First Case of Walrus Dying from Bird Flu Recorded on Arctic Island

Key Points:

1. One of Norway's Arctic islands reported its first case of a walrus dying from bird flu.
2. The walrus was among 6 found on Hopen Island, part of the Svalbard archipelago.
3. Hopen Island is a remote island located in the far southeast of Svalbard.
4. It's primarily covered by rocks and permafrost, with steep cliffs ideal for seabird breeding.
5. Hopen Island is a seabird island, with vast colonies of Brunich's Guillemots, Kittywakes, and Fulmars.

Walrus Facts:

1. Walruses are pinnipeds, fin-footed mammals related to seals and sea lions, with skin covered in coarse hair.
2. They are recognized by their large size and distinctive teeth.
3. Walruses are keystone species in Arctic marine ecosystems.
4. They're terrestrial and marine mammals, navigating both oceans and land.
5. Their diet primarily consists of mollusks, but may also include worms, snails, and sea cucumbers.
6. Walruses inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic regions near the North Pole.
7. They face threats from commercial hunting and climate change.
8. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies walruses as a vulnerable species.

What is Permafrost?

1. Definition: Permafrost is a layer of ground (soil, rock, sediment) that has remained completely frozen (at or below 0°C or 32°F) for at least two consecutive years.
2. It can range from a few feet thick to thousands of feet deep.
3. Location: Found in high-latitude regions (like the Arctic and Antarctic) and high-altitude areas (like mountain ranges). It covers about a quarter of the land in the Northern Hemisphere.

4. Components: Permafrost can contain:
   1. Soil and organic matter
   2. Rock
   3. Sand
   4. Large amounts of ice

Importance of Permafrost:

1. Carbon Storage: Permafrost acts as a giant freezer, locking away vast amounts of organic carbon (from dead plants and animals that didn't fully decompose). This carbon would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases.
2. Ecosystem Support: Permafrost shapes unique arctic and subarctic ecosystems, providing habitat for specialised plants and animals.

The Problem: Permafrost Thaw

1. Climate Change: As global temperatures rise, permafrost thaws. This has serious consequences:
   1. Greenhouse Gas Release: Thawing permafrost releases stored carbon dioxide and methane, powerful greenhouse gases that further contribute to warming.
   2. Infrastructure Damage: Thawing ground destabilised buildings, roads, and pipelines built on permafrost.
   3. Changes to Landscape: Creates sinkholes, landslides, and changes the flow of water in the region.

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