Walruses

Walruses are large marine mammals that belong to the Odobenidae family. They are easily distinguished by their long tusks, whiskered faces, and thick blubber. Walruses spend most of their lives in the cold Arctic waters, where they feed on shellfish and other marine animals.

Meta Information

Scientific Name

Odobenus rosmarus

Average Lifespan

40 years

Average Size

Males can reach up to 3.6 meters in length and weigh up to 1,700 kg. Females are smaller and can reach up to 2.4 meters in length and weigh up to 800 kg.

Similar To

seals, sea lions, polar bears, sea otters

Lifecyle

Walruses reach sexual maturity between 5 and 10 years of age. Females give birth to a single calf every two to three years. The calves are nursed for up to 18 months.

Diet

Walruses feed mainly on shellfish such as clams, mussels, and crabs. They also eat fish, sea cucumbers, and other marine animals.

Habitat

Walruses live in the cold Arctic waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans. They can be found in shallow coastal waters, bays, estuaries, and on the continental shelf.

What are walruses and where do they live?

Walruses are large marine mammals that belong to the family Odobenidae. They are known for their distinctive tusks, which are actually elongated canine teeth that can grow up to three feet long. Walruses are found in the Arctic regions of the world, including the coasts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. They prefer shallow waters near the shore, where they can easily access their food source of clams, mussels, and other shellfish.
What do walruses eat and how do they hunt?

Walruses primarily feed on benthic invertebrates such as clams, mussels, and snails. They use their sensitive whiskers to locate their prey on the seafloor, and then use their strong tusks to break open the shells. Walruses are also known to feed on fish and squid, but these make up a much smaller portion of their diet. Walruses are not fast swimmers, so they rely on their diving ability to hunt for food. They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes and dive to depths of over 300 feet.
How do walruses communicate with one another?

Walruses are highly social animals and use a variety of vocalizations and body language to communicate with each other. They have a range of vocal calls, including barks, grunts, and roars, which they use to signal aggression, submission, or simply to maintain contact with one another. Walruses also use body language, such as head shaking, to communicate with each other.
What are the threats to walruses and their populations?

Walruses face a number of threats to their populations, including climate change, hunting, and oil and gas development. As the Arctic sea ice continues to melt due to global warming, walruses are losing their habitat and food sources. This forces them to come ashore in large numbers, which can lead to overcrowding and increased risk of disease transmission. Walruses were also heavily hunted for their tusks and blubber in the past, but hunting is now strictly regulated. Oil and gas development also poses a threat to walruses, as it can disrupt their habitat and increase the risk of oil spills.
What is the conservation status of walruses?

Walruses are currently listed as a "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that their populations are declining and they are at risk of extinction. In order to protect walruses, conservation efforts are focused on reducing hunting, mitigating the effects of climate change, and protecting their habitat from oil and gas development. In addition, scientists are studying the behavior and ecology of walruses in order to better understand their needs and develop effective conservation strategies.
How do walruses adapt to their environment?

Walruses are well adapted to their Arctic environment. They have a thick layer of blubber that helps to insulate them from the cold, and a dense layer of fur that keeps them warm and dry. Their large tusks are also an important adaptation, as they help walruses to break through ice and dig for food. Walruses are also excellent swimmers and divers, with streamlined bodies and powerful flippers that allow them to navigate through the water with ease. Additionally, their sensitive whiskers are an important adaptation for locating prey on the seafloor.
How do walruses reproduce and care for their young?

Walruses typically mate in the winter months, with males competing for the attention of females. After a gestation period of about 15 months, female walruses give birth to a single calf on the ice or on land. Calves are born with a thick layer of blubber and are able to swim and dive almost immediately. Female walruses are very protective of their young and will nurse them for up to two years. During this time, the mother walrus will also teach her calf how to find food and navigate through the water.

10 Fun Facts About

1. Walruses can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes. 2. Walruses can weigh up to 1,700 kg. 3. Walruses have a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm in the cold Arctic waters. 4. Walruses use their tusks to dig for food and to break through the ice. 5. Walruses can swim at speeds of up to 8 km/h. 6. Walruses are social animals and live in large herds. 7. Male walruses are called bulls, while female walruses are called cows. 8. Walruses can dive to depths of up to 200 meters. 9. Walruses have whiskers on their faces which they use to detect prey. 10. Walruses can live up to 40 years in the wild.