New Walrus Haul-Out Identified in Svalbard via Satellite Monitoring

Scientists have identified a new walrus haul-out site along the shores of Svalbard, a remote Arctic archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The discovery was made using high-resolution satellite imagery under the Walrus from Space project, a joint conservation initiative by the World Wide Fund for Nature and the British Antarctic Survey. The finding underscores how emerging technologies are helping track vulnerable Arctic wildlife.

Role of the Walrus from Space Programme

Launched in 2021, the project invites members of the public to act as ‘Walrus Detectives’, analysing thousands of satellite images to spot and count walruses. Around 40,000 volunteers have contributed so far. The data supports a large-scale census of Atlantic walruses across Canada, Greenland and the Norwegian Arctic, enabling scientists to understand population patterns and long-term trends.

Walruses as Arctic Keystone Species

Walruses, which can weigh nearly two tonnes, are considered keystone species due to their vital ecological role in Arctic marine ecosystems. However, climate change is threatening their survival. Rapid loss of sea ice—a critical platform for resting, breeding and accessing food—continues to reshape their behaviour and distribution, increasing the urgency of monitoring efforts.

Significance of the Newly Discovered Haul-Out

The newly identified site in Svalbard offers fresh insight into how walruses may be adapting to shrinking ice conditions. Scientists highlight that such discoveries reveal gaps in current knowledge about walrus abundance and movements. Continued satellite-based research will help predict how populations might respond to future climate scenarios.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The new haul-out site was discovered in Svalbard through satellite imagery.
• Walrus from Space is a WWF–BAS initiative launched in 2021.
• About 40,000 volunteers have contributed as ‘Walrus Detectives’.
• Walruses are keystone species increasingly threatened by sea-ice loss.

Enhancing Global Conservation Efforts

The project provides essential evidence to support walrus conservation across their Arctic range. With climate change accelerating habitat disruption, large-scale monitoring tools and public participation are becoming central to safeguarding one of the Arctic’s most iconic yet vulnerable marine mammals.