Counting Walruses from Space

The project uses satellite images and citizen science to count walruses. As sea ice melts due to climate change, Atlantic walruses spend more time on land in large groups called haul-outs.

These gatherings can be seen from space.

What Counting Walruses from Space does

Walrus from Space trains volunteers to spot and count walruses in satellite photos.

Thousands of citizen scientists look at images from key sites across the Arctic. Their work helps create the first full population estimate for this vulnerable species.

The project combines space technology with public involvement. It makes large-scale wildlife monitoring possible without disturbing the animals.

Why this matters

Atlantic walruses are threatened by climate change and human activity.

Sea ice loss forces them onto land. Large haul-outs can lead to dangerous stampedes, especially among calves. Coastal development and shipping traffic add further pressure.

Despite their importance to Arctic ecosystems, we don’t know how many walruses exist.

A haul-out of Atlantic walrus rest on a spit in Svalbard, Norway (Credit: Peter Fretwell)

Previous surveys covered only small areas and needed expensive aircraft or ships. Without accurate population data, conservation efforts cannot be properly planned.

Walrus from Space provides baseline population counts across the entire Arctic range. It tracks population changes over time and gives evidence to inform conservation policy. It also provides early warning of population declines.

How the project works

• Satellite imagery: Captures walrus haul-outs when animals gather on beaches and sea ice
• Citizen science platform: Volunteers view satellite images online and mark individual walruses
• Machine learning: AI learns from volunteer work to speed up future counts
• Ground checking: Results are checked against field observations and aerial surveys where available
• Data sharing: Findings are shared with conservation organisations, governments and Arctic communities

Science objectives

The project aims to:

• produce the first pan-Arctic population estimate for Atlantic walruses
• identify critical haul-out sites that need protection
• build a monitoring system that can track populations over time
• develop methods that can be used for other wildlife species
• engage the public in Arctic conservation

Who is involved

Walrus from Space is led by WWF in partnership with British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

We provide expertise in satellite remote sensing and wildlife monitoring.

Science objectives

The project aims to:

• produce the first pan-Arctic population estimate for Atlantic walruses
• identify critical haul-out sites that need protection
• build a monitoring system that can track populations over time
• develop methods that can be used for other wildlife species
• engage the public in Arctic conservation