The Baikal seal is a species of earless seal endemic to Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. Like the Caspian seal, it is related to the Arctic ringed seal.

Adults typically grow to 1.1–1.4 m in length with a body mass from 63 to 70 kg. The maximum reported size is 1.65 m in length and 130 kg in weight. There are significant annual variations in the weight, with the lowest weight in the spring and the highest weight, about 38–42% more, in the fall.

The Baikal seal is well-adapted to its freshwater environment, and it is the only seal species that exclusively inhabits freshwater lakes. These seals have a streamlined body and are capable of diving to great depths in search of food, primarily fish and invertebrates. They are known for their playful behavior and can be observed basking on the ice during the winter months.

The Baikal seal is considered a vulnerable species, and conservation efforts are in place to protect their population and the unique ecosystem of Lake Baikal. Human activities, such as overfishing and pollution, pose threats to their habitat, making conservation initiatives crucial for their survival.

According to the Internet