Atlantic walrus
The walrus is the second largest seal in the world, after the elephant seal, and can weigh up to 2 tons (4,400 pounds). It is found in the Arctic polar region, with two subspecies. The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) lives between Alaska and Russia, while the Atlantic walrus (Odobenus r. rosmarus) is native to Greenland, Canada, Svalbard and Siberia.
Tusks and vibrissae
Its most recognizable physical feature is its tusks. In particularly large males, these can be up to one meter (3 ft 3 in) long. They serve not only as a defense, but also as a symbol of dominance. The walrus also uses its tusks to pull itself out of the water and to punch holes in the ice. The walrus spends most of its time in shallow waters and on sea ice. It is a predator and feeds mainly on bivalve mollusks and other invertebrates that it digs up from the seabed during its dives, which can last up to 30 minutes. The long vibrissae on its upper lip help the walrus to orient itself during the dives. Occasionally, however, it also preys on larger animals, such as seals or birds.
Significance for humans
For the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, walruses have great cultural significance and have served not only as a food source but also as a material for clothing, tools, housing and boats.
Facts
- Binominal name: Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus
- Meaning of the common name: Whale horse or shore giant (either Old Norse or Dutch origin)
- Other names: Aivik (Inuit)
- First described: 1758 (Carl Linnaeus)
- Distribution: Canada, Greenland, Siberia and Svalbard
Atlantic walrus souvenir note
This souvenir note from the Greenland Series is dedicated to the Atlantic walrus. Printed on genuine security paper, it features the coat of arms of Greenland as a gold foil patch, motifs in UV color and haptic elements. While the vertically designed obverse depicts a two walruses, the reverse shows the tail fin of a whale, a coastal glacier and the Kingittorsuaq Runestone, which was discovered in 1824 by a hunter in north-west Greenland and is now in the Danish National Museum. The runes on it are of Norse origin and date from between 1135 and 1330. The Greenland Series which comprises a total of eight souvenir notes, is also available in a booklet with lots of information and pictures.
Obverse: Two Atlantic walruses, coat of arms of Greenland, map of Greenland
Reverse: Tail fin of a whale, coastal glacier, Kingittorsuaq Runestone, Inuit art
| Dimensions: 145 x 70 mm (5.71 x 2.76 in) Material: Paper |
