Caspian seal

Haul out on ice during the winter months to rest, molt, and give birth — yes, ice!

Mehr News Agency


Caspian seal

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Haul out on ice during the winter months to rest, molt, and give birth — yes, ice!

Population 68,000
70% decline over the last 18 years

One of the most fascinating and unique animals living in and around the Caspian Sea. It’s the only marine mammal found in that region, and what makes it stand out even more is that it’s the smallest species of true seal in the world. Their compact size has helped them adapt well to the relatively enclosed and shallow Caspian Sea, which stretches across parts of Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. Unlike seals that venture into oceans, the Caspian seal lives entirely within this inland sea, which makes its lifestyle and environment pretty different from its relatives.

One of the Caspian seal’s most noticeable features is its large, dark eyes that give it a kind of permanently surprised expression. These big eyes help it see better underwater, especially when hunting in murky conditions. Its fur is generally a silvery-gray, and during the molting season, it can look a little scruffy, but still pretty adorable. These seals are strong swimmers and can dive as deep as 500 feet (152 meters), staying underwater for over 20 minutes if needed. They mainly feed on fish like sprats and gobies, but they’re not too picky — they’ll also go after crustaceans and other small sea creatures when available.

Caspian seals also live much longer than many people might expect. Some individuals have been known to reach over 50 years old! That’s quite impressive for a wild animal. However, they don’t have it easy. Their population has been steadily declining due to habitat loss, pollution, and diseases. These days, they’re considered endangered, and scientists and conservation groups are making efforts to protect them.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Azerbaijan
2015
Iran
2015
Kazakhstan
2015
Russia
2015
Turkmenistan
2015

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No