The Saimaa ringed seal is one of the most endangered seal species in the world. The only habitat in which the rare fresh-water seals are found is Lake Saimaa in the east of the country.
The water level of the lake this winter is about 40cm higher than average which poses a threat to seal newborns. The ringed seal builds lairs under snowdrifts on frozen lakes that can be flooded by higher waters while the ice cover can also be weakened by fluctuations in water levels.
Fewer seals The population of the Saimaa ringed seal has been declining over the past few years. Despite its protected status the highest estimate of the population at its peak was 280 individuals. Today, the estimate is 260. None of the seals have been sighted in the northern parts of Lake Saimaa for a decade. The number of dead seals found last year was 28, but it's believed that the actual number lost was higher. YLE