| Baikal seal | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Clade: | Pinnipedia |
| Family: | Phocidae |
| Genus: | Pusa |
| Species: | P. sibirica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pusa sibirica Gmelin, 1788
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| |
| Baikal seal range | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Phoca sibirica | |
The Baikal seal, Lake Baikal seal or nerpa (Pusa sibirica) is a species of earless seal endemic to Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Like the Caspian seal, it is related to the Arctic ringed seal. The Baikal seal is one of the smallest true seals and the only exclusively freshwater pinniped species.[2] A subpopulation of inland harbour seals living in the Hudson Bay region of Quebec, Canada, (Lacs des Loups Marins harbour seals), as well as the Saimaa ringed seal and the Ladoga seal (both ringed seal subspecies), are also found in fresh water, but these seals are part of species that also have marine populations.[2]
The most recent population estimates are 80,000 to 100,000 animals, roughly equaling the expected carrying capacity of the lake.[1] At present, the species is not considered threatened.[1]
- ^ a b c Goodman, S. (2016). "Pusa sibirica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T41676A45231738. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T41676A45231738.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ a b Reeves, Randall R.; Stewart, Brent S.; Clapham, Phillip J.; Powell, James A. (2002). National Audubon Society Guide to the Marine Mammals of the World. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-375-41141-0.