1. Overhunting: Historically, Caspian seals were extensively hunted for their fur, blubber, and meat. Although hunting regulations are now in place, illegal hunting and bycatch (accidental capture in fishing nets) still occur, posing a significant threat to their population.
2. Habitat Loss: The Caspian Sea's water level fluctuates naturally, impacting the seals' breeding, molting, and feeding grounds. However, human activities such as dam construction, coastal development, and pollution have exacerbated these fluctuations and reduced suitable habitats.
3. Pollution: The Caspian Sea is heavily polluted by oil spills, industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and other pollutants. These contaminants can accumulate in the seals' bodies, causing various health issues, reduced reproductive success, and vulnerability to diseases.
4. Climate Change: Rising global temperatures are affecting the Caspian Sea's ecosystem. Changes in ice cover, water temperature, and salinity can disrupt the seals' feeding and breeding patterns, reduce the availability of prey species, and increase their vulnerability to disease and habitat loss.
5. Limited Genetic Diversity: Caspian seals have relatively low genetic diversity due to their geographic isolation and historical population bottlenecks. This limited diversity reduces their ability to adapt to environmental changes and increases their susceptibility to disease outbreaks.
6. Human-Seal Conflict: Interactions between humans and Caspian seals can lead to conflicts, particularly in areas where they compete for fish resources. Hunting and culling of seals to protect fisheries have occurred in the past, contributing to their population decline.
Addressing these factors and implementing effective conservation measures are crucial to protecting the Caspian seal and ensuring the long-term viability of its population.