Numerous young seal pups have been found stranded on the Kazakh steppe after a severe snowstorm. Experts suggest that either strong winds or confusion between the ice and snow may have caused their inland displacement. The Caspian nerpa faces significant threats, emphasizing the need for urgent conservation measures.
Recent reports indicate that numerous seal pups have been discovered wandering the arid steppe in southwestern Kazakhstan, near the Caspian Sea, following a severe snowstorm. Andrei Rucki from the Mangystau Region fisheries inspection explained, “These are young seals, just a few months old. At this age, they typically stay close to their mothers near the ice.” He noted that strong winds may have displaced them inland, a phenomenon that is not uncommon.
Furthermore, ecologist Adilbek Kozybakov proposed an alternate explanation for the seals’ stranding. He mentioned that the visual blending of the ice-covered sea with the white snow of the shoreline may have confused the pups, leading them ashore. “Initially, only a few were reported, but now we are seeing dozens. The exact cause remains unclear,” he added.
The blizzard conditions not only affected the seals but also rendered local roads impassable for several days, disrupting operations in the oil fields of the region. Kazakh news outlet Zakon reported that the total number of stranded seals remains uncertain, with ongoing updates emerging as rescue efforts continue.
The Caspian nerpa, the only seal species indigenous to the Caspian Sea, has been threatened by various factors, including poaching, pollution, decreasing water levels, and habitat destruction. Mangystau is known as one of Kazakhstan’s most economically developed regions and serves as a significant center for oil and gas production. Despite its vast area of 165,000 square kilometers, the region boasts a population of fewer than 800,000 residents.
In summary, dozens of young seal pups have been stranded in southwestern Kazakhstan due to a recent blizzard, leading to concerns over their safety and the impact on their population. Experts are investigating the factors contributing to their stranding, while ongoing rescue efforts aim to assist the affected seals. The decline of the Caspian nerpa highlights the pressing need for conservation efforts in the region.
Original Source: tvpworld.com
