Re-introduction of Walrus

RobSutton · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2007, 05:33 AM

We've had threads about wolves, beavers, lynx how about Walrus?

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nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2007, 06:17 AM

I would love that to happen,what an amazing animal

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2007, 06:56 AM

I didn't realise that they were anything other than an occasional vagrant to our northern coasts. Being an arctic/sub-arctic species I wonder with warming seas whether such a re-introduction would be a good idea?

henrya · #4 (**permalink**) 05-02-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I didn't realise that they were anything other than an occasional vagrant to our northern coasts.

They are not. The suggestion that "the last native pair" were shot in 1846 is incorrect. The earliest record I have been able to trace (apart from some very early, unproven records) is 1815, in Shetland. Between then and the end of the 19th century there were 23 animals reported in Scotland. They were often regarded with fear - most people had never seen such a large animal emerge from the sea.

Remember Wally the Walrus who visited Cambridgeshire in 1981, swimming up the River Ouse?

henrya