Atlantic Walruses of Franz Josef Land
The Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) is a key marine mammal of the high Arctic, using the ice‑bound islands of Franz Josef Land as seasonal haul‑out and foraging grounds. Recent satellite tagging shows extensive inter‑island movements and a reliance on benthic bivalves such as Hiatella arctica. Their presence links the archipelago to the broader Kara‑Barents Sea population, making them an indicator of regional ecosystem health.