Odobenus

Odobenus is a genus of pinnipeds in the family Odobenidae. It contains a single living species, the walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), and one extinct species, Odobenus dignus, which lived during the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene epochs. Walruses are large, flippered marine mammals with prominent tusks. They are found in the Arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Characteristics

Walruses are characterized by their large size, with males reaching up to 4 meters (13 ft) in length and weighing up to 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). Females are smaller, averaging around 2.7 meters (9 ft) in length and 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). They have a thick layer of blubber that helps insulate them in cold waters. Walruses have short, stout necks and large, flipper-like forelimbs. Their hind limbs are also flipper-like and are used for propulsion in the water. They have short, dense fur that provides them with some insulation.

One of the most distinctive features of walruses is their tusks, which are actually elongated upper canine teeth. The tusks are present in both males and females and can grow to be over 1 meter (3.3 ft) long. They are used for a variety of purposes, including digging for clams and other food, defending themselves, and fighting for dominance.

Environments

Walruses inhabit the Arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including the Arctic Ocean, the Bering Sea, and the North Atlantic Ocean. They prefer shallow, coastal waters with abundant prey. Walruses are highly social animals and often gather in large groups called herds. Herds can consist of hundreds or even thousands of individuals. They migrate seasonally to follow their prey and to breed.

Diet

Walruses are carnivores and their diet consists mainly of clams, mussels, snails, and other invertebrates. They use their tusks to dig up clams from the seabed and to pry open shellfish. They also eat fish, crabs, and occasionally seabirds.

Reproduction

Walruses breed in the spring and summer months. Females give birth to a single calf every two to three years. Calves are born on land or ice and are weaned at about two years of age.

Conservation Status

The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) is listed as "Near Threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), while the Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) is listed as "Least Concern." The main threats to walruses include climate change, hunting, and habitat loss.

References

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)