The season of birth of larga cubs began in the Far Eastern Marine Reserve

In the oldest marine reserve in Russia - the Far Eastern marine - the birth season of larga cubs began.

The first pups of these seals this year have already appeared on the islands of the reserve - according to expert estimates, there are already 200-300 newborn wild animals here. The “motherhood home” for the largues are the islands of the archipelago of the Roman-Korsakov Bay of Peter the Great in the Primorsky Territory. Here, these animals breed on shores rather than on ice, as happens elsewhere. This makes the observation of seals on the archipelago unique. 

The birth season of the largue will stretch for several months, its peak will be in the second half of February, when the bulk of the cubs will be born - more than 70%. This period is especially significant for scientists, as they will be able to continue to study the dynamics of fertility and the population of the larga. It is expected that the season will end in early April with the birth of the last larga cubs this year. 

The absolute majority of larga individuals in Peter the Great Bay breed exactly on the Rimsky-Korsakov archipelago, in the reserve. There are no ships, anthropogenic press is minimized. The almost complete absence of a concern factor makes the islands of the reserve an ideal “birthing home” for the larga. In February, it is planned to conduct new surveys, said Igor Katin, a researcher at the NSCMB FEB RAS, conducting research in the reserve as part of cooperation with the directorate of the reserve. These animals are of great importance for the ecosystem, so their birth is an important event for both science and biodiversity conservation. In parts of the Pacific, the larga is threatened with decline due to habitat loss, poaching, marine pollution and climate change. Therefore, the larga needs constant protection and study. 

We note that the larga is always born one baby. The body length of newborns is about 90 cm, weight 7-11 kg. The cubs are dressed in a squirrel outfit, after the first molt at 2-4 weeks of age become similar to adults. Milk feeding lasts 3-4 weeks. The mother feeds the baby several times a day. During the day, the cub drinks several liters of milk, while improving 2 kg per day. 

The Far Eastern Marine Reserve is considered one of the most important places for preserving the richness of marine life in Russia, the local richness of animal diversity is unmatched in the country. The reserve was established in 1978. It is under the management of the Land of the Leopard Reserves.

Information provided by the press service "Lands of the Leopard."