Scientific Name
Odobenus rosmarus divergens
Body Weight
Male: up to 1,700 kg
Female: up to 1,250 kg
Body Length
3.0-3.6 m
Habitat
Diet
Fun Facts
The tusks of walruses are their canines, which can grow up to 1 m long. They plunge these large teeth into ice to make breathing holes, or to pull their bulky bodies out of the water. Male walruses also use them aggressively to defend their territory and protect their harems.
To protect themselves from the cold, walruses have thick layers of blubber to conserve heat. The blood vessels near the skin can also be constricted to reduce blood flow and thus minimise heat loss.
Distribution
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption
Pollution
Climate Change
Walruses require sea ice for breeding and for reaching offshore feeding sites. As climate change reduces sea ice cover and alters its spatial and temporal patterns, walruses have come under threat. These animals are also highly sensitive to human disturbance. Activities such as trawl fishing can cause them to abandon sites.
IUCN Red List
Data Deficient
CITES
Appendix III
Conservation
Protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong.
