Mass of Walruses Found in Franz Josef Land Surpasses Prior Estimates
Recent assessments indicate a surprisingly large walrus population in Franz Josef Land, a finding reported by TASS through the management team of the Russian Arctic National Park. The park authority explains that comprehensive counts were conducted across all walrus rookeries within the Franz Josef Land archipelago. The team compared historical data, opened new rookeries, and verified the latest counts, revealing a total far above earlier projections. In their assessment, the park leadership notes that about seven thousand walruses now inhabit the area, a figure that challenges previous estimates.
Previously, estimates placed the walrus population in the archipelago between three thousand and three and a half thousand individuals. Franz Josef Land holds particular importance for the species because it supports year-round residence, offering a reliable habitat that can persist through seasonal changes. The Atlantic walrus is currently listed in the Russian Red Book, reflecting historic pressures from overfishing in the 19th and 20th centuries and the ongoing need for protective measures.
The Russian Arctic National Park is the northernmost and largest specially protected natural area in the country. It encompasses the Franz Josef Land archipelago and the northern portion of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, highlighting its critical role in Arctic conservation and ecosystem stability.
Earlier reports indicated that London peregrine falcons began feeding more actively during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating how wildlife behavior can shift in response to environmental and human activity changes. This trend underscores the broader adaptability of Arctic species in the face of evolving conditions.