Interesting facts about the Baikal seal Is a great opportunity to learn more about freshwater seal species. They live exclusively in the waters of Lake Baikal. It is for this reason that the animals got their name.
So, here are the most interesting facts about the Baikal seal.
- The average length of an adult seal is 160-170 cm, with a mass of 50-130 kg. Curiously, females outnumber males in weight.
- The Baikal seal is the only mammal living in Lake Baikal.
- Seals can dive to a depth of 200 m, withstanding pressure over 20 atmospheres.
- Did you know that the Baikal seal can stay under water for up to 70 minutes?
- As a rule, the Baikal seal swims at a speed of about 7 km / h, but when its life is in danger, it can reach speeds of up to 25 km / h.
- According to observations, the seal sleeps in the water, since it has been immobilized for a long time. Apparently sleep continues until the oxygen ends.
- An interesting fact is that, if necessary, the Baikal seal can suspend its pregnancy. At such moments, the embryo falls into suspended animation, which lasts until the next mating season. Then the female gives birth to 2 cubs at once.
- The fat content of the seal milk reaches 60%, due to which the young receive the necessary nutrients and quickly gain weight.
- The Baikal seal equips its dwelling under the ice surface. To have access to oxygen, she makes holes in the ice with her claws - airs. As a result, her house is covered with a protective snow cap from the surface.
- The appearance of the seal in Lake Baikal still causes many discussions in the scientific world. It is believed that it entered the lake from the Arctic Ocean (see interesting facts about the Arctic Ocean) through the Yenisei-Angara river system.
- In nature, the Baikal seal has no enemies. The only source of danger for her is a person.
- The seal is a very careful and intelligent animal. When she sees that there is not enough free space on the rookery, she begins to slap her flippers on the water, imitating the splash of oars, in order to frighten the relatives and take their place.
