How Labyrinthine Shape in Lake Saimaa Helps Save Endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal From Population Decline

The population of endangered Saimaa Ringed Seals in Labyrinthine Shape in Lake Saimaa showed a beneficial and significant improvement after conservation and protection efforts.

With the growing threats against wildlife, the Saimaa Ringed Seals is considered one of the rare species of seals.

However, they are no strangers to threats and possible extinction.

According to the National Parks.Fi, the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seals is Pusa hispida saimensis.

More about the rare Saimaa Ringed Seals in Lake Saimaa

(Photo : by ALESSANDRO RAMPAZZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Saimaa in Puumala, Finland, on June 8, 2021.How Labyrinthine Shape in Lake Saimaa Helps Save Endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal From Population Decline

The report explained that the Saimaa Ringed seals managed to migrate to Lake Saimaa in Finland after the considerable ice sheet melt.

National Parks.Fi added that the Saimaa Ringed seals had endured a population decline.

There are about 400 of the said species thriving on Lake Saimaa.

The endangered Saimaa Ringed seals have suffered from overfishing, water level fluctuation, habitat loss and breeding season disturbance.

Ultimately, climate change is the main culprit, bringing them on the brink of extinction.

The report also showed that the endangered seals love to feed on small fish around the lake.

The beneficial role of Labyrinthine Shape and conservation efforts

The research findings were published in the Current Biology journal.

The title is Fragmented habitat compensates for the adverse effects of a genetic bottleneck.

As mentioned, the study highlighted the crucial role of continuous conservation efforts to protect the endangered seal population.

Furthermore, the researchers explained that Lake Saimaa and Labyrinthine topography have contributed to the seals' adaptation and recovery.

In the research, the habitat topography from the lake has helped maintain the dwindling population of the seals.

The study was also reported on the Phys.org website. According to the report, the researchers acknowledged that Finland's lake became ideal for assessing the impact of population fragmentation on species.

However, the growing threat of climate change and habitat loss have affected many aquatic populations, putting them at risk of extinction.

The situation has become more challenging due to human-caused activities affecting the environment.

According to Phys.org, Petri Auvinen and Jukka Jernvall of the University of Helsinki explained that climate change could make it more difficult for the said populations.

Meanwhile, the study published in Current Biology added that Lake Saimaa revealed helpful for subpopulation structure.

Moreover, the researchers emphasized that the seals' small population managed to compensate and thrive in the lake.

The report noted that the endangered ringed seals thrived in maintaining their original genetic variation.

Facts about Lake Saimaa and Saimaa Ringed Seal

According to Lake Saimaa's website, it is considered the largest lake in Finland, offering unique tourist attractions.

Meanwhile, the National Parks.fi added that the Saimaa Ringed Seal is an intelligent sea capable of swimming underwater for about 20 minutes.

They might move slowly, but they are skilled swimmers that catch fish.

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