox and the blue fox. White foxes can be distinguished from blue foxes because of their ability to change the color of their fur depending on the seasons. The Arctic fox is also considered a nuisance on farmlands because they often prey on the various domestic breeds that can be found in the farms.Marine Wildlife In IcelandIceland is one of the most popular spots for whale watching as the country is lush with various species of marine animals.Whales: The Icelandic waters are full of various marine mammals and various species of whales are some of them. Whale watching is a popular pastime in Iceland and species like the killer whale, fin whale, sei whale, sperm whale, minke whale, and humpback whale can be found near the surface of the waters in the Arctic tundra region.Seals: Seals are yet another marine species that inhabit the extreme weather of Iceland. The Harp seal, hooded seal, ringed seal (harbour seal), and bearded seal are some of the species that can be found in Iceland. Seals can be found in the uninhabited coast regions that are around the Icelandic coast. The gray seal and the harbour seal are two of the most common species and they can be found in the country.Killer whale: Killer whales, also known as orcas can be found swimming in Icelandic waters during the winter. Orcas are a common sight in West Iceland as they often prey on the seals that bask at the coast of the seas and oceans.Apart from the killer whale, four other dolphin species can also be found in Iceland. The striped dolphin, common dolphin, white-beaked dolphin, and bottlenose dolphins are common sights in Iceland. The white-beaked dolphin is considered to be the most common and is found in abundance in Iceland.Porpoises: The harbour porpoise species can also be found in Iceland. These animals are considered to be the cousin species of dolphins and unlike dolphins, are reserved and do not like to interact with humans.Reindeer In East IcelandReindeers are another non-native species that was introduced to Iceland.Reindeers are the largest wildland mammals in Iceland. These animals, like the Icelandic horse, were brought in by settlers and have since become a part of the Icelandic wildlife. Because of unsuitable weather conditions, reindeer were thought to have become almost extinct but with some research and tracking a small population of around 100 reindeer was located in East Iceland.Today, there are around 6,000-7,000 reindeer in Iceland, and in the winter they can be seen being led by a leader. In the summer season, reindeer groups are smaller in size and they spend much of their time foraging food. On average, an adult male reindeer has a bodyweight of around 198.4 lb (90 kg), and the female being the smaller of the species, weighs around 88 lb (40 kg).These animals have a gray head, legs, and back and have white fur on their belly. This thick fur acts as insulation and protects them from the harsh weather conditions around them. Both the males and the females have antlers and these antlers are shed once a year with new horns growing each year.Birds Of IcelandBesides massive animals like the various whale species that can be found in Iceland, the country is also home to various species of birds. Seabirds nesting on sea cliffs are a common sight in the coastal parts of Iceland.Arctic tern: The Arctic tern is a small-medium-sized bird that can be found in Iceland. These birds might look cute but they do pack a punch! Arctic terns can be extremely dangerous if you approach their nest. These birds have sharp beaks that they will use to peck you and try to injure you. So if you come across one, it is recommended to avoid them as they are dangerous animals.Puffin: Atlantic puffins are a common bird species that can be found in Iceland. These birds migrate to Iceland during the summer or spring and it is estimated that at least 60% of the global puffin population migrates to Iceland. These seabirds can be found in rocks and perches where they make their nest along cliffsides. These birds can be found from the Reykjavík harbor all the way to the Látrabjarg bird cliffs in Iceland. If you come across these birds it is recommended to maintain a distance and not startle them as they are a goofy bird species.Oystercatcher: Oystercatchers are another bird species that are found in Iceland. These birds have black and white bodies and their bills are orange-colored with red eyes and rose legs. In Iceland, these birds are found in inland meadows to coastal regions where they breed. If their nest is approached by something or someone, they will simulate crippled wings to lure away the threat. These birds can be found all across Iceland, however, only small population winters in Iceland, and the larger part of the population typically migrate to the western regions of Europe.Common starling: Being true to its name, the common starling is one of the most common birds that can be found in Iceland. These musical birds can be found singing all over the country and they are also known for their ability to mimic voices. These birds can be both advantageous and harmful to humans as they eat insects and spiders but they also have lice which can be spread to humans around them.Raven: The raven is a popular bird that can be found all around the world. Ravens have been a part of Nordic folklore as these birds were thought to be the messengers of the God Odin. These birds gather in the spring and the fall. A population of around 2,500 breeding pairs has been estimated to inhabit Iceland.Seagull: Seagulls are found all around the world and can be found in Iceland too. These seabirds are one of the most common and popular birds in all of Iceland and they are known for their white plumage. These birds are notorious for snatching objects out of the hands of unsuspecting passersby, so it is recommended to keep an eye on your belongings in an area that is crowded with seagulls.Did You Know…Despite its vast wildlife count, there are various species of animals that do not exist in Iceland. Amphibians (frogs), reptiles (lizards), wolves, monkeys, grizzly bears, caribou, and snakes cannot be found in Iceland. There are, however, spider species that can be dangerous to humans.The gyrfalcon, also known to be one of the most beautiful falcons in the world, is considered to be the National animal of Iceland. These birds are agile and large and they symbolize power and freedom in Iceland. Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous tourist spots in Iceland and it is situated in the lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. If you are visiting the site and are on the edge about an animal attacking you, you should rest easy as there are no animals near the Blue Lagoon.Iceland boasts the lowest rate of crime in the world and is known to be the safest country in the world. The country has held this record for over a decade and it is the only known member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that has no army. Iceland was the last place to be visited by settlers. Iceland is said to be discovered over 1,100 years ago by the Norwegian Vikings! Whale watching is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland!Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for animals in Iceland then why not take a look at animals of the Great Barrier Reef, or animals that live in Death Valley.
Iceland is known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world because of its amazing ecosystem.
