Полина Шибанова «В гостях у тюленей». «Гиперион», 07.10.25

Introduction to Baikal Seals

Speaker Introduction

• The speaker, Polina Shabanova, introduces herself as a junior researcher at the Institute of Ecology and Evolution Problems named after Severcev. She is also a graduate student.

• Polina has a background in zoology from Moscow State University and participates in projects studying seals in closed water bodies, specifically Caspian and Baikal seals.

Research Focus

• Her main research areas include hormonal studies of Baikal and Caspian seals, as well as immune system research.

• The institute collaborates with the Lake Baikal Foundation and the Transbaikal National Park for their research on Baikal seals.

Research Location: Lake Baikal

Overview of Research Area

• The lecture focuses on the work conducted on Lake Baikal, particularly around the Ushkany Islands archipelago consisting of four islands.

• The team primarily works on Tonky Island, which features a national park where inspectors reside and tourists can observe seal habitats.

Seal Habitats

• Observations indicate that Baikal seals rest along the shores of Tonky, Dolgy, and Krugly Islands; they are rarely found on Bolshoy Ushkan Island.

• A tourist trail leads to viewing platforms where visitors can safely observe resting seals without disturbing them.

Seal Behavior and Observation

Resting Patterns

• Seals create haul-out sites where they rest on rocks; these locations are crucial for their behavior study.

• One notable observation site is a large rock known as "Kamushka," frequented by up to ten resting seals at once.

Social Interactions

• During haul-outs, seals engage mainly in resting and social interactions rather than feeding or reproduction.

• They exhibit territorial behaviors by using physical gestures to maintain personal space among themselves while resting.

Understanding Seal Species

Classification of Seals

• All seal species are categorized into two main groups: true seals (like the Baikal seal) and eared seals (not discussed here).

Distinguishing Features

• True seals lack external ear flaps but have auditory capabilities through openings in their heads. Their movement style differs significantly from eared seals.

Movement Characteristics

• True seals move across land using a unique caterpillar-like motion instead of walking on all fours like eared seals do. This adaptation affects how they navigate their environments.

Understanding the Baikal Seal and Its Habitat

Physical Characteristics of Seals

• The speaker clarifies that what appears to be a tail on seals is actually their legs, which have webbed toes.

• The discussion introduces various types of true seals found in the region, noting similarities in appearance but differences in color and size.

Species Overview

• Focus shifts to the Baikal seal, highlighting its closest relatives: the Caspian seal and the ringed seal from Arctic waters.

• True seals are described as ice-loving creatures, emphasizing their dependence on ice for nurturing their young.

Winter Survival Strategies

• The speaker poses a question about the diet of seals, confirming they primarily eat fish.

• A challenge faced by Baikal seals during winter is maintaining access to air through breathing holes in thick ice.

Breeding Habits

• During breeding season, female seals create special dens in the ice for giving birth, typically producing one pup per year.

• Pups are born at the end of February or early March and remain in these dens for several months while being nursed by their mothers.

Growth and Development of Pups

• The growth rate of pups is rapid; they can gain significant weight quickly due to nutrient-rich milk from their mothers.

• As pups grow, they learn to navigate within their dens and prepare for life outside as ice begins to melt.

Transitioning to Independence

• By springtime when ice starts melting, pups lose contact with their mothers as dens collapse.

• After weaning, pups must learn hunting skills independently while relying on fat reserves accumulated during nursing.

Molting Process

• Following weaning comes mating season and then molting; during this time, Baikal seals need land access for shedding old fur.

• It’s noted that during molting periods, these seals do not feed much as they focus on physiological changes.

Molting and Reproductive Behavior of Baikal Seals

Molting Process

• The molting period for Baikal seals occurs over a week, during which they completely shed their fur and whiskers. Successful completion of this process is crucial before entering the summer feeding phase.

• If ice melts rapidly, seals may not finish molting on the ice and must resort to summer haul-out sites to continue this energy-intensive process.

Embryonic Diapause

• Female seals mate before molting; however, due to high energy expenditure during molting, pregnancy is delayed in a phenomenon known as embryonic diapause. This allows them to conserve energy.

• After successful molting and if conditions are favorable for feeding, implantation of fertilized eggs occurs mid-summer, leading to actual pregnancy.

Duration of Pregnancy

• The gestation period lasts approximately 11 months: three months of embryonic diapause followed by about seven months of active pregnancy. New pups are born the following winter.

Habitat Preferences

• Video footage shows Round Island, one of the small Ushkany Islands where research is conducted. Baikal seals prefer beautiful locations with rocky shorelines for resting rather than sandy beaches.

• These seals choose safe areas like Ushkany Islands where they are less likely to encounter predators such as bears that inhabit mainland regions.

Seal Behavior and Human Interaction

• Baikal seals are skittish creatures; they react strongly to sounds associated with humans or machinery. Observations show how noise can cause them to flee from their resting spots.

• The presence of drones can startle seals into leaving their haul-outs. Researchers aim to minimize disturbances by flying at higher altitudes above seal populations.

Counting Seals Using Drones

• Research has revealed that previously believed large haul-outs on Thin Island were surpassed by those on Round Island's southern shores based on drone surveys.

• Counting Baikal seals from aerial footage presents challenges due to their mobility and difficulty in identifying individual animals among groups resting on rocks.

Responses to Disturbances

• When startled by potential threats (including drones), seals often exhibit a cascading response where one seal's alarm leads others to follow suit in fleeing from their location.

• Various stimuli can trigger these responses; it’s not solely limited to human activity but also includes natural occurrences like birds or distant thunder that may frighten them away.

Research on Seal Behavior and Counting Methods

Return to Haul-Out Sites

• Research indicates that seals typically return to their haul-out sites within approximately one hour after being startled, given optimal conditions without prolonged disturbances.

• The first seals may return immediately after sensing the absence of danger, demonstrating a quick recovery response.

Field Research Activities

• The primary focus of the expedition is conducting counts from the shore while living on Tonky Island for about a month.

• Shore counts involve walking along the coastline to tally seals present; however, caution is necessary as seals are easily frightened and will leave if they detect human presence.

Techniques for Counting Seals

• Researchers wear camouflage suits to blend into the environment, minimizing disturbance when approaching seals resting on rocky outcrops.

• Binoculars and cameras are utilized during counts, alongside a unique counting device that helps maintain accuracy when numbers exceed 100 seals.

Challenges in Data Collection

• Despite appearing straightforward, counting seals requires stealth due to their sensitivity to movement; weather conditions also significantly impact data collection efforts.

• Ant colonies pose an additional challenge; researchers must remain still while ants can crawl over them, which could lead to discomfort but must be tolerated to avoid alarming the seals.

Observational Insights

• Seals react primarily to movement rather than sound; thus, researchers can communicate quietly while lying still without causing alarm among nearby animals.

• A seal's instinctual behavior includes vigilance from certain individuals who monitor surroundings for potential threats, emphasizing the need for careful observation during counts.

Health Monitoring of Seals

• An essential aspect of these observations includes documenting sick or injured animals, such as those entangled in fishing nets or suffering from common ailments like eye diseases.

• Researchers compile a catalog of injuries and health issues encountered among seal populations during their fieldwork.

Use of Drones in Research

• Drone technology (e.g., DJI Mavic or DJI Air models with zoom capabilities) is employed for aerial surveys around Tonky Island and neighboring areas while maintaining altitude to prevent startling the seals.

Understanding the Distribution of Baikal Seals

Importance of Environmental Factors

• The study emphasizes the complexity of tracking seals that have entered the water, highlighting how environmental factors influence their distribution across multiple islands.

• A visual representation shows how Baikal seals concentrate in different areas based on wind direction; northern winds lead to a concentration in southern parts, while southern winds shift them northward.

Impact of Lake Conditions

• One critical environmental factor affecting seal distribution is wave activity; higher waves reduce the likelihood of seals resting on rocks due to potential washing away during storms.

• The research aims to identify which environmental conditions are most crucial for creating suitable resting spots for seals.

Use of Camera Traps

• The project employs camera traps set up by researchers from Zapovednoe Podlemorye, capturing images every few hours to monitor seal populations year-round under various weather conditions.

• These camera traps provide continuous data without disturbing the seals, allowing for natural behavior observation and accurate population counts.

Seal Capture and Tagging Techniques

• An interesting aspect involves capturing and tagging individual seals for biological sampling; this process is challenging due to their size and agility.

• Young seals are easier to handle but still require caution as they can be more agile than larger adults.

Challenges in Seal Capture Methods

• Capturing adult Baikal seals (weighing 100–120 kg) poses significant challenges; even smaller adults should ideally be lifted by two people due to their weight.

• Various capture methods exist, including netting from boats, but these are complicated by entanglement risks and the need for frequent checks on nets.

Shoreline Capture Strategy

• Instead of using nets, researchers capture seals from shorelines using large nets similar to butterfly nets, requiring stealthy approaches along beaches.

• The process involves careful movement towards resting seals while wearing camouflage clothing to avoid detection, emphasizing patience and strategy in wildlife research.

Seal Hunting Techniques and Challenges

Approaching Seals

• The importance of careful approach when hunting seals is emphasized; a single mistake can lead to failure.

• Transitioning from stealth to speed is crucial when closing in on seals, requiring agility over rocky terrain while maintaining focus on the target.

Capturing Seals

• Once close enough, seals tend to flee quickly; however, if they are far from water, there’s an opportunity to catch them as they move slowly towards it.

• An alternative method for capturing involves grabbing the seal by its legs if the net fails.

Environmental Factors

• A specific location with circular rock formations creates small pools where seals can get trapped temporarily, aiding in their capture.

Handling and Transporting Seals

• No immobilization methods are used due to the sensitivity of marine mammals to anesthetics; instead, seals are caught directly and wrapped in nets for transport.

• After capture, seals are placed in ventilated bags for safe transportation away from their resting areas.

Research Procedures

• Capturing seals causes discomfort; however, it is necessary for studying population health and gathering biological materials.

• Blood samples are prioritized as they provide valuable data about seal health and hormone levels.

Blood Collection Challenges

• Collecting blood is complex due to physiological adaptations that allow seals to hold their breath; this can complicate venous access during sampling.

• The process involves using a syringe and butterfly needle but may require patience as blood flow can stop unexpectedly during collection.

Importance of Collected Samples

• Blood samples are analyzed for hormone levels and immune response indicators against diseases like herpes virus and canine distemper virus affecting seal populations.

Investigating Seal Health and Genetics

Overview of Health Assessments

• The research focuses on various bacterial, viral, fungal diseases, and parasites affecting seals. Toxicological studies are also conducted to assess mercury levels in hair, vibrissae, and blood.

• Genetic research aims to understand the population status of seals from different regions of a lake, exploring genetic diversity among populations.

Bacterial Biome Research

• Studies involve collecting swabs from seal mucous membranes (e.g., nasal swabs), similar to COVID testing but tailored for seals.

• The goal is not only descriptive but comparative; understanding which bacteria inhabit different seal species can reveal evolutionary paths and adaptations.

Evolutionary Insights Through Comparison

• By comparing bacterial communities across seal species (e.g., Caspian vs. Baikal seals), researchers can identify unique mutations or adaptations due to isolated living conditions.

• These comparisons help trace evolutionary pathways and interactions between different seal populations.

Age Determination Techniques

• Age determination methods include examining teeth cross-sections in deceased seals; layers indicate growth over time.

• For live seals, age can be estimated by observing claw characteristics; claws grow annually with distinct segments visible during molting.

Satellite Tracking Methodology

• Seals are equipped with satellite tags that adhere painlessly to their fur using a two-component epoxy adhesive without the need for invasive procedures.

• The tagging process involves cleaning the area with alcohol before applying glue and attaching the tag securely for effective tracking post-release.

Data Collection via Satellite Tags

• Once released into water, tags remain inactive until they dry out when the seal surfaces. This triggers signal transmission back to researchers for data collection on movement patterns.

Understanding the Habitats and Behavior of Baikal Seals

Key Locations for Seal Tracking

• The research aims to identify critical areas where Baikal seals are located, using tracking data to analyze their movement patterns.

• Important locations, such as Ushkanye Islands, are identified as key habitats where seals spend significant time due to abundant food sources.

Importance of Habitat Analysis

• Understanding these important habitats enhances knowledge about the species' biology and informs conservation efforts, including potential protected areas.

• Environmental factors affecting seal movements and habitat selection are also analyzed to understand their behavior better.

Behavioral Studies on Seals

• Research includes observing how various factors, including weather and human presence (tourists), influence seal behavior during resting periods.

• Observations are conducted from a viewing platform with systematic recording of seal behaviors through timed snapshots taken every 10 minutes.

Methodology for Observing Seal Behavior

• A series of photographs is used to assess seal activity levels; behaviors include lying still or moving slightly without leaving their resting spots.

• Specific actions like looking around indicate anxiety in seals, suggesting they perceive threats from nearby disturbances.

Impact of Human Activity on Seals

• Any sudden appearance of humans or objects can trigger alarm responses in seals, leading them to abandon their resting sites.

• The number of seals present affects their collective response; more seals tend to feel safer compared to fewer individuals who may react more nervously.

Findings on Seal Reactions and Conservation Implications

• The most disruptive human actions involve unexpected appearances rather than loud noises; this highlights the need for careful management of tourist interactions.

• Preliminary findings suggest that overall seal behavior is influenced more by the number of seals present than by tourist numbers or activities outside the viewing area.

Impact of Human Activity on Baikal Seals

Negative Effects of Boats on Seals

• The presence of boats near seal resting areas causes significant stress, leading seals to abandon their resting spots and potentially not return for the entire day.

• National park regulations prohibit boat traffic near seal haul-outs, but enforcement is challenging due to irresponsible tour operators who approach too closely.

Seal Behavior and Human Interaction

• While closer human interaction may provide a richer experience for observers, it severely disturbs the seals, causing them discomfort and fear.

• The speaker expresses willingness to answer questions about seal behavior or related issues after concluding their main discussion.

Physical Characteristics and Sensory Experience

• A question arises regarding the temperature and smell of seals; they are described as warm (around 37°C), with soft fur that feels pleasant to touch.

• Although touching seals is enjoyable, it is minimized to prioritize animal comfort; interactions are conducted carefully to avoid startling them.

Odor Profiles of Different Seal Species

• Baikal seals emit a strong odor reminiscent of wet dogs, particularly adult males. This scent can be quite pungent post-interaction.

• Despite their smell, Baikal seals are considered less odorous compared to other species like Caspian seals, which have a more pronounced dog-like scent.

Safety Concerns with Seal Interactions

• Caspian seals are noted for being more aggressive and having a stronger odor than Baikal seals; caution is advised when interacting with them.

• An anecdote illustrates the risk involved in handling young Caspian seals; one colleague was bitten while attempting an unprotected interaction.

Health Risks from Seal Bites

• There are potential health risks associated with seal bites, including viral infections. However, bacterial infections pose a greater threat.

• One specific concern is "seal finger," caused by bacteria from seal bites leading to swelling and joint pain; treatment typically involves antibiotics without severe long-term effects.

How to Distinguish Male and Female Seals?

Visual Identification of Seals

• The speaker discusses the visual differences between male and female seals, noting that examining their physical features can provide clear distinctions.

• Female seals have smoother, more rounded faces, while young males also exhibit a pleasant appearance but may develop wrinkles as they age.

• Mature male seals show distinct facial wrinkles and hair loss over time, making it easier to identify them compared to younger males.

• The speaker mentions that scent can also be an identifying factor for adult males during certain times of the year.

Behavioral Insights

• Observing the behavior of seals can help in identification; for instance, if a seal looks directly at you with a gentle gaze, it is likely a female.

• Healthy seals generally perceive humans as threats and will avoid close contact unless they are curious about boats or other objects.

Seal Habitats and Breeding

• The speaker explains how female seals build their dens in ice formations where two large ice floes collide, creating sheltered areas for birthing.

• These dens consist not only of snow but also large chunks of ice, providing insulation and protection for seal pups.

Maternal Behavior

• A mother seal learns through experience which locations are safe for her pups. She may take time to find suitable spots for her den.

• Mothers often create multiple dens: one primary den and one backup in case the main one becomes compromised due to environmental factors.

Nursing Challenges

• It is rare for a seal to give birth to twins; however, if this occurs, mothers possess two nipples allowing them to nurse both pups simultaneously.

• There is an inherent conflict between the mother's energy needs and those of her pups during nursing periods.

Discussion on Seal Pup Survival and Sensory Adaptations

Challenges of Raising Multiple Pups

• The survival of seal pups is more challenging when there are multiple offspring, as they compete for limited resources from their mother.

• Instances of finding two pups in the wild are rare, indicating that such occurrences are exceptional rather than common.

Importance of Whiskers for Seals

• Whiskers serve as crucial sensory organs for seals, aiding them in underwater navigation and fish hunting.

• Seals can detect water currents created by fish using their whiskers, which helps them locate prey even in dark underwater environments.

Annual Whisker Renewal Process

• Seals shed and regrow their whiskers annually, a process typical among true seals. This rapid growth occurs during molting periods.

• The hormonal changes reflected in whisker structure provide insights into the reproductive history of female seals over several years.

Hormonal Analysis through Whisker Structure

• Analyzing hormone levels within whiskers can reveal past pregnancy events based on progesterone spikes.

• Unlike fur, whiskers allow for segmented analysis to observe hormonal dynamics due to their shorter length.

Research Challenges with Hormonal Measurements

• Understanding how hormones accumulate in hair structures poses significant research challenges; measuring hormone levels is straightforward but interpreting the data is complex.

• Ongoing studies aim to clarify how hormones penetrate hair and whether they remain stable or change over time within these structures.

Functionality and Design of Whiskers

• The unique wave-like shape of seal whiskers enhances their ability to sense water movements created by nearby fish.

• Experimental tests demonstrate that seals can navigate effectively without sight by relying on their whiskers to follow scent trails left by objects like toy boats.

This structured summary captures key discussions about seal pup survival challenges and the significance of sensory adaptations like whiskers while providing clear timestamps for reference.

Understanding Seal Behavior and Social Interactions

Thermoregulation in Seals

• Seals exhibit temperature regulation through their flippers, which can feel cold or warm depending on their environment. This thermoregulation function allows them to manage blood flow for heat exchange.

• The warmth of a seal's flipper can vary situationally; it may cool down if blood is not circulated effectively, demonstrating the dynamic nature of their body temperature management.

Social Dynamics Among Seals

• Wild seals display different social behaviors compared to those in captivity. While captive seals tend to get along well, wild seals have more complex interactions that include signs of affection and discomfort towards humans.

• A significant expression of comfort among seals is lying together without movement, indicating trust and relaxation in each other's presence.

Communication and Territoriality

• Seals engage in scratching behaviors that may serve multiple purposes: asserting boundaries or simply grooming one another. The reasons behind these actions are sometimes unclear but indicate social interaction.

• Territorial displays include snapping jaws at other seals as a warning rather than direct aggression, signaling discomfort with the presence of others nearby.

Strategic Behavior for Space

• When competing for space on rocks, seals may use deceptive tactics such as creating splashes to distract others and encourage them to leave an area. This behavior highlights their intelligence and adaptability.

• By causing disturbances like splashing, a seal can manipulate its environment to secure a preferred resting spot by prompting other seals to vacate.

Observing Seals Safely

• Viewing platforms provide a unique opportunity for people to observe Baikal seals safely while minimizing disturbance. This method is preferable over boat approaches which can be more intrusive.

• Tourist behavior significantly impacts seal interactions; quiet and respectful visitors help maintain the natural state of the animals. Proper supervision by park inspectors ensures minimal disruption during viewing sessions.

Seal Behavior and Habitat Management

Importance of Viewing Platforms for Seals

• The construction of viewing platforms is crucial to balance human interest and seal welfare, preventing disturbances from tourists approaching by boat.

• The platform was built around 2013, replacing a previous camouflage net that allowed people to observe seals without disturbing them.

• Construction likely occurred during the off-season when seals are less present, ensuring minimal disruption to their habitat.

Seal Sleeping Patterns

• Seals do not have a fixed sleep schedule; they take short naps throughout the day rather than sleeping continuously at night.

• They can sleep in water or on land, often floating while resting or diving underwater for brief periods.

Mating and Territorial Behavior

Partner Selection Among Seals

• The winter life of seals remains largely mysterious due to limited observation opportunities; female partner selection criteria are unclear but may involve attractiveness and scent strength.

• Males begin courting females even when they are still caring for pups, indicating early interest in mating opportunities.

Territoriality and Social Structure

• Different individuals occupy specific breathing holes (lunks), suggesting territorial behavior among seals. Males may establish territories based on resource availability.

• Young seals tend to remain separate from adults, with adult males and females occupying different regions based on environmental conditions.

Challenges of Breeding in Captivity

Reproductive Issues in Aquariums

• Breeding success in captivity is rare due to the inability to replicate natural icy environments necessary for pup births.

• Some instances of successful breeding have been reported but are exceptional; captivity often suppresses reproductive behaviors through hormonal treatments.

Implications for Conservation Efforts

• Creating suitable conditions for breeding in aquariums poses significant challenges, leading many facilities to focus on managing animal health rather than reproduction.

Evolution of Seals and Their Adaptations

Evolutionary Background

• The discussion begins with the evolutionary lineage of seals, highlighting that true earless seals (phocids) and eared seals (otariids) have different ancestral origins related to carnivorous mammals.

• Eared seals, such as sea lions and fur seals, are more closely related to bears, while true seals share a closer relationship with weasels.

• The transition from land to aquatic life involved gradual adaptations for survival in water, leading to significant physiological changes.

Distinctions Between Seals and Whales

• Unlike whales, which have completely severed their ties to land, seals maintain some connection by needing land or ice for birthing and nursing their young.

• Seals face challenges during pup rearing since newborn pups cannot swim immediately after birth like whale calves can.

Environmental Challenges

• Climate change is impacting ice stability, making it increasingly difficult for seals to find suitable habitats for pupping.

• There is a suggestion that some seal species may need to adapt more towards coastal environments due to unstable ice conditions.

Potential Adaptation Strategies

• An example is given of a seal species in the Far East that has begun pupping on land instead of ice; this indicates possible adaptability within certain limits.

• However, adapting to terrestrial environments poses risks from predators like bears and dogs compared to the relative safety provided by icy habitats.

Behavioral Insights

• Questions arise about seal behavior during storms; they typically retreat into open water rather than seeking shelter on shore where waves pose dangers.

Seal Behavior During Stormy Weather

Shelter Seeking Behavior

• When faced with severe weather conditions such as storms or thunder, seals do not seek physical shelters but instead move into deeper waters for safety.

Unique Postures Explained

• A humorous inquiry about the "banana pose" seen in photos leads to an explanation: this posture aids in thermoregulation by minimizing contact with cold water.

• This position likely serves physiological needs rather than any social signaling among seals.

Intervention in Seal Rescue Situations

Response Protocol for Entangled Seals

• The speaker expresses a desire to intervene when encountering entangled seals but acknowledges significant challenges associated with rescue efforts.

Challenges in Marine Animal Rescue Operations

Encounter with a Sealed Seal

• A case was discussed where a seal was found entangled in nets, appearing to be in relatively good condition but needing assistance.

• Specialized response teams typically handle such situations, freeing animals from nets; however, this instance was unique and occurred last year.

• The team faced physical limitations in reaching the seal before it swam away, highlighting challenges in remote rescue operations.

Need for Operational Protocols

• There is a desire among researchers to develop operational algorithms for addressing similar rescue issues effectively.

• While entanglement does not pose an immediate threat to the population of Baikal seals, it remains a concern due to potential injuries.

Veterinary Assistance Limitations

• Capturing seals for examination is complex; understanding their injuries requires careful handling and sampling.

• Veterinary help is limited; interventions are often short-term and do not allow for extensive treatment or rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation Center Shortages

• There are very few rehabilitation centers available for Baikal seals, which complicates long-term care efforts.

• Some facilities misrepresent themselves as rehabilitation centers while merely displaying animals without providing proper care.

Population Monitoring and Environmental Concerns

• The issue of rehabilitation centers reflects broader concerns about marine mammal welfare and veterinary expertise availability.

• Current estimates suggest that the Baikal seal population is stable at around 130,000 individuals, with no immediate threats identified.

• Monitoring methods include aerial surveys during spring when seals gather at breeding sites; however, there are concerns about potential future population declines due to environmental factors.

Discussion on Microplastics and Their Impact

The Challenges of Studying Microplastics

• Microplastics pose a significant challenge in research; samples must not come into contact with any plastic containers to avoid contamination.

• There is potential for studying microplastic content in deceased animals, particularly examining their digestive tracts, though specific studies are currently lacking.

Lake Baikal's Environmental Status

• Lake Baikal is perceived as relatively less affected by pollution compared to marine ecosystems, which face greater threats from fishing gear and waste.

• Further research into the environmental conditions of Lake Baikal would be beneficial to understand its ecological health better.

Observing Seals: Human Interaction and Wildlife Behavior

Human Disturbance on Seal Habitats

• Observations indicate that seals may react negatively to human presence, especially if they feel threatened or injured.

• Animals have a limited "budget" of time for activities like resting and feeding; disturbances can disrupt this balance.

Natural Behaviors of Seals

• Seal behavior includes natural occurrences of leaving their resting spots without human influence; they may react to environmental stimuli such as birds.

• While human interaction can cause stress, seal movements are often part of their natural behavior patterns.

Understanding Seal Aggression and Social Interactions

Aggressive Displays Among Seals

• Seals exhibit aggression through physical displays rather than direct attacks; these behaviors serve as warnings to maintain distance from one another.

• It can be challenging to interpret the reasons behind certain behaviors due to the complexity of social interactions among seals.

Grooming and Self-Care in Seals

• Seals engage in self-grooming behaviors, indicating a need for hygiene beyond just scratching against surfaces or each other.

Rehabilitation Efforts for Marine Mammals

The Case of Kрошик: A Rehabilitation Story

• Kрошик's story highlights efforts by rehabilitation centers focused on Baltic seals, where specialists work on acclimating rescued seals back into the wild.

• These centers aim to teach seals essential survival skills while reducing their dependency on humans for food.

Discussion on Seal Rehabilitation and Population Management

Attempts at Releasing Seals

• The discussion begins with an account of a seal that was released multiple times but chose not to leave, indicating a strong attachment to humans.

• After several attempts, the seals were kept in captivity due to their reluctance to return to the wild, highlighting concerns about their survival instincts.

Living Conditions and Environment Enrichment

• The seals were provided with a large enclosure in open water as an attempt at environmental enrichment rather than full reintroduction into the wild.

• Questions arise regarding whether these efforts are genuine attempts at reintroduction or merely enhancing their living conditions.

Trust in Professional Competence

• The speaker expresses confidence in the professionals managing the seals, believing all actions taken are in the best interest of the animals.

Comparison of Seal Populations

• A comparison is made between Baikal seals and Baltic seals, noting that Baikal has no rehabilitation centers due to its healthier population status.

• Baikal seals are classified as a commercially viable species, which does not require immediate conservation measures unlike endangered species like Baltic seals.

Conservation Status and Hunting Regulations

• The conversation touches on hunting regulations for Baikal seals, emphasizing that they are not listed as endangered and can be hunted under specific quotas.

Endangered Species Concerns

• In contrast, Baltic seal populations are critically low; for instance, only 300 Saimaa ringed seals remain in Finland. Each individual is crucial for their survival.

Implications of Seal Rescue Efforts

• The speaker notes that rescuing one injured Baikal seal will not significantly impact its population numbers since they are relatively stable compared to more endangered species.

Economic Aspects of Seal Utilization

• Discussion shifts towards historical uses of seal products such as fur for clothing and meat for animal feed.

• There’s mention of past practices where seal meat was used extensively but has become less economically viable over time.

Current Trends and Future Considerations

• Recent discussions among specialists suggest potential ideas for reviving seal hunting practices; however, there is currently little active support or demand for this initiative.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Understanding the Baikal Seal's Physiology and Behavior

Physiological Characteristics of the Baikal Seal

• The Baikal seal has a significant layer of fat, approximately 5-7 cm thick, which serves as insulation and energy storage.

• The internal structure of the seal is relatively small compared to its overall size; about half of its body consists of organs while the other half is fat.

• Unlike humans, excess fat in seals does not accumulate between organs but rather under the skin, allowing for better organ function and hydrodynamics.

Health Implications of Fat Accumulation

• Excessive fat does not negatively impact the health or functioning of internal organs in seals since their fat is subcutaneous.

• A fatter seal can have improved hydrodynamic efficiency, leading to better swimming capabilities.

Sensory Adaptations

Vision

• Seals possess well-developed vision that allows them to see both underwater and above water effectively.

• Their eyes are adapted for dual environments, making it easier for them to navigate through different mediums.

Hearing

• Seals respond well to auditory signals from humans, indicating they have a good sense of hearing.

• Human voices may not be associated with danger due to hunting practices where hunters approach quietly.

Behavioral Observations

Safety Awareness

• While direct observations during resting periods are limited, seals demonstrate awareness by responding to sounds in their environment.

• Upon release into water after capture, seals exhibit behavior indicating they use smell for spatial orientation before swimming away.

Social Dynamics

• Seals do not appear to have structured roles during resting periods; they remain vigilant without designated "watch" individuals.

Habitat Utilization and Hunting Range

Geographic Range

• The Baikal seal inhabits all areas of Lake Baikal; distances between shores are minimal compared to oceanic species.

Feeding Habits

• Seals typically do not venture far from shorelines as their primary food sources are concentrated at specific depths near these areas.

Exploring the Baikal Seal and Community Engagement

Insights on Baikal Seal Habitats

• The discussion highlights the abundance of fish in certain areas, suggesting these locations are promising for quick fishing opportunities. However, this is less relevant for the Baikal seal, which adapts to various habitats across Lake Baikal.

• The speaker expresses gratitude and indicates that there are no further questions, hoping the audience found the information engaging.

Community Interaction and Merchandise

• A notable question raised during the session pertains to the scent of seals, indicating a curiosity about their biology or behavior.

• The speaker mentions available merchandise in their group, including postcards and keychains featuring photographs. This serves as an invitation for community members to engage further.

• There is an encouragement for attendees to approach if they have any questions or wish to discuss more about the merchandise offered.