Walrus

General Information

• Walruses are large marine mammals found in the Arctic Ocean and sub-Arctic seas.
• They are known for their distinctive tusks, whiskers, and bulk.
• There are two subspecies: the Atlantic walrus and the Pacific walrus.
• They belong to the family Odobenidae and are the only living species in their family.
• Walruses play a vital role in Arctic marine ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

• Adult males can weigh up to 1,700 kg (3,700 lbs), and females up to 1,200 kg (2,600 lbs).
• They have a thick layer of blubber for insulation in icy waters.
• Tusks are elongated canine teeth that can grow over 1 meter and are used for defense and movement on ice.
• They have stiff whiskers called vibrissae to detect prey on the ocean floor.
• Walruses have wrinkled, thick skin and sparse hair covering their bodies.

Habitat and Range

• They inhabit ice-covered waters of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
• Pacific walruses are found near Russia and Alaska, while Atlantic walruses are found near Canada and Greenland.
• They rely on sea ice for resting, breeding, and access to feeding grounds.

Diet and Feeding

• Walruses are primarily benthic feeders, meaning they feed on the ocean floor.
• Their diet includes clams, mussels, worms, snails, and sea cucumbers.
• They use their whiskers to find prey and create suction with their mouths to remove soft parts from shells.
• They can dive to depths of over 90 meters (300 feet) in search of food.

Social Behavior

• Walruses are highly social animals and live in large groups called herds.
• They are known to be vocal and communicate using bell-like sounds, grunts, and roars.
• They haul out on ice floes or beaches to rest and interact socially.
• Males are often territorial during mating season and use their tusks to fight for dominance.

Reproduction and Lifecycle

• Walruses reach sexual maturity around 5-7 years of age.
• Mating occurs in the water during the winter breeding season.
• The gestation period is about 15 to 16 months, including delayed implantation.
• Females give birth to a single calf, which stays with its mother for up to 2 years.
• Calves are born with a thick layer of blubber and can swim shortly after birth.

Threats and Conservation

• Main threats include climate change, melting sea ice, and human disturbance.
• They were historically hunted for ivory tusks, oil, and hides.
• Walruses are currently protected under various international agreements and national laws.
• Organizations work to monitor populations and protect critical habitats.
• Climate change remains the most pressing issue affecting their survival.

Interesting Facts

• Walruses can sleep underwater and surface to breathe without waking up.
• They can use their tusks to pull themselves out of the water onto ice.
• They have air sacs in their neck that function like flotation devices.
• Some individuals can live up to 40 years in the wild.
• They are an important cultural symbol for many Indigenous Arctic communities.