During 4 weeks the staff of the A.N. Severtsov Institute for Problems of Ecology and Evolution will study Baikal seals on the Ushkan Islands. A.N. Severtsov Institute for Problems of Ecology and Evolution will study Baikal seals on the Ushkan Islands. The expedition is planned for the summer time, since it is here that the largest and most stable coastal deposits of animals are formed. The research is in its fifth year, during which time scientists have done a tremendous amount of work to study seals as an indicator of the entire Baikal ecosystem: from population observations to deciphering the genetic code.
What research is planned for 2024?
This summer it is planned to continue the observations of the previous years: to conduct a population count, assess the condition of the animals and compare the results obtained in order to develop proposals for conservation measures. As already mentioned, the seal is an indicator of the entire lake ecosystem, as it is affected by any changes, so this species remains a key element of monitoring the state of the Baikal ecosystem.
Also during this year’s expedition, experts will resume the study of human influence on animal behaviour. 2 years ago there was already an attempt to assess the impact of tourists on seals, now this work will be expanded and carried out taking into account the existing international experience.
How will the research be conducted?
Specialists will use modern tools along with traditional methods of counting: visual observations and photo traps, and will also conduct sampling.
Visual surveys will follow the pattern of previous years to ensure accurate comparison of data. Scientists will work 3 times a day (at 8:00, 13:00 and 18:00), paying special attention to sick individuals, animals with abnormalities and those that have not moulted – this will provide an indirect estimate of the population.
Photo traps were installed on the islands of the Ushkanje archipelago as early as 2021, and where it is not possible to install them, surveys are conducted by quadrocopter.
Samples will also be taken for hormonal, toxicological, genetic and morphological studies.
In addition to basic observations, as we have already mentioned, the behaviour of seals in the presence of tourists will be assessed with regard to their activity and noise levels.
All these studies will make it possible to develop qualitative proposals on the organisation of animal protection and the formation of tourist routes.
The project was made possible thanks to the support of Siberian Wellness, the corporate trustee of the World Around You Foundation.