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The walrus is an iconic species of the Arctic and one of the world's largest marine mammals. Found in the Arctic Ocean, walruses are well-adapted to life in the cold, isolated environment. They are massive, with some males weighing over 2,000 pounds. Walruses have a number of features that help them survive in this harsh environment, including their thick blubber, webbed feet, and large tusks.
Appearance
They are large animals, with adult males reaching lengths of over 3 meters. They have thick, grayish-brown skin and a layer of blubber that helps them stay warm in the cold waters of the Arctic. Walruses have four flippers and webbed feet, which help them to move gracefully in the water. They also have two long tusks, which can grow up to a meter in length and are used for digging and fighting.
Diet
Walruses are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever is available. They mostly feed on mollusks and other bottom-dwelling creatures, which they dig up with their tusks. Walruses also eat a variety of fish, including cod and herring.
Behavior
These are social animals, living in groups called herds or pods. The pods can be made up of up to several hundred individuals and are usually made up of females, young, and a few dominant males. The dominant males are usually the largest and most aggressive, they will fight each other to establish dominance.
Walruses are also highly migratory, traveling long distances between their summer and winter-feeding grounds. During the summer, they migrate to the northern Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean to feed on mollusks and other seafood. In the winter, they migrate south to the Bering Sea, where they can find food more easily.
Threats
Walruses are threatened by climate change, which is causing their Arctic habitat to warm. This has led to a decrease in their food sources, as some species of mollusks and other food sources have been unable to survive the warmer temperatures. Walruses are also threatened by hunting, as their tusks are highly sought after.
Conservation
These animals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which prohibits hunting and protects their habitat. Additionally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them as a species of least concern, meaning their populations are stable.
Despite this, walruses continue to face challenges due to their fragile Arctic habitat. Conservation efforts are focusing on protecting their habitat and food sources, as well as reducing pollution and other human activities that could harm them.
Walruses are an essential part of the Arctic ecosystem and a symbol of the region's unique wildlife. As their habitat continues to be threatened by climate change, it is important to continue protecting them and ensure their future survival.
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