Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is excited to learn that a seal photographed at Portland Bill twice over the last few days, is also known in Cornwall. The female grey seal, named, ‘Molar’ was recorded by Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust (CSGRT) in St Austell Bay in November 2014, and hadn’t been seen for two years.
DWT’s Dorset Seal project started in 2014, and works closely with CSGRT. Photo ID catalogues compiled by each organisation help with identification. Each grey seal has a unique set of markings which means that individuals can be named and recognised.
Molar, named for a distinctive marking on her neck, is the first seal photo identified in both Cornwall and Dorset. Recording her movements enables conservationists to learn more about how far and frequently they travel, and informs protection measures.
Volunteer for CSGRT, Rob Wells said, “Two years ago, when I photographed Molar, I was sure she’d be recognised again, but then she disappeared for two years. Now I am delighted to see her again and for her to be our first Cornwall to Dorset seal link. Molar proves that our photo-identification project really works and is a fabulous, non-invasive way of monitoring the lives and movements of our seals.”
Rob added, “Molar has highlighted the fact that our grey seals really are mobile animals and that conserving this globally rare species needs not just isolated protected areas, but a wider network. We have around 40% of the world population living around our British shores and have a responsibility to conserve them.”
DWT volunteer, Sarah Hodgson, runs the Dorset Seal Project. She said, “We have been monitoring seals for several years now and it’s really exciting to have our first match from outside Dorset. It shows what can be achieved by developing and sharing our photo ID catalogue and what can be learned about these amazing animals.”
Sue Sayer who set up the seal photo identification catalogues for CSGRT in 2000 said, “I recognised Molar straight away from Sarah’s photos and was delighted to discover we have shared seals with DWT. I would love to find out where Molar spends the rest of her year! Despite being an easily identifiable seal, I haven’t spotted her in any of the photos submitted by our extensive network of volunteers who routinely survey seals on their local patch.”
DWT is appealing to members of the public to report any Dorset seal sightings, with photographs if possible. DWT stresses the importance of not disturbing seals by trying to get too close. Please send details of sightings to [email protected] or via DWT facebook/dorsetwildlife or Twitter @dorsetwildlife.
