The Fascinating Ribbon Seal
Ribbon Seal (Histriophoca fasciata) — a unique marine mammal. The default pattern it uses can be recognised very easily. It is highly adapted to the cold icy waters of Arctic.
Where Do Ribbon Seals Live?
Ribbon seals are found in the deep, ice-covered offshore waters. They’re usually found near the edges of ice floes. The ice provides a place for these seals to both rest and reproduce. The ice keep them safe from predators. Observed primarily in regions such as the Bering and Chukchi Seases
Why Ribbon Seals?
Ribbon seals are perhaps best known for their handsome bands — ©Stephen Nicol They are characterised by their dark coats with a light coloured ribbon like markings across them. This type of appearance is meant to camouflage them in their habitat. With their colour they can disappear from the sight of predators such as polar bears and killer whales.
Diet of the Ribbon Seal
Diet of the Ribbon SealRibbon seals are opportunistic carnivores. Their diet consists of fish, squids and crustaceans. They are even known to swim deep below the surface with their long necks and catch fish — a favorite type of food. The Ribbon Seal dives well over 600′; some are known to reach a depth of >900′ Scavenger is a skill which helps them in searching for ample food so they could have strength to live under cold mother nature.
The Threats They Face
In 2008, however, this species of seals faces dire risk. The problem is the climate change issue. These seals lose their homes as the ice melts. However, their environment also suffers from oil spills and pollution. HUNTING CAN ALSO DO THE REDUCTIONS IN THEIR NUMBERS.
Protecting the Ribbon Seal
Ribbon seals are at the center of that and we must treasure them, their homes. Organizations also struggle to protect their surrounding and make known. Action can be taken to take steps so that future generations will get a chance to know about these wonderful seals.
Summary: So, ribbon seal is a different type of animal which the habitat is in arctic. Protecting them is the key to survival, but we can only do that if we know what they are suffering and need.
