A small rodent species native to boreal forest and tundra regions of northern Europe and Asia, characterized by its compact body and adaptation to cold environments.
Primarily inhabits coniferous and mixed forest zones, forest-tundra transition areas, and subarctic mountain regions with dense ground vegetation and cool, moist conditions, typically between 0-2000 meters elevation
Crucial component of northern ecosystem food webs, serving as primary prey for predators like arctic foxes, owls, and ermines, while also regulating plant communities through herbivory
