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Bioenergetics model for estimating food requirements of female Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)

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Full Publication: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09706

Product Type: Journal Article
Year: 2012

Authors: Noren, S. R., M. S. Udevitz, and C. V. Jay

Suggested Citation:
Noren, S. R., M. S. Udevitz, and C. V. Jay. 2012. Bioenergetics model for estimating food requirements of female Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens). Marine Ecology Progress Series 460:261-275. doi:10.3354/meps09706

Keywords: Pacific walrus, foraging, metabolism, energetics, Arctic, ice, climate change

Annotation


Pacific walruses use sea ice as a platform for resting, nursing, and accessing extensive benthic foraging grounds. The extent of summer sea ice in the Chukchi Sea has decreased substantially in recent decades, causing walruses to alter habitat use and activity patterns which could affect their energy requirements. Changes in access to prey could impact body condition and ultimately impact population growth rates. The youngest age classes are most vulnerable during food-limited periods, since they must acquire proportionally greater amounts of prey. Pregnant and lactating females also have greater energetic demands. As sea ice loss accelerates, walruses may need to travel farther to forage. Young walruses and reproductive females may be especially vulnerable to changes in food availability and human disturbance.