WALRUS
Odobenus rosmarus
DESCRIPTION
Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) is a large marine mammal characterized by its long tusks, whiskers, and blubbery body. They are social animals often found in groups, and they inhabit cold Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Walruses are known for their unique behavior of hauling out on ice or land, where they rest and socialize, and they play a significant role in their ecosystem as both predators and prey.
FUN FACTS
- Walruses have impressive tusks that can grow up to 1 meter long and are used for various purposes, including fighting, dominance displays, and helping them haul out onto ice
- Additionally, walruses have a thick layer of blubber that can be up to 15 centimeters thick, providing insulation in frigid waters and serving as an energy reserve during times of food scarcity
QUICK INFO
Lifespan30-40 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
Average Weight800-1,500 kg
Average Length2.5-3.6 m
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structuregroup — Walruses are typically found in large herds, which can number in the hundreds or thousands.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Walruses inhabit shallow coastal waters and ice floes in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They prefer areas with abundant food sources and suitable resting sites.
- Biomes
- Tundra, Marine
- Native Range
- Walruses are found in the Arctic Ocean and surrounding seas, including the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and the North Atlantic.
- Continent
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Russia, Norway, Greenland
- Diet
- Walruses primarily feed on benthic invertebrates, such as clams, mollusks, and other marine organisms found on the ocean floor. They use their sensitive whiskers to detect food in the sediment.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- clams, mollusks
- Social Structure
- group — Walruses are typically found in large herds, which can number in the hundreds or thousands.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-1000
- Territorial
- 0
VU
VU
800-1,500 kg
Weight
2.5-3.6 m
Length
- Coloration
- light brown to gray, with some individuals having a mottled appearance.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females and have longer tusks.
- Lifespan
- 30-40 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 15-16 months
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 5-7 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of walruses is currently stable, but they face threats from climate change and habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 200,000-250,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats to walruses include climate change, which affects their sea ice habitat, and hunting. Additionally, oil and gas exploration poses risks to their environment.
- Predators
- Orcas, polar bears, and humans are the primary predators of walruses.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Walruses use their size and tusks for defense against predators, and they can also dive to escape threats.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon