CURRENT DISTRIBUTION OF BAIKAL SEAL PUSA- SIBIRICA (PINNIPEDIA, PHOCIDAE)

Changes in distribution of Baikal seals are described based on studyin g the diving behavior and migrations by satellite telemetry, observing in the field and in inquiry data, It was shown that winter distributi on of the seals (especially, pregnant females) has noticeably changed: a significant number of animals shifted southwards, over 30% of pregn ant females were concentrated in the southern basin. The number of pre gnant females increased in places favourable for making lairs in hummo cks they occupied biotopes unusual for them. Spring and summer distrib ution of the seals is also characterized by expanding their habitats d ue to occupation of shallow-water bays, the ''Maloye Morie'' as well a s the littoral-slope zone limited by the 400 m isobath. The amount of animals migrating to the Chivyrkui and Proval Bays in autumn has reduc ed. Autumn and early winter migrations of seals proved to be more comp licated and distant (over 500-800 km) than it was previously assumed; autumn migrations were most likely related to foraging, but not to the thermal factor (ice). The current distribution of the seals is sugges ted to be affected not only by climatic factors (warming and changes i n ice regime) and the high numbers of the seal population, but also by human activity extensive hunting, in particular.