Wrangel Island is a Russian island located in The Arctic Ocean just north off the northeast coast of Siberia. The Russian name is Ostrov Vrangelja. The island is about 7,300 m2 and is 125 km wide at its maximum. The arctic island is widely characterized by permafrost and has polar climate. Furthermore, the island has two Inuit settlements and is one of the most northerly towns in the world. The highest peak on Wrangel is 1,096 m above sea level and is called Mount Sovjetskaja. The island also has a meteorological station located on the southern part of the island.
Read also: Alert – Northernmost Permanently Inhabited Place
Wildlife on Wrangel Island
Due to the rich biodiversity the island is placed on the World Heritage UNESCO list. The fauna includes ice bears, musk oxen, caribou, walruses, seals and lemmings. During summer the island of Wrangel is an important breeding area for many bird species.
The Last Mammoth Population
During last ice age the island had a mammoth population which was much smaller in size relatively to the original species. It is documented that this specific mammoth population survived up til 1,700 BC which is about 6,000 years later than any other mammoth population. Scientists agree on the fact that Wrangel Island Russia may have been the last place on earth where mammoths survived. Thus, Wrangel was home for the last mammoth population. The island is indeed a incredible place for paleontologists and other people that are interested in the last ice age and mammoths. If you are lucky you might find bones and skeletal parts from these last standing ice age giants.
Wrangel Island map
Click here to see more pictures of the Arctic Region.
I noted the photo entitled “Rocky Shore on Wrangel Island Russia”. I visit the same place in
1995. Mr. Charles Cliff named that rock “Shamrock” after his dog. Did you pick another name
for that geological formation? If so what did you call it. When were you there? Do you have
any other view of that rock in your photo archives? The photo reminds me of “Rockall” in
the Atlantic Ocean.
Hi Mark,
Nice to hear about your trip and interesting to hear about this story :).
What is your recommendation in relation to Wrangel Island?
Best