PACIFIC WALRUS UNDER

SIEGEM I T

C H WE I N

T R A U B : NR S 4

0 7 : DR . M

C K I NN E Y

Help me out, man!

• Pacific Walrus is one of two species of walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) recognized by scientists.

• Semi-aquatic mammals

• Range 7-11 feet in length, can weigh up to 3,700 lbs.

• Large tusks- up to 3 feet in length- used for foraging, defense, emerging from water

• Diet includes mussels, clams, other bottom dwelling organisms- some may eat seals.

THE BASICS

Walruses are intelligent, social creatures, usually existing in “herds.”

Wish I could read…

Some may eat what?

HABITAT/RANGE

The tough, blubbery exterior of the Pacific walrus allows them to thrive in artic areas. They can also slow their heart rate to adapt to freezing aquatic conditions!

Bering, Chukchi and Laptev Sea

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Historically, walruses have been hunted for ivory sale.

Walruses have relatively low fecundity rates and long lifespans (35-40 years)

What’s a fecundity

?

Due to biological predisposition for population disruption, limited distribution and overharvesting, P.W. population numbers declined >20% between 1981-1999, but today the BIGGEST concern is….

CLIMATE

CHANGE

And Habita

t Disr

uption

THREATENED: WARRANTED, BUT PRECLUDED

In 2011, due to alarming decrease in extent of Arctic sea ice (highlighted above,) USFWS lists the Pacific Walrus as “Threatened: Warranted but Precluded.” In the not too distant future, disappearing sea ice and habitat loss could have a tremendous impact on P.W populations…

Uh-oh…

WHAT CAN WE DO?

With public push, walrus could be listed under USFWS “Special Rule” with polar bear by 2017, sharing similar habitat.

Limit human interference with walrus populations through pollution, ship traffic, etc. in newly melted glacial areas

Continue and abide by strict current hunting regulation on P.W populations. Hunting levels <5% harvest are sustainable.

And, of course, always be aware that our actions have an impact on all life on Earth, including our friend, the Pacific walrus

Be green, man!

Works Cited

• Witting, Lars, and Erik W. Born. "An Assessment of Greenland Walrus Populations." ICES Journal of Marine Science 62.2 (2004): 266-84. Oxford Journals. Web.

• Taylor, Rebecca L., and Mark S. Udevitz. "Demography of the Pacific Walrus (Odobenus Rosmarus Divergens): 1974–2006." Marine Mammal Science 31.1 (2015): 231-54. 05 Sept. 2014. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.

• Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service. "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Special Rule for the Polar Bear Under Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act." Federal Register 78.34 (2013.) Web.

• Taylor, Rebecca, and Chris Trent. "USGS Newsroom." USGS Release: Research Shows Historic Decline in Pacific Walrus Population (9/8/2014 1:00:00 PM). USGS, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2015.

• "Pacific Walrus Species Profile, Alaska Department of Fish and Game."Alaska Department of Fish and Game. N.p., n.d. Web.

• JAXA Arctic Ice Extent. 2011. Prisonplanet.com. Web.