Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Phocidae
- Genus
- Halichoerus
- Species
- Halichoerus grypus
Habitat
Baltic grey seals primarily inhabit coastal waters, including shallow bays, archipelagos, and rocky islands in the Baltic Sea. They prefer areas with access to both marine environments for foraging and haul-out sites on land for resting and breeding. Their range extends to the North Atlantic coasts, favoring cooler temperate waters.
Diet
Baltic grey seals mainly feed on fish such as herring, cod, and flatfish, which they hunt by diving to depths of up to 200 meters. They are opportunistic feeders, also consuming squid, crustaceans, and occasionally octopuses, with most hunting occurring at dawn and dusk. Their feeding behavior involves stealthy approaches to catch prey in schools.
Behavior
Baltic grey seals are social animals that often form colonies on haul-out sites, though they can be solitary while foraging. Males exhibit territorial behavior during the breeding season, defending areas on land or ice, while females are more nurturing towards pups. They are primarily diurnal, spending time basking on shores and diving for food, with strong swimming capabilities reaching speeds up to 25 km/h.
Conservation Status
The Baltic grey seal is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with populations increasing due to conservation efforts, though historical hunting reduced numbers. Major threats include bycatch in fishing nets, habitat degradation from pollution, and disturbances from human activities.