Taxonomy
- Species
- Pusa hispida
Habitat
Baltic ringed seals primarily inhabit the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea, including the Gulf of Bothnia, Gulf of Finland, and the Archipelago Sea. They prefer coastal areas with seasonal ice cover for breeding and resting, and can also be found in shallow bays and rocky shores during ice-free periods.
Diet
Baltic ringed seals mainly feed on fish such as herring, sprat, and stickleback, which they hunt in shallow waters. They also consume invertebrates like shrimp and crabs. Feeding typically occurs underwater during the day or night, depending on prey availability and light conditions.
Behavior
Baltic ringed seals are mostly solitary but form small groups on ice floes during breeding season. They are agile swimmers, spending much of their time in water hunting or resting, and exhibit territorial behavior around breeding sites. They vocalize to communicate, especially during mating, and are generally active year-round with peaks in activity during dawn and dusk.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Baltic ringed seal as Vulnerable, with populations declining due to pollution, habitat loss from climate change, and historical hunting. Major threats include chemical contaminants in the water and reduced ice cover affecting breeding success.