The walrus is one of the most distinctive marine mammals of the Arctic, instantly recognizable by its long tusks, whiskered face, and massive body. Yet beyond its appearance, the walrus plays a quiet but essential role in maintaining balance within polar marine ecosystems. Its life is closely tied to sea ice, shallow coastal waters, and the fragile rhythm of the Arctic environment.
Walruses belong to the pinniped family, sharing ancestry with seals and sea lions. However, unlike their relatives, walruses are uniquely adapted for bottom feeding. They spend much of their lives in shallow waters, where they forage along the seafloor for clams, snails, worms, and other benthic organisms. Using their sensitive whiskers, known as vibrissae, walruses can detect prey buried beneath layers of sediment. This feeding behavior not only sustains the walrus but also stirs the ocean floor, redistributing nutrients and supporting marine biodiversity.
Their tusks, often misunderstood as weapons, serve multiple practical purposes. Walruses use them to pull their heavy bodies onto ice floes, to establish dominance during social interactions, and occasionally for defense. Both males and females possess tusks, though males typically have longer and thicker ones. These tusks are also indicators of age and social status within a group.
Social structure is another defining feature of walrus life. They are highly social animals, often gathering in large herds on ice or rocky shorelines. These haul-outs provide safety, warmth, and opportunities for communication. Walruses communicate through a range of sounds, including grunts, whistles, and bell-like tones, especially during the breeding season.
Despite their strength and size, walruses are increasingly vulnerable. Climate change has significantly reduced Arctic sea ice, which walruses rely on for resting between feeding sessions. As ice retreats, many walruses are forced onto land, where overcrowding can lead to injury, stress, and higher calf mortality. The walrus, once a symbol of Arctic stability, has become a quiet indicator of environmental change.
