Culture-Driven Mortality in Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) at Southern Fringe of Caspian Sea

Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) is countered as a unique, endangered species, restricted only to the Caspian Sea. High death rate of Caspian seal has been reported owing to chemical infections, extreme concentration of chemical trace elements, organochlorine pollutants, etc. Among numerous possible reasons for mortality of Caspian seals, the role of culture in mortality has always been less-noticed.Accordingly, the present study was put forth by studying the culture of inhabitants at Southern border of Caspian Sea. For this, the behavior of local communities was interviewed. It was observed that Iranian people were not adequately familiar with real worth of different creatures in environment, and considered them as dangerous enemies, or at least annoying. Therefore, when encounter the animals, they attempt to kill, harass, or scare them away. Usually, unidimensional view of financial gain from seals, and excessive fishing of aquatics fed by seals put them in danger of extinction. Over all, In order to gain more consistent findings on this matter, furthur researches are suggested.