Walrus Definition | Characteristics & Facts

Certainly! Here are some general characteristics and interesting facts about walruses:

Physical Appearance

Walruses are large marine mammals with a robust and bulky body. They have wrinkled, thick, and tough skin that is predominantly brownish or pinkish in color. Their foreflippers are broad and strong, and their hind flippers are webbed. These adaptations make them well-suited for swimming and maneuvering in water.

Size

Adult walruses can grow to lengths of about 11-12 feet (3.3-3.6 meters) and weigh between 1,500 to 3,700 pounds (700 to 1,700 kilograms). Males are typically larger than females.

Tusks

Walruses are famous for their long tusks, which are elongated canine teeth. Both male and female walruses have tusks, although those of males tend to be larger. The tusks can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in length and are used for various tasks such as digging for food, breaking through ice, and fighting.

Diet

Their favorite prey includes clams, mussels, shrimp, crabs, and sea cucumbers. They use their sensitive whiskers to locate food in the sediment.

Feeding Behavior

Walruses are skilled divers and can descend to considerable depths (up to 300 feet or 90 meters) to forage for food. They can stay submerged for several minutes, and their large lung capacity allows them to hold their breath for extended periods.

Social Structure

Walruses are social animals and often gather in large groups known as “haulouts” on ice floes or rocky shores. These gatherings can consist of hundreds to thousands of individuals. They communicate with each other using various vocalizations, including grunts and bellows.

Reproduction

Breeding season for walruses typically occurs during late winter or early spring. Males engage in aggressive displays and fights to establish dominance and access to females. Females give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 15 months. Walrus mothers are highly protective of their calves.

Predators

Adult walruses have few natural predators due to their large size and tusks. However, polar bears and orcas (killer whales) are known to prey on young walruses.

Conservation Status

As mentioned earlier, walruses are currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Climate change and habitat loss are significant threats to their survival, as they heavily rely on sea ice for various activities like resting and giving birth.

Cultural Significance

Walruses have been an essential part of the culture and subsistence of indigenous Arctic communities for thousands of years. They provide meat, blubber, ivory (tusks), and other materials used in traditional crafts.

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