Habitat use and behavioural study of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in Samos Island, Greece

Title:
Habitat use and behavioural study of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in Samos Island, Greece

Authors:
Antichi S., Fosberry J.1, Quintana Martín-Montalvo B., Ashok K., Miliou A., Pietroluongo G.

Introduction:
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) current distribution is fragmented and the largest known subpopulation (350-450 individuals) mainly inhabits the eastern Aegean Sea between the Greek and Turkish coastlines1. The presence of the monk seal is recorded in a wide range of habitats, from open beaches to marine caves2. It is an opportunistic predator feeding on bony fish, cephalopods and crustaceans3,4 amongst others. This study aims to develop a holistic understanding of the habitat and behavioural ecology of the monk seal around Samos Island, North-East Aegean Sea