1. Help
me out,
man!

2. • 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?

3. 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!

4. 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….

6. 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…

7. 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.

8. 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!

9. • 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.