Research
on Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) has focused on
movement patterns, haulout use, and diving behavior of adult males in
Bristol Bay. This information will be used to identify important foraging
areas and track trends in haulout utilization. This work will also provide
a framework to expand telemetry studies to other segments of the
population in different geographical areas. More recent research includes
investigations into the use of stable isotope techniques and measures of
heavy metals as tools for studying large-scale movements and dietary
habits of walrus. In addition, other studies are underway to derive
methods for monitoring population size through the establishment of new
surveys and evaluations of data collected in past monitoring programs in
U.S. and Russia.
To learn more about walruses and walrus research at the ASC-BSO, follow this link:
| Pacific Walrus Research Project HOME PAGE |
Polar
bears occur in the ice-covered portions of the Bering, Chukchi and
Beaufort seas adjacent to Alaska. Their dependence upon drifting ice makes
polar bears an important indicator of global warming and its effects in
the Arctic. Ongoing studies at the ASC-BSO are designed to explain the
movements and activities of polar bears, by investigating interactions
between bears, their principal prey, ringed seals, and the sea ice that
supports both of them. We are studying changes in movements and
distribution patterns of polar bears and learning how understanding those
patterns may help address habitat management issues. We also are
estimating population size and refining our ability to detect and project
trends in numbers of polar bears. Finally, to enhance our ability to
protect mother bears and their newborns from human disturbances, we are
mapping maternal denning habitat and investigating ways to detect bears in
dens, even when they are buried deep under the driven Arctic snow.
Brown
bear research conducted by the Alaska Science Center - Biological Science
Office is focused
on issues of concern within National Parks and Refuges. Ongoing research
addresses issues of brown bear population dynamics, bear-human
interactions, bear foraging ecology, and bear habitat relationships.
Additionally, issues of safety in bear country are of importance and are
being investigated by Center research staff.
The
scientific name for the sea otter is Enhydra lutris, which means
"otter in the water". This name is quite fitting as they spend
almost all their life in the ocean - they eat, sleep, mate, give birth and
feed their young at sea. Sea otters are the largest members of the weasel
family. They are also among the smallest of the marine mammals. Like all
mammals, otters breathe air, feed milk to their young, are warm blooded
and have hair on their bodies. Sea otters are only found in the North
Pacific Ocean, where they live along rocky shorelines and sheltered coves.
Approximately 168,000 sea otters live in the waters off of Alaska and
Russia. Groups of sea otters, called rafts, float among the kelp beds,
where there is plenty of food.
