The Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) is one of the Arctic's most iconic mammals, and its story in Svalbard is one of dramatic decline and cautious recovery. By the early 20th century, relentless hunting for blubber and ivory had brought the species to the brink of local extinction. Full protection since 1952 has allowed the population to slowly rebuild, yet it remains a shadow of its former abundance. This article explores the walrus's biology, its Svalbard habitats, and the ongoing conservation efforts that are shaping its future.
A History of Exploitation
Walruses were once abundant in the fjords and coastal waters of Svalbard, but their docile nature and tendency to haul out in large groups made them easy targets for hunters. From the 17th century onwards, European whalers and sealers slaughtered walruses for their blubber, which was rendered into oil, and for their ivory tusks, which were carved into luxury items. By the early 1900s, the Svalbard population had been decimated, with only a few scattered individuals remaining.
The hunting was unsustainable, and by the 1920s, walruses had virtually disappeared from Svalbard's shores. It wasn't until 1952 that the Norwegian government granted them full legal protection, a move that came too late for many other Arctic species but offered a lifeline to the walrus. Since then, the population has been slowly increasing, but it is still estimated to be only a fraction of its pre-exploitation size. The recovery is a testament to the resilience of the species, but also a reminder of the lasting impact of human exploitation.
Life at the Haul-Outs
Walruses are highly social animals, and in Svalbard they gather at traditional haul-out sites—coastal areas where they come ashore to rest, molt, and give birth. These sites are crucial for their survival, providing a safe refuge from predators and rough seas. The largest haul-outs in Svalbard are found on the islands of Moffen, Storøya, and the Sjuøyane archipelago, where hundreds of individuals can be seen packed together on the beaches.
At these haul-outs, walruses display a complex social structure. Dominant males establish hierarchies, while females and calves form tight-knit groups. The animals communicate through a series of grunts, roars, and bellows, and physical contact is common as they jostle for space. Despite their massive size—males can weigh up to 1,500 kilograms—they are surprisingly agile on land, using their tusks to haul their heavy bodies across the gravel and ice.
Feeding and Foraging Behavior
Walruses are benthic feeders, meaning they forage on the seafloor for their preferred prey: bivalve mollusks, such as clams and mussels. They use their highly sensitive whiskers, or vibrissae, to detect prey in the murky waters, and then suck the soft bodies out of the shells with a powerful jet of water. An adult walrus can consume thousands of clams in a single day, and they often create distinct furrows in the seabed as they feed.
In Svalbard, walruses feed in relatively shallow waters, usually less than 80 meters deep, where the seafloor is rich in bivalves. They are also known to occasionally prey on other animals, such as seals, but this is rare and more common in males. The availability of food is a key factor in the distribution of walruses, and changes in sea ice and ocean temperatures can affect the abundance and location of their prey, making them vulnerable to climate change.
Conservation and Management
Since the 1952 protection, the Norwegian government has implemented strict regulations to safeguard walruses in Svalbard. The Svalbard Environmental Protection Act, which came into force in 2002, designates walruses as a protected species and prohibits any disturbance that could harm them. This includes restrictions on boat and aircraft traffic near haul-out sites, as well as guidelines for tourists and researchers to maintain a safe distance.
The recovery of the walrus population has been slow but steady. Recent surveys estimate that there are now around 2,500 to 3,000 walruses in Svalbard, a significant increase from the few hundred that remained in the 1950s. However, the population is still considered vulnerable, and scientists continue to monitor the health and distribution of the animals. Climate change poses a new threat, as the loss of sea ice may reduce the availability of suitable feeding grounds and haul-out sites, potentially reversing the gains made over the past seven decades.
Observing Walruses Responsibly
For those fortunate enough to see walruses in the wild, it is essential to do so without causing disturbance. The Norwegian Polar Institute advises that boats should stay at least 150 meters away from haul-out sites, and aircraft should maintain an altitude of at least 500 meters. If a walrus shows signs of agitation, such as raising its head or moving towards the water, it is a sign that you are too close and should retreat slowly.
Disturbing walruses can have serious consequences, especially during the breeding and molting seasons when they are particularly vulnerable. A stampede caused by a sudden disturbance can injure or kill calves, and repeated disturbances may cause the animals to abandon a haul-out site altogether. By respecting these guidelines, visitors can contribute to the ongoing recovery of this remarkable species and ensure that future generations can also witness the majesty of the walrus in Svalbard.
About Lars Haugen
Lars Haugen is a field ornithologist and writer from Trondheim. He has led birdwatching tours in Trøndelag for over ten years and writes about birds, equipment, and great locations in Norway.