The Saimaa Ringed Seal Lair Count Has Begun
– Donation by Nokia company brings efficiency to the counting
Published 31.3. 2010
Metsähallitus starts the annual spring-time lair count for the Saimaa ringed seal. The goal is to get the lairs counted in a few weeks to obtain the basis for an estimate of the number of pups born. Volunteers play an important role in counting the lairs, and their work is made easier and more efficient through the significant donation by Nokia to WWF.
This the 31st time Metsähallitus starts the lair count for the Saimaa ringed seal with a large group of volunteers. Weather conditions determine exactly when the counting can take place in various locations of Lake Saimaa. The volunteers’ help is important in order to cover the counting area of more than 2,000 square kilometres in a few weeks. WWF Finland makes a considerable contribution to the lair count in the southern parts of Lake Saimaa, and many individual volunteers participate in the counting as well. Metsähallitus provides training for all of the volunteers.
Nokia has donated a hovercraft, 15 flotation suits and navigation phones to WWF for the Saimaa ringed seal lair count.
– The hovercraft enables us to move over thin ice in a wide area. The flotation suits are important in ensuring safety for our volunteers. The Nokia 6710 Navigators make it easy for us to save the data about the locations of the lairs out in the terrain, says Dr. Tero Sipilä, Conservation Biologist at Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services.
– We directed our support to the lair count as it is the foundation of all protection efforts. Our navigators are useful in monitoring the seal population, and with our donation we want to express our support for the important work done by the volunteers in protecting the Saimaa ringed seal,” says Kirsi Sormunen, Vice President, Head of Sustainability Operations, Nokia.
Hoping for Pups in Abundance
The lair count aims at covering the entire ringed seal habitat on Lake Saimaa every year. Depending on the ice situation, it takes from a couple of weeks to a few weeks to count the lairs. The count is started when the lairs have collapsed and it is certain that the counting will not disturb the mother seals and their pups too much.
In addition to providing an estimate of the number of pups born, the lair count also shows where the ringed seals live and reproduce, making it possible to direct the protective measures to exactly the right areas.
A snow-rich winter is promising for the pups: the snowy lair dug by the mother near the shore protects the pup against the cold, predators and disturbance by humans. It would be good to find a lot of pups this year as, based on the pup count, it was estimated that only 44 pups were born last year, whereas in 2008 the number was 51.
This spring, the restrictions on net fishing, which prevent pup deaths caused by fishing tackle, almost cover the most important breeding grounds.
Based on the lair count, Metsähallitus will estimate the number of pups born, and the results will be published on 10 May.
Further Information:
Metsähallitus, Natural Heritage Services, Dr. Tero Sipilä, Conservation Biologist, tel.int. +358(0)205 64 5912
WWF Finland, Jari Luukkonen, Head of Conservation, tel.int. +358(0)40 585 0020
Facts on the Saimaa Ringed Seal
- Endangered seal, lives only in in Finland, in the Lake Saimaa. (www.outdoors.fi)
- According to the population estimates, there are about 260 Saimaa ringed seals left in the world. Of these, less than half are individuals capable of reproduction.
- Adult Saimaa ringed seals are extremely home-loving creatures: they try to make their lairs on the same shores year after year.
- Saimaa ringed seals do not reach sexual maturity until the age of 4–5 years, and even then the females do not have pups every year.
- Births take place once a year, at the end of February. As a rule, the female gives birth to one pup at a time.
- The protection of the Saimaa ringed seal and the monitoring of its population are managed by Metsähallitus.