Ellesmere and Devon Islands Ice Caps

Ellesmere and Devon Islands Ice Caps is a high arctic ecoregion spanning northern regions of Nunavut characterized by ice-covered terrain, very short, cold summers, and low species diversity, with characteristic wildlife including arctic hare, muskox, and polar bears.

Zone

Arctic

Common Name

CEC Level III Code

1.1.1

CEC Level II Code

1.1 Arctic Cordillera

Overview Eco Snapshot Calendar Habitat Seed Mix

Overview

About This Region

CEC Level III Region 1.1.1, the Ellesmere and Devon Islands Ice Caps, is characterized by an extremely harsh high arctic ecoclimate with mean annual temperatures around -18.5°C and long, cold winters. Most of the area is ice and snow, limiting the habitat for pollinators. Vegetation is sparse, consisting primarily of moss, lichen, sedge, and cottongrass. Low species diversity and limited suitable habitats present major challenges for pollinator survival and proliferation. Changes in ice coverage and permafrost stability due to climate change are critical factors affecting this fragile ecosystem.

Region image

Region facts

At a glance

Category	Details
Aliases	Ellesmere and Devon Islands Ice Caps, CEC 1.1.1
Geographic Range	The Ellesmere and Devon Islands Ice Caps ecoregion spans northern Nunavut, from Devon Island through the poleward reaches of Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg islands, characterized by largely ice-covered terrain and continuous permafrost.
Climate Snapshot	This high arctic ecoclimate is characterized by very short, cold summers and long, cold winters, with a mean annual temperature of approximately -18.5°C and annual precipitation between 200 and 300 mm.
Terrain Profile	The terrain is dominated by large ice caps and glacier fields, with elevations up to 2,500 masl, underlain by continuous permafrost, featuring ice fields, nunataks, and steep-walled valleys and fjords with glaciers.
Vegetation Cover	The area is mostly barren with ice and snow, and dominant vegetation consists of scattered clumps of moss, lichen, sedge, and cottongrass.
Wildlife Habitat	Despite low species diversity, characteristic wildlife includes arctic hare, arctic fox, lemming, muskox, caribou, and polar bears, along with birds such as king eider and rock ptarmigan, and marine mammals like walrus, seal, and whale.

Eco snapshot

What shapes this region

Climate pattern

Long, severe cold season; short growing window where any exposed ground can thaw.
High exposure to wind and rapid weather changes.
Microclimates (small local weather differences) may exist in sheltered, ice-free pockets, but they are limited and fragile.

Vegetation profile

The area is mostly barren with ice and snow, and dominant vegetation consists of scattered clumps of moss, lichen, sedge, and cottongrass.

Wildlife profile

Despite low species diversity, characteristic wildlife includes arctic hare, arctic fox, lemming, muskox, caribou, and polar bears, along with birds such as king eider and rock ptarmigan, and marine mammals like walrus, seal, and whale.

Why pollinators matter here

Flowering plant habitat is extremely limited on ice caps, so pollinator activity is minimal in most places.
Where small ice-free areas exist, any flowering plants can be important for local food webs.
Disturbance can have outsized impacts because recovery is slow in extreme environments.
For most people, the best way to help is to create habitat in their own, plantable region.

Seasonal timing

Planting seasons

Timing varies by microclimate; use this as a flexible guide.

Seasonal timing

Focus on your home region’s spring/summer/fall planting windows.
If you’re planting in containers, you can often start earlier indoors and move plants outside when conditions are suitable (in your local area).

Quick seasonal checklist

Choose native plants for your home region.
Plan for early, mid, and late blooms (so food lasts all season).
Add nesting habitat (bare soil, stems/wood, and shelter).
Keep it pesticide-free.

Yearly needs

Pollinator calendar

What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.

Season	What pollinators need most	What you can do
Late winter/early spring	Early food and safe shelter as insects emerge	In your home region: plan your plant list, start seeds indoors if appropriate, and leave some leaf litter/plant stems until warmer weather
Spring	Fresh nectar/pollen; nesting sites	In your home region: plant early bloomers, provide bare soil patches, and avoid pesticide use
Summer	Steady blooms; water; shade/shelter during heat/wind	In your home region: keep a continuous bloom sequence, add a shallow water source, and plant in clumps for easier foraging
Late summer/fall	Late-season nectar/pollen to build reserves	In your home region: add late bloomers, avoid “tidying” everything, and leave seed heads/stems for habitat
Winter or Dry Season	Protected overwintering/seasonal shelter	In your home region: leave stems, logs, and leaf litter in place; avoid disturbing nesting areas

What You Can Do

Make a difference for native habitats.

Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.

Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.

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Native plants

Plants that thrive in this region

Plant links are being added for this region.

Pollinators

Pollinators active in this region

Pollinator links are being added for this region.