Between the high mountains and the fjord, we find many different ecosystems, each with their own bird and animal life. The snow-capped ridge of the glacier, shadowy valley passes and sheltered bays in the fjord present different challenges to the creatures that live there. As you wander from habitat to habitat, you see variation in both flora and fauna.
It is a special experience to see birds of prey up close as they hunt, or as they glide on the wind. If you are lucky, you may experience this in Lyngsalpan. The area has a varied bird of prey population, and all the nine diurnal birds of prey that are common in the county have been shown to nest in the area. Rough-legged buzzards and common kestrels are the birds of prey you are most likely to encounter, but if you are lucky, you may also see birds such as the golden eagle, sea eagle, gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, merlin, sparrowhawk and goshawk. All of the eight owl species in the county have also been observed; the short-eared owl, snowy owl, northern hawk-owl, boreal owl, great grey owl, pygmy owl, long-eared owl, and eagle-owl. The birds of prey may be vulnerable to disruption, particularly in the late winter/early spring, as they nest early. Therefore, you should always show consideration. Bring your binoculars so you can see them well at a distance!
In the high mountains, there is a more limited selection of species, and you mostly only see ptarmigans, ravens and snow buntings. When you get down into the valleys and lowlands, the number of species increases considerably. In the lowlands, there are many passerines, waders, waterfowl and others. The greatest concentration of species can be found particularly in the wetlands areas just inside the protected area, or in the fringes of the protected area.
buzzard. Photo: Trond V. Johnsen
Hunting falcon. Photo: Trond V. Johnsen
Wild mammals found here include hares, red foxes, stoats and weasels. There are also transient wolverines, and it seems that lynxes have established themselves on the peninsula. Moose can be found across most of the peninsula. Squirrels and martens are also established in the area. Wild mink and otters can be found by the sea and in the watercourses. There are also some deer in the immediate vicinity to the area. In addition to these species, there is a great number of small rodents without any clear overview of the composition of species.
Amphibians here include the common frog, and there may also be lizards.
There are a number of smaller and medium-sized freshwater ponds on the Lyngen peninsula, with Jægervatnet clearly being the largest. The location spans from about sea level to nearly 800 metres above sea level. The higher ponds are greatly affected by the glaciers and have little visibility and low production. Most of the fish found in the higher ponds were put there by people. Arctic char is the dominant species in the watercourses. Some of the watercourses also feature trout, while three-spined stickleback can be found in most of the lower waters. Jægervatnet (which borders to the protected landscape area) also has populations of salmon, sea char, sea trout, eel and flounder.