The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of anywhere else on Earth. Biggest threat facing Walruses is loss of strong sea ice due to climate change. Walruses feed on ocean floors in relatively shallow waters where sea ice sustains a rich food web. 7-10 feet, up to 3,500 pounds, live almost 40 years.
Accelerated retreat of sea ice takes them away from food. Longer, exhausting swims. With warming conditions come vessels making journey’s into remote eco-systems once inaccessible. With more vessels in Arctic waters, threats of oil spills, human disturbances affecting wildlife are inevitable. More ships increase noise, pollution, fish entanglement in marine debris.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps moderate Arctic climate impact. Hope latest technologies, teaching’s can interactively aid new pathway’s for protection of species.