Pacific Walrus
Table of Contents
The Pacific walrus, or Odobenus rosmarus divergens, is a subspecies of the walrus, or Odobenus rosmarus – a large marine mammal and the sole member of the Odobenidae family. It is related to sea lions and seals. The animal can grow to weigh 2,000 kg and has tusks that can exceed one meter in length.
The Pacific walrus has a bulky body with a small, round head. Sexual dimorphism is present, with males being considerably larger than females. Males are known to reach 2,000 kg, although they usually average between 800 and 1,700 kg. They can grow to be 2.2 to 3.6 meters long, with females being two-thirds of the size and weight of males.
Both males and females have long tusks, with males growing tusks that can be 1 meter long and weigh more than five kg. The Tusks are used for male display and fighting and by both males and females to drag themselves from water unto ice platforms. Tusks are used to maintain holes in the ice and they can also be used as weapons for defense against other animals. Besides the two species of elephant seals, the walrus subspecies in the Pacific is the largest pinniped. They have a large amount of blubber to keep them warm in low temperatures. The tusks are surrounded by bristles or vibrissae which are 30 cm long and can number from 400 to 700.
Just as the name suggests, this walrus subspecies lives in the Pacific. Populations can be found just north from the Bering Strait to the Chukchi Sea in the Arctic Ocean. They can also be seen on the eastern coast of Siberia and in the Beaufort Sea.
Walruses are opportunistic feeders and can consume a wide range of animals, from tube worms, crabs and shrimp to sea cucumbers and mollusks. They have also been found to occasionally prey on smaller seals as well as birds.
Males reach sexual maturity at the age of seven, but they usually start to reproduce only when they develop fully, at 15 years of age. Bulls fight for females and mate with several of them. Gestation lasts for 15 to 16 months. The calves can weigh up to 75 kg when they are born and they will be weaned after two years. The Pacific walrus can live for 20 to 30 years.
Pacific Walrus: The Majestic Giants of the Arctic Waters
The Pacific Walrus is a symbol of the Arctic’s majestic wildlife, a creature whose very existence is woven into the fabric of the marine ecosystem. These mammoth pinnipeds are more than just a spectacle for wildlife enthusiasts; they play a crucial role in the balance of their chilly habitat.
Understanding the Pacific Walrus
Pacific Walruses are remarkable not only for their size but also for their social behavior and the environments they inhabit. With a scientific name that translates to “tooth-walking sea horse,” these animals are most commonly found on the ice floes and remote islands of the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean.
Characteristics and Behavior
Adult Pacific Walruses are easily recognizable by their long tusks, which can reach up to a meter in length, and their whiskered snouts. Males are particularly massive, often weighing more than a ton, with females being somewhat smaller. These tusks, which are actually elongated canine teeth, serve multiple purposes, from defense and dominance displays to aiding in hauling their hefty bodies out of frigid waters.
Socially, Pacific Walruses are gregarious creatures, often found in large herds that can number in the thousands. They communicate with a variety of vocalizations and physical gestures, which is essential for maintaining the structure within their groups.
Habitat and Diet
The icy waters of the Arctic are the preferred habitat of the Pacific Walrus. They rely on sea ice for resting between feeding bouts, during birthing, and for shelter from predators. As for their diet, these animals are benthic feeders, meaning they consume organisms found on the ocean floor. Their meals mainly consist of mollusks, along with other invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs.
The Role of Pacific Walruses in the Ecosystem
Pacific Walruses are considered a “keystone species,” meaning their presence and behavior have a disproportionately large impact on their environment. Their feeding habits disturb the seafloor, churning up nutrients and making them available for other marine life. This, in turn, supports a diverse range of organisms and maintains the health of the marine ecosystem.
The Impact of Climate Change
Climate change poses a significant threat to the Pacific Walrus, primarily through the loss of sea ice. As the ice retreats, walruses are forced to forage over more extensive areas, leading to increased energy expenditure and reduced access to their preferred food sources.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Efforts to conserve the Pacific Walrus and its habitat are ongoing. Various international agreements aim to protect the species and its environment, but enforcement and monitoring remain challenging. The decline in sea ice also complicates these efforts, necessitating adaptive management strategies that consider the changing climate.
Engaging the Public in Walrus Conservation
Public education and engagement are critical components of conservation. By raising awareness of the Pacific Walrus’s plight and the broader issues of climate change and habitat loss, conservation organizations hope to inspire action that will help protect these animals for future generations.
FAQs About the Pacific Walrus
- How long can a Pacific Walrus live? Pacific Walruses can live up to 40 years in the wild, with females generally living longer than males.
- Are Pacific Walruses endangered? The Pacific Walrus is currently classified as “nearly threatened,” with climate change being the primary threat to its survival.
- How do Pacific Walruses use their tusks? Their tusks are used for social interactions, defense, and to help pull themselves onto ice or land.
- What is the biggest threat to the Pacific Walrus? The biggest threat is the loss of sea ice due to climate change, which affects their habitat and feeding grounds.
- How can individuals help in the conservation of Pacific Walruses? Supporting organizations that work on marine conservation and advocating for climate change policies can aid in the protection of Pacific Walruses.
Conclusion
The Pacific Walrus is an iconic species of the Arctic, serving as both a keystone of its ecosystem and a barometer for the health of our planet. As climate change alters their icy home, it’s up to us to take meaningful steps to ensure that these majestic giants continue to thrive. By understanding and protecting the Pacific Walrus, we not only safeguard a species but also the intricate web of life that depends on them.