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Source-This post on Hopen Island is based on the article “First case of Walrus dying from bird flu recorded on Arctic island: Researcher” published in “WION” on 7th May 2024.
Why in the News?
A researcher has reported that the first instance of a walrus death due to bird flu on Hopen Island in the Svalbard archipelago.
About Hopen Island
| Aspects | Description |
| About Hopen Island | Hopen Island is located in the southeastern part of the Svalbard archipelago (Norway). It is part of the Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve. |
| Geography | The island is mostly covered by rocks and continuous permafrost, with a very narrow beach. |
| Wildlife | 1) The island is home to a significant number of polar bears, especially during winter when the island is surrounded by sea ice. 2) The sub-population of Ursus maritimus found here is genetically distinct and associated with the Barents Sea region. 3) The island is breeding ground for black-legged kittiwakes, thick-billed guillemots, and black guillemots. |
About Walrus
| Aspect | Description |
| Classification | They are Pinniped (fin-footed) mammal. They are related to seals and sea lions. |
| Appearance | They are characterized by large size and distinctive tusks; skin covered with a thin layer of coarse hairs. |
| Habitat | They are terrestrial and marine. They can swim in the ocean and walk on land and sea ice. |
| Diet | They are primarily mollusks and also consumes worms, snails, soft shell crabs, shrimp, and sea cucumbers. |
| Distribution | Arctic and sub-Arctic regions near the North Pole, including the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans. |
| Threats | Currently, the primarily threat is climate change. They were historically hunted commercially. |
| Conservation Status | IUCN Red List: Vulnerable |
| Role in Ecosystem | They are keystone species in Arctic marine ecosystems. |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
