First Weddell seal pup of the season at Vernadsky

The Antarctic spring is heralded by new arrivals at the Ukrainian research station Akademik Vernadsky. The first Weddell seal pup of the season was discovered on Winter Island. For the researchers, the birth is also part of their long-term monitoring of the seal population.

The pup was born on Winter Island, directly opposite Galindez Island, where the Ukrainian research station Akademik Vernadsky is located. Biologists from the 31st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition had previously observed pregnant Weddell seals there.

The pup was discovered by biologist Kyrylo Sulima. Whilst out on a trip, he noticed birds circling above the ice. As birds can be attracted by the remains of a seal birth, he surveyed the area using a drone and discovered the mother and her pup.

Sulima was subsequently able to collect samples of the placenta. These are to be used, amongst other things, for molecular genetic studies and analyses for pollutants. According to the Ukrainian scientists, both the mother and her pup are doing well.

Newborn Weddell seals weigh around 25 to 30 kilograms and grow rapidly thanks to their mother’s extremely energy-rich milk. Their reproduction is closely linked to the sea ice, on which the animals give birth to and rear their pups.

The researchers at Vernadsky therefore observe the pups and the conditions at the traditional breeding sites every year. The first pup of the season is thus not only a sign of the onset of the Antarctic spring, but also the start of a new observation season.

Rosamaria Kubny, PolarJournal