The Center for Biological Diversity will sue to force federal action on a petition to list the Pacific walrus as a threatened species. The walrus is threatened due to threats from global warming and offshore petroleum development.
Arctic sea ice is disappearing at a rapid pace; the ice is prime habitat for walrus populations.
The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the government to protect Pacific walruses from the effects of global warming and energy development. Receding sea ice is causing walruses to abandon the ice and congregate on shorelines, where the habitat and food supply cannot support so many walruses.
The petition wants to list the walruses as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. It was filed as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is debating whether to list polar bears as threatened.
Behavioral enrichment in zoos keeps animals’ minds and bodies active. Watch how trainers keep walruses active at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Scientists and environmentalists are are concerned about Pacific walruses and how they are affected by the ice loss in the Arctic. Wildlife managers are seeing a dramatic ecosystem change and trying to figure out what they can do to help the species adapt. Listen to what scientists have to say about this topic, through this link.
