Walruses are impressive marine mammals that live exclusively in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially along the coasts of Russia, Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. They are not found in South America, such as in Uruguay or Argentina. They’re easily recognized by their long tusks that can grow over a meter long and their sensitive whiskers (vibrissae), which they use to detect food on the ocean floor .
Their diet is mainly based on mollusks, such as clams and mussels , but they also eat crustaceans and other small invertebrates. Each walrus can consume thousands of mollusks per day, playing an important ecological role .
They are social animals that gather in large groups and rely on floating sea ice to rest, reproduce, and care for their young . This ice also protects them from potential threats and helps them access feeding areas.
However, climate change is rapidly reducing Arctic sea ice. As these natural platforms disappear, many walruses are forced to gather on land , where they face new challenges: increased stress, overcrowding, and risks of injury due to large stampedes.
Protecting their habitat is crucial for their well-being and for the balance of the polar ecosystem. Walruses are a keystone Arctic species and a powerful symbol of how climate change affects wildlife .
Source: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
