Ringed seal

Pusa hispida

Size: 1–1.8 m · 32–140 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Cathemeral
Sociality: Solitary
Lifespan: —

Ringed seal is a mammal associated with polar habitats, coasts and open ocean. It is carnivorous and usually solitary. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.

View in catalog

Key facts

Ringed seal (Pusa hispida) is a carnivore animal classified as Mammal · Carnivora · Phocidae.
Primary habitats are polar · coast · open ocean, with a range across Arctic Ocean.
Activity is cathemeral, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Ringed seal is a mammal associated with polar habitats, coasts and open ocean.
Its range is represented here by the Arctic Ocean, where it uses polar habitats, coasts and open ocean.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

Its range is represented here by the Arctic Ocean, where it uses polar habitats, coasts and open ocean. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.

Appearance

Typical length 100-175 cm, weight 32 kg-140 kg. It has a long-bodied carnivore profile, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.

Behavior

It is active in bouts across day and night and usually solitary. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.

Feeding

It is carnivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in polar habitats, coasts and open ocean, so movements often follow available food resources.

Reproduction

As a mammal, it gives birth to live young, and the mother nurses them in cover or within the social group.

Notes

Recorded scientifically as Pusa hispida. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.