walruses

Walruses are large Arctic pinnipeds in the family Odobenidae, with Odobenus rosmarus as the sole extant species in the genus. They have two recognized subspecies: the Atlantic walrus (O. r. rosmarus) and the Pacific walrus (O. r. divergens). Distinctive features include long tusks, prominent whiskers, and a thick, wrinkled hide. Adult males can exceed 3 meters in length and weigh over a ton, while females are smaller. Tusks, up to about a meter long, are used for defense, social displays, and hauling themselves out of the water onto ice or land.

Walruses inhabit the Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. They rely on sea ice for resting, breeding, and protection from predators. They form large herds on ice and beaches and move seasonally to shallow continental shelves to feed.

Diet-wise, walruses are benthic feeders that primarily eat mollusks such as clams, which they extract by suction after using their sensitive whiskers to locate prey. Their diet can also include crustaceans, echinoderms, and fish. They typically feed in relatively shallow waters close to ice.

Behavior and reproduction: walruses are highly social and form large groups. Mating occurs in late winter to spring, with a gestation period of about 15 months. Calves are born on ice and nurse for roughly a year or more, sometimes up to two years. Calf survival depends on ice conditions and food availability.

Conservation: declines in Arctic sea ice and other human disturbances threaten walruses. They are protected by national laws and international agreements, and management measures aim to reduce disturbance during haul-outs and breeding.