Ladoga ringed seal in Russia
Tours to see Ladoga ringed seal
The Ladoga ringed seal (Phoca hispida ladogensis) is a post-glacial relic, as are two other subspecies, the Baltic ringed seal (P.h.botnica) and the Saimaa ringed seal (P.h.saimensis). Ladoga ringed seal inhabits Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe. Nowadays, Ladoga and Saimaa seals are the only ringed seals in the world thet live permanently in freshwater lakes. At present the Ladoga ringed seal is included in the Red Data Books of Russia and Karelia and in the IUCN red List as a vulnerable species. The population had declined dramatically from an estimated 20,000 in the early part of last century to between 2,000 and 3,000 now. It is felt to be essential that active concervation steps are taken now befor the population declines to the point that its ramaining genetic diversity is lost.
Ladoga seal live normally 30-35 years. Ladoga seal reaches sexual maturity when 6-7 years old. Ladoga seal deliver offsprinf in February-March, and nurses the younf seal for 1,5-2 months. Ladoga seal moults annually from April to June (with the peak in mid-April – early May), and during this period the animals are less careful and hence most vulnerable. Ladoga seal feed on small fishes like smelt, vendace, roach and perch. The daily ration is 3-4 kg. When the lake is free of ice seal haul out. At present the largest seal herds are found in and around the Valamo archipelago. When the weather is calm ther can be hers of 600-650 animals on the site.
