The Caspian seal is on the verge of extinction – Kommersant
[ad_1]
The Caspian seal population is in critical condition and it is unlikely to be restored in the near future, said experts from the national fund for the support and development of environmental initiatives “Compass”.
As part of the program, from April to December 2023, six expeditions were conducted to areas of seasonal concentration and feeding of seals. During expeditions carried out in April-December last year, scientists collected information about the size, age and sex structure of the seal population. “The survey showed a catastrophically low density of seals in their seasonal places and a complete absence in the island rookeries in the spring, which is uncharacteristic during this period,” says the report on foundation website.
According to data obtained from four stationary camera traps in different parts of Maly Zhemchuzhny Island, only one individual was recorded on it. The census results showed that the average age of dead individuals was 7.7 years, which indicates an increase in the mortality of young individuals, including pregnant females.
“The population is no longer just in a critical condition, it has already passed that red line, after which it is unlikely to be restored in the near future,” the foundation quotes the words of Alimurad Gadzhiev, candidate of biological sciences, associate professor at the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development of Dagestan State University.
The main version of the death of Caspian seals, according to the scientific group, is their infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The Foundation sent proposals to the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Rosprirodnadzor to include the seal in the list of rare and endangered objects of the animal world that require priority measures for restoration and reintroduction.
[ad_2]
Source link
