Atlantic Walrus
The Atlantic walrus is one of the sub-species of the walrus. It is considerably smaller in size than its Pacific counterpart. The population in the Atlantic is also much smaller, with less than 20,000 estimated individual Walruses in the entire area.
Walruses are Pinnipeds, just like their cousins, the sea lions, fur seals, and true seals. With the scientific name Odobenus rosmarus, this animal is the only surviving member of the Odobenidae family. The species is divided into three subspecies; Odobenus rosmarus, which is the subject of this article, OR rosmarus divergens, the Pacific walrus and OR Laptev, a subspecies which is still subject to debate and living in the Laptev Sea within the Arctic Ocean.
The Atlantic walrus has a large body with a thick layer of blubber which serves as a thermal insulator in the cold waters of the Atlantic. This subspecies is significantly smaller than the Pacific walrus, with males averaging 900 kg and females 560 kg. The tusks are also smaller than in the Pacific populations, and the snout is more flattened. The snout has up to 700 bristles or vibrissae that act as detectors. With these, walruses can detect prey of even 1-2 mm long and wide.
Walruses can turn their hind flippers forward in order to walk on land, just as sea lions. However, they swim more like true seals, as they rely less on their flippers and more on sinuous movements. Walruses use their tusks to dig and maintain holes in the ice which serves as escape routes, to drag their bodies into the ice, for male dominance display, and for defense.
This subspecies inhabits the Canadian Arctic, as well as the coastal regions of Greenland and Svalbard. There are also some populations on the western shore of the Arctic part of the Russian Federation.
These walruses are opportunistic, and they prefer to hunt benthic species such as mollusks, crustaceans. They will also feed on tube worms, sea cucumbers and occasionally on birds or small mammals such as seals. Walruses are preyed upon by orcas, sharks, and polar bears, although they are not the main food source for those species, especially due to their large size and ability to fight back with their long tusks.
Females are known to delay implantation for up to three to four months in order to ensure warmer temperatures for the calves at birth. Females mate with dominant males and give birth to calves after a gestation period of 15 to 16 months. The Atlantic walrus can live for up to 30 years.
The Atlantic Walrus: An Icon of Arctic Marine Life
Introduction The Atlantic walrus, a symbol of the Arctic’s diverse marine ecosystem, has fascinated researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike with its distinctive tusks and sociable behavior. This magnificent mammal plays a crucial role in the cultural heritage of indigenous communities and serves as an indicator of the health of its frigid habitat. Our exploration of the Atlantic walrus will delve into its biology, behavior, and the challenges it faces in a rapidly changing environment.
The Biology and Habitat of the Atlantic Walrus The Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is one of two subspecies of walruses found across the North Atlantic. These creatures are easily recognizable by their long tusks, whiskered snouts, and bulky, barrel-shaped bodies covered in a layer of blubber. They predominantly reside on the ice floes and in the coastal waters of the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, where they find their primary food sources—clams, mussels, and other benthic invertebrates.
Social Structures and Reproductive Habits Atlantic walruses are social animals, often seen lounging in large groups on ice or land. These gatherings, known as haulouts, can comprise hundreds of individuals. The breeding season brings males to engage in vocal displays and tusk battles to win over females, leading to calving predominantly in the spring.
The Role of Tusks and Sensory Whiskers A walrus’s tusks are not just for show; they serve various practical purposes, such as hauling their massive bodies onto ice or land and as a defense mechanism. The whiskers, or vibrissae, are highly sensitive and help these giants locate food on the murky ocean floor.
Adaptations to the Arctic Environment To survive in the cold Arctic waters, walruses have developed several adaptations. Their blubber layer, which can be up to six inches thick, provides insulation and energy reserves. Additionally, they can slow their heartbeat to conserve oxygen during deep dives.
Challenges Facing the Atlantic Walrus Climate change poses the most significant threat to the Atlantic walrus. With melting ice reducing their habitat and affecting their food supply, these mammals face an uncertain future. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure their survival, requiring global cooperation and action.
Human and Walrus Coexistence Indigenous peoples have coexisted with walruses for millennia, relying on them for food, materials, and cultural significance. This relationship, while historically sustainable, must now navigate the complexities of conservation and traditional practices.
Research and Conservation Efforts Scientists are continuously studying walrus populations to monitor their health and numbers. These research efforts inform conservation strategies to protect walruses and their habitats from the impacts of climate change and human activities.
The Economic and Ecological Importance of the Atlantic Walrus The Atlantic walrus contributes to the Arctic’s biodiversity and has a significant impact on the economies of local communities through ecotourism and subsistence hunting.
Conclusion The Atlantic walrus remains an emblematic figure of the Arctic, symbolizing both the grandeur and fragility of its native ecosystem. As global citizens, it is our responsibility to support conservation efforts to ensure that future generations may also witness the wonder of the Atlantic walrus.