Wildanimals4Kids.blogspot.com : Walrus

NATURAL WORLD : WILD ANIMALS

 

WALRUS

 

Who is that gentleman with the fine moustache?

The Walrus....a gentle giant that lives in the frigid waters of the Arctic. That enviable pair of tusks is unique to this pinniped (fin footed mammal). A walrus hauls itself out on rocky ice edges with the help of tusks. In addition to that, they have 16 more teeth. The body is heavy and bulky. It is covered with thick brown or pinkish wrinkly skin. There is  thin layer of small coarse hair on the skin. It uses its flippers to swim and propel itself in the water.It can rotate its hind flippers to walk on all fours on land.

How do they stay warm in sub zero temperatures?

Their bodies have a thick layer of fat called blubber under the skin that keeps them warm. Therefore, being fat is important for them to survive.

Babies are born without tusks. Their round heads have blunt noses with stiff bristles to help look for prey on the ocean bed. It weighs around 60 kg. at birth and stays with the mother for around 2 or 3 years. They can grow up to 1500 kg. when they become adults.

Since walruses live in large herds of about 100, babies learn to hunt for food. It consists of mussels, shellfish, other fish and small seals. Baby walruses are sometimes killed by polar bears for food.

Living in the coastal regions of Russia, Greenland, Canada and Alaska, they stay near the shore in shallow waters.

Saving the Walrus

Commercial hunting for their ivory tusks, meat and skin has endangered this animal. Climate change leading to reduction of sea ice and increase in tourism has also made their habitat unsafe for them.
It is now illegal to kill a walrus for commercial purpose. Only the tribes living in the Arctic may hunt one or two for survival since no vegetation grows in the ice.

Simple Lines for Speaking......

WALRUS

1. Walruses are large heavy sea animals.

2. They live in the icy Arctic regions.

3. A walrus has a moustache and tusks.

4. It eats shell fish, clams and small seals.

5. Herds of hundreds of walruses rest on shores.

6. It is illegal to kill a walrus.

Public Speaking

Note for educators and parents : Describe and explain with the help of information given on this page. Help the child memorize these lines and speak in front of a camera with actions.  Young Learners may post their videos and comments here.

Those interested may send their write-up on an animal not mentioned here. (300 words max. and 3 images). Name of the contributor will be mentioned.

Email:  cqfoundation@gmail.com