The vegetation of Iceland is of the arctic European type. Grass and heather are extensive along the southern coast and afford pasturage for sheep and other farm animal. considerable forests likely existed on the island in past history times, but present-day trees, such as birch and spruce, are comparatively scarce. Bilberries and crowberries are the only kinds of fruit that grow on the island. The arctic fox was likely living in Iceland at the time of the first human settlement. Reindeer were introduced about 1770; rodents were brought in on ships.About 100 species of birds inhabit the island; many of these species are aquatic, among them the whistling swan and several kinds of duck. The eider duck is valued for its down. Whales and seals live along the coast, as do cod, haddock, halibut, and herring. Many salmon and trout inhabit Iceland’s freshwater rivers and lakes.