Dozens of seal pups have been discovered stranded in southwestern Kazakhstan due to a severe snowstorm, with potential causes including disorientation from weather conditions. Experts acknowledge both natural forces and human impacts on the vulnerable Caspian nerpa population, further complicating the rescue and recovery of these seals.
Recent reports reveal that numerous seal pups have been discovered stranded in the desolate steppe region near the Caspian Sea following a severe snowstorm in southwestern Kazakhstan. These young seals, typically reliant on their mothers while remaining close to ice formations, may have been swept inland by powerful winds, according to Andrei Rucki from the Mangystau Region fisheries inspection. Such occurrences are not particularly rare in this area.
Ecologist Adilbek Kozybakov has proposed another potential reason for the seals’ disorientation: the indistinguishable boundary between the ice-covered sea and the snow-laden shoreline. This blurring of lines may have hindered the pups’ ability to differentiate land from water. “Initially, only a few were reported, but now we are seeing dozens. The exact cause remains unclear,” he stated.
The intense blizzard that affected this region rendered many roads impassable for several days and contributed to the disruption of oilfield operations. As reported by the Kazakh news source Zakon, the total number of stranded seals and those that have been rescued remains uncertain, as further updates are made available.
The Caspian nerpa, the sole seal species indigenous to the Caspian Sea, is facing a significant decline in its population due to various factors such as poaching, environmental pollution, decreasing water levels, and habitat loss. Mangystau, a key area for oil and gas production in Kazakhstan, encompasses an extensive area of 165,000 square kilometers, yet is home to fewer than 800,000 residents.
In summary, the recent finding of stranded seal pups in southwestern Kazakhstan highlights the impact of extreme weather conditions and environmental challenges faced by the Caspian nerpa. While natural occurrences may contribute to such incidents, factors like habitat loss and human activity are contributing to the species’ overall decline. Continued observation and response efforts are crucial as the situation develops.
Original Source: tvpworld.com
