Walruses are long-lived, social animals who reside in the sub-Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Their most iconic feature is their long tusks; elongated canine teeth used for fighting, mating, moving in and out of ice, and digging. While walruses have been an important part of life for indigenous Arctic peoples, they were exploited by 18th and 19th century American and European settlers through irresponsible commercial harvest for their meat and tusks. Walruses are listed Vulnerable, and we must take steps now before things get worse for this iconic species.
Vulnerable
112,500
Sub-Arctic seas of the Northern Hemisphere
Walrus ivory is legally traded, and is used to conceal trade in illegal ivory from other animals, also facing threats of habitat loss, conflict with fisheries and pollution from oil excavation
With their populations significantly reduced from their historic slaughter, walruses now struggle to stay alive as their habitats are substantially impacted by global warming and the ongoing legality of trade in walrus ivory. This iconic Arctic species is listed as vulnerable and faces an uncertain future. If we act right now, we could give the walrus a chance to survive and thrive.
Conservationists across the Northern Hemisphere agree that the fate of walruses is uncertain, and consider them a species of “special concern” and at risk of becoming threatened if action isn’t taken to protect walruses. Historic human harvests have significantly impacted walrus populations, their populations were severely depleted until steps were taken to eliminate commercial hunting and trade. However, as we continue to push for protection of other species killed for their ivory, we must remember that if we do not include the walrus we leave them vulnerable to become an ivory substitute.