In this article presented new data about movements activity of the Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica) — endemic of the Lake Baikal, obtained using satellite telemetry from July 2019 to March 2020. The average distances during the day was 9.9 ± 2.7 SE km for females, 17.0 ± 2.1 km for males, range of movements during the observation period was up to 5459 km for females and up to 8220 km for males. The most active movements occurred in August and December for males and in November for females. In October, males and females moved the least actively, which may be associated with their movement to shallow, rapidly freezing bays and sores. A sharp decline in activity also took place in January-February, when seals probably began a “settlement” ice period. Data consistent with previous tagging of subadult Baikal seals in 1990–1991. We obtained lower values of covered distances and average indicators for the month for females compared to males. However, we not found statistically significant differences between males and females, and question of differences in movement between subadult males and females still open.
Rapid ecological change in the coastal zone of Lake Baikal (East Siberia): Is the site of the world's greatest freshwater biodiversity in danger?
