Walrus Species Description

Common Name: Walrus
Scientific Name: Odobenus rosmarus

Habitat: The walrus is primarily found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, predominantly along the coasts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. They prefer icy environments, inhabiting areas close to sea ice that serve as platforms for resting, breeding, and nursing their young. Walruses are usually found in shallow continental shelf waters, where they can easily access their primary food sources.

Physical Characteristics: Walruses are large marine mammals, with adult males weighing between 1,500 to 2,000 pounds (700 to 900 kg) and measuring up to 11 feet (3.3 meters) in length. Their skin is typically brown to gray, with thick wrinkled layers that provide insulation against cold temperatures. One of their most distinctive features is their long tusks, which can grow to be over 3 feet (1 meter) long and are used for defense and dominance displays, as well as for hauling themselves out of the water onto ice. They also have whiskers (vibrissae) that are sensitive and help them detect food on the ocean floor.

Behavior: Walruses are social animals that often gather in large groups, sometimes numbering in the thousands. They exhibit behaviors such as vocalizations, including bell-like sounds and barks, particularly during mating season. Walruses are known for their ability to dive to depths of 300 feet (90 meters) for up to 30 minutes in search of food. They primarily rest on ice or land but are also adept swimmers.

Diet: The diet of a walrus primarily consists of benthic (bottom-dwelling) invertebrates such as clams, snails, and sea cucumbers. They use their sensitive whiskers to locate prey buried in the mud and often feed in shallow waters, where they can easily access these food sources. Walruses are known to consume up to 6,000 clams in a single day, demonstrating their significant feeding activity.

Reproduction: Walruses reach sexual maturity at around 5 to 6 years of age. Breeding typically occurs in the spring during the ice breakup period, with gestation lasting about 15 to 16 months. Females usually give birth to a single calf, which weighs about 100 pounds (45 kg) at birth. Mothers nurse their calves for about two years, providing them with essential nutrients and teaching them survival skills.

Conservation Status: The walrus is currently classified as “Vulnerable” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Climate change, habitat loss, and hunting pose significant threats to their populations. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this iconic species.

Interesting Facts: Walruses have a unique social structure and exhibit complex behaviors, such as using tools to help them extract clams from the ocean floor. They are known to spend a significant amount of time hauled out on sea ice, where they engage in social interactions and grooming behaviors with one another. Additionally, walruses play a key role in the traditional cultures of indigenous peoples in the Arctic.

Role in Ecosystem: Walruses play an essential role in their ecosystem by influencing benthic communities through their feeding habits. By foraging for invertebrates, they help to maintain a healthy balance in the seabed ecology. Their presence also serves as an important prey species for apex predators, such as polar bears and orcas, highlighting their integral part in the Arctic food web.