The Arctic contains many species not found elsewhere, and many habitats and ecological processes and adaptations that are unique. These include the seasonal bursts of life on land and in the ocean, the ability of some plants to survive extreme cold and dryness, the physiological features that allow mammals to maintain body heat through an Arctic winter, and the presence of life within sea ice. Furthermore, some groups such as willows, sawflies, and sandpipers are found in greater diversity in the Arctic than anywhere else. In a global context, the Arctic is a significant component of the diversity of life on Earth.

Over recent decades many changes have occurred in the Arctic environment. Most notably, the significance of climate change as an impact factor has been greatly elevated, in the Arctic as well as at a global scale. The Arctic Council is actively adressing the conservation of biodiversity, through the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group (CAFF).  If you have any comments or queries or would like to be informed of updates to the Shipping component of ArcticData then please join our mailing list caff@caff.is

Read more: Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) ¦ Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Programme (CBMP)