Walrus colony herd on the sand beach, Svalbard 26 27 Whilst cruising Svalbard, you may come across the extraordinary sight of a large group (or herd) of walruses hauled on an ice floe or a sandy beach. These remarkable marine mammals are social animals and often gather in groups of hundreds. They are well known for their bulk and their distinctive tusks, which can grow up to one metre long in males. Walruses are also known for their intelligence and have been observed using tools such as rocks to open shellfish. You might hear a herd of walruses before you see them – they are very vocal animals and can often be heard bellowing, grunting and whistling. Only the hardiest birds have adapted to survive in Svalbard’s harsh environment – and Arctic seabirds are the hardiest of all. Kittiwake, guillemot and puffin are common sightings. Gulls are also common sightings in Svalbard – look out for the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake and common gull. Watch for Arctic tern flying over the tundra in summer months as they hunt for insects and small invertebrates, and you may also spot Arctic skua seeking larger quarry in the form of small mammals and birds. The blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived, and spotting one is an unforgettable experience. They feed in the deep waters around Svalbard. The bowhead whale (or Greenland right whale) is built for the frozen Arctic, with a body that can break through ice up to 60cm thick. With a lifespan of up to 200 years.
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