Walrus: Odobenus rosmarus (Linnaeus, 1758)
A massive circumpolar pinniped with large tusks
Size
- Males 3-3.6m (10-12 feet), up to 1900kg (4200 lbs)
- Females 2.6-3m (8.5-10 feet), up to 1200kg (2600 lbs)
Color & Characteristics
- Gray-brown to cinnamon brown and sometimes pink
- Robust, large body with Tusks
Habitat
- Arctic, Atlantic waters of Canada and Greenland
- Offshore and in deep water within dense sea ice
Feeding
- arrow range of prey which include Greenland halibut, squid, and polar cod
- Echolocate prey with sonar
Life cycle
- Size at birth 1.5m (15 feet)
- Sexual maturity at 5-7 years
- Females have calves every 3 years
- Longevity over 60 years, possibly more than 100
Behavior
- Vocal and gregarious
Page Author: Lloyd Lowry & Bodil Bluhm
Created: Aug 24, 2008
