Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) These small earless seals inhabit the waters, islands, and coastal areas of the Caspian Sea, and it is the only mammal that lives in this body of water. (more) Caspian seal mammal Ask the Chatbot a Question Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: Pusa caspica Written by John P. Rafferty John P. Rafferty writes about Earth processes and the environment. He serves currently as the editor of Earth and life sciences, covering climatology, geology, zoology, and other topics that relate to... John P. Rafferty Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Dec 4, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What do Caspian seals eat? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "During the winter, the seals migrate to the northern Caspian Sea, where they eat mollusks and other invertebrates. During the summer, Caspian seals are concentrated in the southern Caspian Sea, where they prey primarily on kilka, which forms nearly 70 percent of their diet, along with herring, sturgeon, and smelt as well as sculpins and gobies." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What are the main threats to Caspian seals? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Direct threats to Caspian seals include hunting, accidental capture in sturgeon fishing nets, periodic outbreaks of canine distemper virus, and water pollution. However, the Caspian seal population is also threatened by declines in herring, sturgeon, kilka, and other prey due to commercial fishing and the establishment in the Caspian Sea of comb jellyfish, which consume the zooplankton these fishes eat." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What conservation efforts exist for Caspian seals? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Although some conservation measures have been put in place by several countries bordering the Caspian Sea, they are inconsistent. Some countries have instituted hunting quotas and regulations to protect female seals, and others have been enforcing prohibitions on illegal fishing (which helps keep the seals out of nets) and placing an increased emphasis on freeing seals and rehabilitating injured ones entangled in nets." } } ] } Top Questions What do Caspian seals eat? During the winter, the seals migrate to the northern Caspian Sea, where they eat mollusks and other invertebrates. During the summer, Caspian seals are concentrated in the southern Caspian Sea, where they prey primarily on kilka, which forms nearly 70 percent of their diet, along with herring, sturgeon, and smelt as well as sculpins and gobies.

　　What are the main threats to Caspian seals? Direct threats to Caspian seals include hunting, accidental capture in sturgeon fishing nets, periodic outbreaks of canine distemper virus, and water pollution. However, the Caspian seal population is also threatened by declines in herring, sturgeon, kilka, and other prey due to commercial fishing and the establishment in the Caspian Sea of comb jellyfish, which consume the zooplankton these fishes eat.

　　What conservation efforts exist for Caspian seals? Although some conservation measures have been put in place by several countries bordering the Caspian Sea, they are inconsistent. Some countries have instituted hunting quotas and regulations to protect female seals, and others have been enforcing prohibitions on illegal fishing (which helps keep the seals out of nets) and placing an increased emphasis on freeing seals and rehabilitating injured ones entangled in nets.

　　Caspian seal, (Pusa caspica), species of small earless seals that inhabits the waters, islands, and coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. It is the only mammal that lives in the Caspian Sea, which is a saltwater lake. Adults range in length from 1.4 to 1.8 meters (4.6 to 6 feet) and weigh about 55 kg (120 pounds), making them some of the smallest living pinnipeds. The Caspian seal is classified in the family Phocidae with the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) and the Baikal seal (P. sibirica). There is very little size difference between the sexes. However, males and females can ...(100 of 1139 words)

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