The Arctic lemming (Dicrostonyx torquatus) is a species of rodent native to Russian Federation. This species was once found in England, but it is now extirpated.
In the summer fur of Arctic lemming on the top is gray to gray-brown with reddish shades. Due to mixed black, red, and light gray hairs, the coat appears speckled. The underside is predominantly light brown to light orange-brown. The orange-brown collar that gives it its name is not pronounced in all specimens.
Arctic lemmings are found only in the Arctic biomes in the Russian Federation, and they are the most common mammals on Severnaya Zemlya. These rodents live in the tundra with scattered bushes both in lowlands and in mountainous areas. Arctic lemmings migrate when population density becomes too great, and they resort to swimming in search of a new habitat.
Arctic lemmings live in colonies. They dig burrows with tunnels in the ground or snow with a nest chamber lined with grasses, sour grasses or mosses and a seed storage chamber. These nests help maintain thermoregulation during winter, maintaining their young, and aid in their survival against predators. Arctic lemming can be active at any time of the day or night. When sencing danger they burrow themselves deep within the snow or seek shelter in holes.
Arctic lemmings are herbivores. Their diet includes various plants including, leaves, shoots, herbs, saxifrage plants, and berries.
Little information is known about the reproductive habits of Arctic lemmings. Females produce 2 to 3 litters per year, each containing up to 12 pups. The gestation period usually lasts 17 to 21 days.
There are no major threats to this species at present.
According to IUCN Red List, the Arctic lemming is common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.