Why is the taxonomic status of the Laptev walrus (*Odobenus rosmarus laptevi*) currently subject to debate?

Recent genetic differences suggest it may actually be of Pacific walrus (*O. r. divergens*) origin

The Laptev walrus population, isolated in the Laptev Sea of the central Russian Arctic, was historically recognized as a distinct third subspecies, noted for being the smallest geographically. However, more recent investigations utilizing genetic data have challenged this independent designation. The findings indicate that this isolated population shares a closer recent genetic makeup with the Pacific walrus (*O. r. divergens*). Consequently, while recognized locally, the primary scientific consensus leans toward maintaining the fundamental split between the Atlantic and Pacific groups, casting doubt on the necessity of *O. r. laptevi* as a truly separate evolutionary unit.