Elephant Seals vs. Walruses

Attribute	Elephant Seals	Walruses
Species	Mirounga	Odobenus rosmarus
Size	Can reach up to 20 feet in length	Can reach up to 12 feet in length
Weight	Can weigh up to 8,800 pounds	Can weigh up to 3,700 pounds
Habitat	Found in the Pacific Ocean	Found in the Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas
Diet	Feeds on fish and squid	Feeds on clams, mussels, and other benthic invertebrates

Physical Characteristics

Elephant seals and walruses are both large marine mammals that belong to the pinniped group. However, they have distinct physical characteristics that set them apart. Elephant seals are known for their massive size, with males reaching lengths of up to 16 feet and weighing as much as 6,000 pounds. They have a distinctive trunk-like proboscis that gives them their name. In contrast, walruses are slightly smaller, with males reaching lengths of up to 12 feet and weighing around 2,000 pounds. They are easily recognizable by their long tusks and thick blubber layer.

Habitat

Both elephant seals and walruses are found in cold, coastal waters, but they inhabit different regions. Elephant seals are primarily found in the waters surrounding Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. They spend most of their time at sea, only coming ashore to breed and molt. Walruses, on the other hand, are found in the Arctic Ocean and the subarctic seas. They prefer shallow waters near the continental shelf where they can easily access their food source, which consists mainly of clams and other benthic invertebrates.

Behavior

Elephant seals and walruses exhibit different behaviors when it comes to mating and social interactions. Elephant seals are known for their aggressive and territorial nature during the breeding season. Males will fight each other for dominance and the right to mate with females. In contrast, walruses are more social animals that form large herds, especially during the breeding season. They communicate through various vocalizations and use their tusks to establish dominance within the group.

Diet

Despite their differences in habitat, both elephant seals and walruses are carnivorous animals that rely on a diet of marine organisms. Elephant seals primarily feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans that they catch while diving deep into the ocean. They have the ability to hold their breath for long periods, allowing them to hunt at great depths. Walruses, on the other hand, feed mainly on benthic invertebrates such as clams, mussels, and snails. They use their sensitive whiskers to detect prey on the ocean floor and suck them out of their shells using their powerful suction abilities.

Reproduction

Reproduction is a crucial aspect of the life cycle for both elephant seals and walruses. Elephant seals have a polygynous mating system, where dominant males mate with multiple females in a harem. Mating takes place on land, and females give birth to a single pup after a gestation period of around 11 months. The pups are weaned after about a month and are left to fend for themselves. Walruses also have a polygynous mating system, with dominant males mating with multiple females in a herd. Mating takes place in the water, and females give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 15 months. The calves are cared for by their mothers and are dependent on them for several years.

Conservation Status

Both elephant seals and walruses face threats to their populations due to human activities and environmental changes. Elephant seals were once hunted to near extinction for their blubber and fur, but conservation efforts have helped their populations recover. They are currently classified as least concern by the IUCN Red List. Walruses, on the other hand, are facing increasing threats from climate change and habitat loss. The melting of sea ice in the Arctic is reducing their access to food sources and breeding grounds, leading to declines in their populations. They are currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.