A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
A vagrant walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) in Finland
Authors: Pihlström Henry, Halkka Antti, Sainmaa Sanna, Lanki Maiju, Simola Outi, Oksanen Antti, Pilāts Valdis, Vesterinen Eero, Pohjoismäki Jaakko, Puolakoski Ari, Granroth Janne, Väinölä Risto
Publisher: Societas pro fauna et flora Fennica
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Memoranda Societatis Pro Fauna Et Flora Fennica
Journal name in source: Memoranda Societatis pro Fauna et Flora Fennica
Volume: 100
First page : 1
Last page: 17
eISSN: 1796-9816
Web address : https://journal.fi/msff/article/view/145100
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/393284395
In July 2022, a vagrant female Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) was seen on the south coast of Finland. The same individual, which was called ’Stena’ in the international press, had previously been observed in the waters of several other European countries along the North and Baltic Seas. By the time the animal reached Finnish waters it was in poor condition and did not survive a rescue attempt. Post-mortem investigation revealed that the animal was malnourished and its digestive tract was almost empty, but trace amounts of DNA from bivalves and other aquatic invertebrates could be recovered. However, apart from minor age-related ailment and superficial skin wounds, the walrus showed no obvious signs of illness or injuries. Dental wear suggested that the animal was at least 20 years old. Its body and cranial measurements, including tusk length, were well above the average size for a female Atlantic walrus. Mitochondrial DNA supported its origin in the eastern Barents Sea populations. The specimen was mounted and put on display in the Natural History Museum, Helsinki. This is the first confirmed free-ranging walrus observation in the northern part of the Baltic Sea and Finland.
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