23 October 2024: New study on the diet and diving behaviour of the ringed seals in Kangia, Greenland

A new study by Schiøtt and colleagues explores the dive patterns and prey selection of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) in Kangia (Ilulissat Icefjord), Greenland. The study, titled “The diet and diving behaviour of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) in Kangia (Ilulissat Icefjord), Greenland”, was published this month in Polar Biology. Using telemetry data from 24 tagged ringed seals and stomach content analysis of 108 seals, the findings reveal that adult males dive deeper than females and younger seals, with a seasonal variation in dive depths. Ringed seals in Kangia primarily feed on polar cod, capelin, mysids, and shrimp. Kovacs et al. (2021), Schiøtt et al. (2022), and Rosing-Asvid et al. (2023) previously highlighted the distinct physical and genetic characteristics of Kangia’s ringed seals— Schiøtt et al.’s new paper illustrates the complex ecological relationships and adaptations within this fjord, emphasising its importance as a critical habitat for these seals.

If you would like to read the entire study by Schiøtt et al., you can do so here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-024-03310-4

Photo credit: Fernando Ugarte