The Wildlife Conservation Department has urged the public to avoid disturbing elephant seals which are being sighted in Sri Lankan waters recently.
“We request the public to maintain a distance of 20 metres while observing the seal,” Wildlife Department Director General Chandana Sooriyabandara said.
The Department explained that the seals are currently moulting (shedding off their old skin to make way for new skin to grow on their body).
During this period, these mammals prefer resting on rocks or on ice shelves. “They require freedom during this biological process which would take around three weeks,” Sooriyabandara stated.
He stressed that seals could become aggressive if disturbed.
Sri Lanka’s first sighting of the elephant seal was recorded on November 20 from the Mihiripenna Beach in the southern town of Unawatuna. The latest sighting was recorded in Mount Lavinia yesterday.
The Wildlife Department believes that the seal which appeared in Unawatuna might have been swept towards the country in searching of food.
Mr. Sooriyabandara said the Navy, Police Marine Division, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and the Wildlife Department are currently carrying out observations in this regard.
(Pics courtesy : Department of Wildlife Conservation)
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