Melting Ice Displaces Walruses in the Russian Arctic

Some 40,000 walruses have appeared on the Russian Arctic coast, a phenomenon that scientists believe is a result of global warming melting Arctic sea ice. The area is currently being protected by the local community through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-supported association.

But more permanent protection, like a nature reserve, is needed to protect the marine mammals, representatives said.

"Because of climate change, ice is disappearing from the Chukchi and East Siberian seas during the summer months," said Viktor Nikiforov, director of WWF-Russia’s regional programs.

Sea-ice thickness has been reduced by 40 percent in the last 30 years. Walruses need thick sea ice to support their weight and the shallow waters of the coastal zone to feed.

As the warming climate in the Arctic reduces the thickness and expanse of the ice, it also reduces the walrus’ habitat.