Sealed in a lake — Biology and conservation of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal: A review. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kunnasranta, Mervi; Niemi, Marja; Auttila, Miina; Valtonen, Mia; Kammonen, Juhana; Nyman, Tommi
• Is Part Of: Biological conservation. Volume 253(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Conservation -- Saimaa ringed seal -- Climate change -- Endangered species -- Pusa hispida; Conservation of natural resources -- Periodicals; Nature conservation -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108908
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3207

Abstract

Abstract: Wildlife species living in proximity with humans often suffer from various anthropogenic factors. Here, we focus on the endangered Saimaa ringed seal ( Pusa hispida saimensis ), which lives in close connection with humans in Lake Saimaa, Finland. This unique endemic population has remained landlocked since the last glacial period, and it currently consists of only ~400 individuals. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the Saimaa ringed seal, identify the main risk factors and discuss the efficacy of conservation actions put in place to ensure its long-term survival. The main threats for this rare subspecies are bycatch mortality, habitat destruction and increasingly mild winters. Climate change, together with small population size and an extremely impoverished gene pool, forms a new severe threat. The main conservation actions and priorities for the Saimaa ringed seal are implementation of fishing closures, land-use planning, protected areas, and reduction of pup mortality. Novel innovations, such as provisioning of artificial nest structures, may become increasingly important in the future. Although the Saimaa ringed seal still faces the risk of extinction, the current positive trend in the number of seals shows that endangered wildlife populations can recover even in regions with considerable human inhabitation, when legislative protection is combined with intensive research, engagement of local inhabitants, and innovative conservation actions. Such multifaceted conservation approaches are needed in a world with a growing human population and a rapidly changing climate. Highlights: The Saimaa ringed seal is one of the most endangered pinnipeds. This endemic subspecies lives landlocked in Lake Saimaa, Finland. Main threats are bycatch mortality, habitat destruction and climate change. Innovative research and conservation actions initiate population recovery. Research-based conservation allows wildlife persistence in proximity with humans.