Odobenus rosmarus divergens (Odobenidae) groups in the waters adjacent to coastal haulouts (Chukchi Peninsula, Russia)

The distance between individuals is one of the key characteristics of the spatial structure of a group. Here, we investigated inter-individual distances in Odobenus rosmarus divergens (hereinafter – walrus) aggregations in waters adjacent to four coastal haulouts in the Chukchi Sea, Russia. The analysis of aerial images showed that the majority of the individuals in water were in tight groups (binomial z > 11.37, p