Lemmings live in the Arctic, tundra and forest-tundra zones of the northern regions of Eurasia and North America. Lemmings are mammals of the hamster family, and the species belongs to the order of rodents. Their habitat consists of the Arctic, tundra and forest-tundra zones of northern Eurasia and America.
The lemming. Photo: Wikipedia.org
Appearance
Lemmings look more like hamsters. Their average body length varies from 10 to 12 cm. The body is almost round with short paws and small rounded ears, almost invisible under thick fur, as well as a tail up to 2 cm long.
These animals have a wide range of colors: from sandy and gray to brownish with spots of yellowish, brown and reddish colors. Due to their mottled fur, they are often called by the cute Russian word “pestr”. Lemmings do not look like mice because of their denser build and lack of a long tail.
In winter, the bright color of lemmings fades, which allows the animals to disguise themselves from potential enemies. Species living in Siberia and the Arctic turn almost white altogether, merging with the snowy landscape.
There are about 20 species of lemmings, of which only a few live in Russia. They are distributed from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka and the Far East, and also inhabit the Arctic islands. In the Arctic, lemmings are large in size: up to 17 cm long and up to 170 g in weight. The coat is beige-ashy, with a silvery sheen, the sides are reddish, and the belly is almost white.
Lifestyle
In search of succulent rhizomes, these rodents break through deep branched tunnels, which in winter serve them as underground labyrinths and a safe haven from predators.
In search of succulent rhizomes, these rodents break through deep branched tunnels, which in winter serve them as underground labyrinths and a safe haven from predators. In summer, lemmings build domed dwellings from dry roots, twigs and moss, and in winter, when they swell from the snow, they are also eaten.
Lemming in summer. Photo: Peter Krejzl/Shutterstock/FOTODOM
They feed mainly on what they find under the snow. Going to the surface is not only cold, but also dangerous, as you can become a victim of hungry predators yourself: owls, wolves and arctic foxes.
Depending on their habitat, lemmings can feed on young tree shoots, leaves, bark and buds of low-growing trees and shrubs, plant seeds and berries, mushrooms, herbs, and bird shells.
They are incredibly voracious, eating almost twice their own weight! The basis of the diet consists of mosses, lichens and succulent rhizomes of plants. The most amazing “dish” is discarded deer antlers, rich in minerals and protein.
Reproduction and migration
Lemmings are almost the most prolific mammal. The breeding season depends on the species, but usually lasts from May to August or September. At the age of one year, the female already produces offspring three times, and the next year she does it six times.
She carries the cubs for about three weeks and is immediately ready for a new mating after they are born. There can be up to 13 babies in one litter. At six weeks, they become sexually mature themselves. This fecundity is explained by the fact that rare lemmings live up to 2.5 years. Their life expectancy is usually from one to two years.
It is believed that high fertility leads to the fact that lemmings are forced to migrate from time to time. Quickly eating vegetation suitable for food, these voracious animals are forced to leave their habitual habitats and rush in search of food.
Not everyone is destined to survive during such a transition. Moving through open spaces, many animals are killed by arctic foxes, foxes, owls and other predatory animals and birds. Ponds are often the cause of death, and lemmings swim well. However, the population is still recovering quickly.
Interesting facts about lemmings
· The animals once again do not leave the shelter and hide in crevices and burrows at the slightest danger, the approach of which is signaled by their acute hearing.;
· In case of a threat, lemmings try to scare the enemy: they fluff up, stand on their hind legs and start squeaking and cracking loudly. They are not afraid even of those who are many times bigger than them.;
· The lemming’s voice resembles an amazing mix of squeaks, snorts and purrs. If you close your eyes and listen, you will get the false impression that the sounds are being made by a newly born kitten.;
· The labyrinths of the burrows have clear ergonomics, each zone performs its own function. As a rule, this is a bedroom, a storage room, a hall with branched tunnels to potential sources of food and … a toilet.
