Saimaa Ringed Seal

The Saimaa Ringed Seal is a rare freshwater seal found only in Lake Saimaa in Finland. It is specially adapted to its cold, icy environment, using small holes in the ice to breathe and build its dens for breeding. As a subspecies of the ringed seal, it has distinctive rings on its fur. It is critically endangered, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining, mainly due to habitat loss from ice-cover reduction caused by climate change and human activity. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its habitat to ensure the survival of this unique Arctic-adapted freshwater seal.