Walrusセイウチ

Species Data

Classification

Carnivora / Odobenidae Source

Size

Males average about 310 cm / females average about 260 cm (Atlantic subspecies)

Weight

Males about 800–2,000 kg / females about 560–800 kg

Lifespan

Wild: about 20–30 years / captive: record of 49 years

Diet

Carnivore Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, especially bivalves, as well as gastropods, octopuses, and crustaceans; uses its sensitive whiskers and suction to extract prey from seafloor sediment

Distribution

The walrus inhabits Arctic and subarctic waters of the Northern Hemisphere, including the Bering, Chukchi, and Barents Seas, with distinct Atlantic and Pacific subspecies and an isolated Laptev Sea population. Source

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

• The tusks are elongated upper canines that grow throughout life, reaching up to a meter in males, and are used to haul out onto ice and maintain breathing holes. Source
• It has 400 to 700 whiskers, sensitive enough to detect objects as small as 2 to 3 millimeters on the seafloor. Source
• Its blubber layer can reach up to 15 cm thick, insulating it against the frigid waters of its Arctic habitat. Source

FAQ

What are walrus tusks used for?

Their tusks, which are elongated canine teeth that grow throughout life, are used mainly to help haul the animal's bulk out onto ice and to maintain breathing holes, and also play a role in social displays. Source

What do walruses eat?

They feed mainly on bivalve mollusks such as clams found in seafloor sediment, using their sensitive whiskers to locate prey and suction to extract it from the shell. Source

Why are walruses considered vulnerable?

Shrinking and thinning Arctic sea ice reduces the resting habitat walruses need near their feeding grounds, increasing nutritional stress, particularly on calves. Source

How many operating facilities are registered here?

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 8 Source

Books & gear

• Walrus book
• binoculars