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The Baikal seal

Phoca sibirica - Baikal seal - is a close relative of the ringed seal inhabiting the Arctic Ocean. Phoca sibirica is included in the family of true seals. Mammalian animals of Lake Baikal are represented by only one species. However, the origin of Phoca sibirica has not been clarified until now. With a riddle about how the Baikal seal appeared on the lake, there is a legend about a mysterious tunnel passing through the Arctic Ocean. But, of course, there is no channel. It is still believed that the mammal penetrated the lake along the river system "Yenisei-Angara" during the glacial period.

In winter, the animal does not come to the surface. Breathes a mammal in produshiny, built in thin ice. By the end of winter, the seal comes out on the ice. At the same time, she is in danger of being killed by hunters.

The Baikal seal is distributed practically throughout the entire water area of the lake. However, the mammal inhabits the territory unevenly. A large number of individuals are recorded in the Middle Baikal (about half of the entire population), as well as in its eastern part (about a third). The main rookeries are the following: Cape Sagan, Aai Bay, Cape Khoboy. However, the favorite place of the Baikal seal is the Ushkany Islands. Not very large groups of individuals are found on coastal rocks in the northeastern part of the rocky capes.

The adult Baikal seal is covered with short dense wool. On the back, the hair color is brownish-gray, monophonic with a silvery and olive-gray tinge. The sides and abdomen of the mammal are lighter. The seal is warmed not by fur, but by the subcutaneous fat reserve, the layer thickness of which can reach twelve centimeters. Fat protects not only from freezing, but also from accidental injuries, increases buoyancy, accumulates energy. In well-fed individuals, it is up to fifty percent of the total weight.

On average, the Baikal seals weigh about fifty to sixty kilograms, having a length of one hundred and fifty centimeters. However, there are also quite large specimens, the weight of which can reach one hundred two hundred kilograms. In this case they have a length of about one hundred seventy-one hundred and eighty centimeters.

Cubs (torso) are born with white fur. Due to this they are invisible on the snow. Only black eyes stand out.

The seals are hibernating, as a rule, alone, on their own plot, far from the coast, in hummocky ice. In addition to the main well, there are about twenty additional mammals in the mammal.

In snow deposits, seals make a den. Here, females in March give birth. From the lair there is only one outlet-entrance - into the water. The adult specimen scratches it all winter with fingernails, not allowing to freeze. The born calf starts digging in the snow. But for him, reaching the surface is dangerous, as crows can peck him.

Hairs above the eyes and upper lips are very sensitive. With their help, the seal is oriented, they also help to fish.

The nostrils of a mammal are presented in the form of two slits. When the animal is immersed in water, they are closed and kept closed. The water also closes the ears, which are presented in the form of just small holes. It should be noted that Baikal seals are distinguished by excellent hearing. So, with good weather conditions, the human step it can catch at a distance of two hundred to four hundred meters. With a favorable wind of the seal, the smell of man is felt for a mile and a half or two kilometers.

The main share of the diet of seals is made by golomyanka-goby fish. They do not have commercial significance for humans. On average, the individual eats this fish to three kilograms per day.

It should be said that the Baikal seal has no natural enemies. The only person is. Reduction of the population occurs as a result of hunting both poaching and licensing. In addition, there is a chemical pollution of the lake, which also affects the decrease in the number of individuals.

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