A marine mammal uniquely adapted to life in the Arctic’s frigid waters. As the sole surviving member of its family, the walrus is easily recognized by its enormous size, with some males weighing in at 1,500 kg (1.5 tonnes) or more, and its distinctive long tusks. These tusks, which can grow up to a meter in length, serve multiple purposes, including as a display to assert dominance and to help haul their massive bodies onto ice or land.
The body of a walrus is a marvel of evolutionary adaptation. It is equipped with thick fat that can be up to 15 cm (6 inches) thick, providing insulation against the harsh cold of the Arctic. This layer of fat also serves as an energy reserve when food is scarce. Aside from the fat, their skin is uniquely adapted, with a high capacity to change blood flow to help regulate body temperature.
Walruses are gregarious creatures. They are often found in large groups called herds on the sea ice, which serve as crucial platforms for resting, molting, giving birth, and nursing their young. Their social structure is complex, with a hierarchy established through physical displays and vocalizations. The herds are generally segregated by sex, with males and females only coming together during the breeding season.
The impact of climate change on the walrus is profound. With the Arctic experiencing some of the most rapid warming on the planet, sea ice is retreating alarmingly. The loss of this essential habitat affects the walrus’s ability to find suitable resting areas and access rich feeding grounds. Consequently, walruses are often forced to congregate on land, which can lead to overcrowding.
Overcrowding is a significant issue as walruses rely on the availability of space on ice floes to maintain social order and personal safety. When forced to haul out on land in large numbers, any disturbance can trigger panic, resulting in stampedes toward the safety of the water. In these chaotic events, younger and weaker individuals are at risk of being trampled to death.
Distribution
Pacific ocean
Arctic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Chukchi Sea
Bering Sea
Beaufort Sea
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greenland
Iceland
Ireland
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
Russia
Spain
Svalbard
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States
United StatesRecent Updates
April 2024: The first case of a walrus dying from bird flu has been identified on one of Norway’s Arctic islands. Tests conducted by a German laboratory confirmed the presence of bird flu, though the sample size was insufficient to determine whether it was the H5N1 or H5N8 strain.
Feb 2024: Microplastics have been detected in the body tissues of walruses harvested by Alaska hunters. The discovery of these tiny plastic particles in the muscles, blubber, and livers of Pacific walruses further demonstrates the widespread pollution affecting the world’s oceans.
Dec 2022: Twelve scientists urged the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expedite the protection of the Pacific walrus under the Endangered Species Act. The Center for Biological Diversity initially submitted a petition to list the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) as threatened or endangered in 2008, over a decade ago.
Did you know?
- Their tusks are elongated upper canine teeth.
- They can dive up to 500 m (1600 ft) deep, and up to 40 minutes!
- They have an excellent sense of smell and can detect prey on the ocean floor, even in complete darkness.
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Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
