Walrus: Odobenus rosmarus

The walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is a large pinniped, which is a type of marine mammal found predominantly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. It is part of the family Odobenidae, which is known for having only this single extant species today. The walrus is renowned for its distinctive long tusks, whiskers, and massive size.

Physical Characteristics

Walruses are easily recognizable by their prominent tusks, which are elongated canines. These tusks serve multiple purposes including helping walruses to haul their massive bodies out of the water and onto ice floes, as well as being used for defense and dominance displays within their social hierarchies. The tusks can grow up to one meter in length. In addition to tusks, walruses have a thick blubber layer for insulation against the cold temperatures of their environment.

Their bodies are covered with a mat of stiff, sensitive vibrissae or whiskers, which aid in detecting prey on the ocean floor, such as clams and other benthic organisms. The walrus's skin is unusually thick, especially around the neck, and can appear pink due to the blood vessels that dilate near the skin’s surface to regulate body temperature.

Habitat and Distribution

Walruses inhabit the icy waters around the North Pole, particularly the Arctic Ocean and sub-Arctic seas. They are typically found on sea ice or along coastlines, forming social groups that can number in the thousands. Their distribution is largely dictated by the availability of sea ice, which they rely on for resting and birthing their young.

Behavior and Diet

Walruses are social animals often seen resting in large herds. They communicate with a variety of vocalizations, such as grunts and barks. The walrus's diet mainly consists of benthic invertebrates, particularly clams, which they locate using their sensitive whiskers. They use their tusks to create breathing holes in the ice and to help themselves climb onto ice floes.

Conservation Status

Historically, walruses were heavily hunted for their blubber, hides, and tusks, leading to significant declines in population. Though commercial hunting has ceased, their populations face new threats from climate change, which affects their sea ice habitats. Current conservation efforts include monitoring by organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and the British Antarctic Survey, which have initiated citizen science projects like the "walrus detectives" to involve the public in conservation activities.

Cultural Significance