Saimaa Seal
Pusa saimensis
Conservation Status
Data DeficientMammalia
About
The Saimaa ringed seal is a species of seal. It is among the most endangered seals in the world, having a total population of only about 500 individuals. The only existing population of these seals is found in Lake Saimaa, Finland. It has lived in complete isolation from other ringed seal populations for around 9,500 years, and have diverged into a morphologically and ecologically different species or subspecies. The population is descended from ringed seals that were separated from the rest when the land rose after the last ice age. This seal, along with the Baikal seal, the Ladoga seal, and the Ungava seal, is one of the few living freshwater seals.
Fun Fact
They are generalist feeders and exclusively eat fish.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Endemic to their habitat in Lake Saimaa, Finland.
Diet
Eat slightly smaller fish than the average.
Lifespan
20 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance