The walrus

Where do walruses live?

A distinction is made between two types of walrus. On the one hand, there are the Parcifian walruses, which are mainly found in the Bering Sea. The population of the Parcifian walrus is estimated to be around 200,000. This means that several hundred to a thousand walruses, both males and females, can gather on beaches for miles around.

The Atlantic walrus can be found between Hudsen Bay and West Greenland, on the Baltic coast of Greenland and between Svalbard and the northwest coast of Siberia. The population of the Atlantic walrus is estimated at around 15,000. This means that there tend to be smaller herds on the beaches in the regions where they occur, comprising perhaps 20 to 50 walruses. However, larger herds of up to 300 walruses have also been seen. Here, however, the sexes are separated and usually only male walruses are seen on the beaches of Spitsbergen, whereas the females raise the young on Franz Joseph Lang.

What do walruses eat?

Walruses mainly feed on mussels, snails, shrimps, crabs, sea cucumbers and worms. To do this, they churn up the seabed with their flukes or mouths. In rare cases, walruses also hunt other seals.

A walrus can eat between 50 kg and 70 kg of food per day.

What is the social behavior and reproduction of walruses like?

Reproduction usually takes place every two years, as pregnancy lasts around 15 months in total. The slow reproductive rate also means that walruses recover very slowly as a result of drastic hunting attacks by humans. Females reach sexual maturity at an average age of six years. Although males also reach sexual maturity at around ten years of age, they are only able to compete with other members of their species from around 15 years of age. Male walruses of the Atlantic subspecies usually lead a harem of several females. They have asserted themselves in competition and are therefore usually very strong. Smaller and younger walruses therefore often have little chance of getting females. As a result, some males may never reproduce in their lifetime. Fierce and bloody fights can occur between males of equal strength, in which the tusks are also used.

The mating rituals of the Pacific subspecies are somewhat different. Due to the large population, the males are unable to keep individual females or a harem. Instead, competition takes place via clicking sounds in the water.

Walrus in Forlandsundet, Svalbard. Created by Stephan Bellmann.

Why do walruses have such long tusks?

The tusks of walruses mainly have the function of representing the status of the respective walrus. Fights usually only take place when the tusks are of the same length. The size depends, among other things, on age and sex. In addition to the function of status, the tusks are used for practical secondary functions. For example, they are used as a defense against predators, to break open a hole, as an aid to locomotion or even as a headrest.

Walrus, Spitzbergen, Svalbard — Walrus on Svalbard. Created by Rainer Rogge

How heavy a walrus gets?

A female walrus can weigh between 600 kg and 800 kg. A powerful bull can weigh more than 1200 kg.

In comparison, elephant seals can weigh up to four tons.

Walruses can live up to 40 years and grow up to 3.5 meters tall.

Why does the walrus not get cold?

Walruses have a skin that is around four centimetres thick. Underneath is a five to eight cm thick layer of fat, which primarily protects the walrus from the cold.