Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Phocidae
- Genus
- Pusa
- Species
- Pusa hispida
Habitat
The Okhotsk seal inhabits the icy waters of the Sea of Okhotsk and adjacent coastal areas in the western Pacific, preferring pack ice and shallow coastal zones for resting and breeding. They are adapted to Arctic and sub-Arctic environments, often found on floating ice floes where they create breathing holes.
Diet
Okhotsk seals primarily feed on small fish such as Arctic cod and saffron cod, as well as crustaceans like shrimp and amphipods. They hunt by diving to depths of up to 200 meters, typically at dawn and dusk when prey is most active.
Behavior
Okhotsk seals are generally solitary but may form loose groups on ice floes; they are most active during the day, spending time swimming, hunting, and hauling out to rest. They exhibit territorial behavior around breathing holes in the ice and are known for their agility in water, using vocalizations for communication during mating season. These seals are adaptable, creating and maintaining holes in the ice for breathing and escape.
Conservation Status
The Okhotsk seal, as a subspecies of the ringed seal, is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, but populations are declining due to climate change-induced ice loss and incidental bycatch. Major threats include habitat degradation from warming waters and potential overhunting in some regions.