Nutritional and behavioral aspects of reproduction in walruses

Abstract

Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) at Marineland, California consumed food in increasing amounts as they grew larger out ate less per unit of body weight. Adult males consumed the most food in November - December, then fasted throughout the breeding season. Females apparently fasted during ovulation and birth. Females consumed 50% more energy while pregnant or lactating than when not pregnant or lactating. Male walruses spent more time displaying, and their displays were more stereotyped, during the breeding season. Females initiated and terminated interactions with the males during the breeding season, and those interactions were preceeded by displays. Females vocalized to the calf to initiate suckling bouts, reassure the calf, and to call the calf. Calves vocalized to initiate suckling bouts and indicate danger. When the calf was threatened, the female responded quickly by tusk strikes, kinesic tusk threats, vocal threats, or calling the calf. The calf tended to follow the female.