Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Species
- Phoca vitulina
Habitat
Ungava seals primarily inhabit freshwater lakes and rivers in the Ungava region of Quebec, Canada, such as Lake Melville, preferring shallow, protected waters with easy access to haul-out sites like rocky shores or ice floes. They are adapted to both freshwater and occasionally brackish environments, avoiding open ocean areas unlike other harbor seal subspecies.
Diet
Ungava seals mainly feed on fish such as Arctic char and capelin, as well as invertebrates like shrimp and crabs, which they hunt in shallow waters. They are opportunistic feeders, diving to depths of up to 100 meters during the day to forage, and often consume their prey whole.
Behavior
Ungava seals are generally solitary or form small groups, spending much of their time hauled out on rocks or ice to rest and thermoregulate. They are crepuscular, most active during dawn and dusk for feeding and swimming, and exhibit territorial behavior during breeding seasons when males defend small areas. These seals are agile swimmers but cautious on land, often fleeing to water at the first sign of danger.
Conservation Status
The Ungava seal is considered a subspecies of the harbor seal, which is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but local populations may face threats from habitat loss and pollution. Major concerns include climate change impacts on ice-dependent habitats and potential overhunting in some areas.