Common name
Mediterranean Monk Seal
Latin name
Monachus Monachus
Order
Carnivora
Family
Phocidae
Life span
Up to 45 years
Social behaviour
They are a solitary species, but form breeding colonies in cave systems.
Weight
Between 240-400kg
Length
Up to 2.4m
Population trends
This species is considered ‘Critically Endangered’ in the Mediterranean by the IUCN Red List. It is one of the most endangered species of mammals in the world, with an estimated total population size of just 600-700 individuals. The waters around Turkey and Greece are one of the last strongholds of the species and reports suggest that there are fewer than 250 mature individuals left.
Distinctive Features
Males have black fur, whilst female fur ranges from brown to grey. Both sexes have paler bellies and short, broad snouts with long nostrils facing upward.
Habitat
Found in sea caves and feed in coastal waters.
Interesting fact
They are the world’s rarest pinniped species and are only found in three areas of the Mediterranean, including the Aegean Sea.
Main threats
Habitat degradation, deliberate killings and prey depletion.
In seas where fisheries are on the brink of collapse due to poor management and destructive illegal practices, the artisanal fishermen and the monk seals are pitted against each other, both seeking a shrinking number of fish. Fishermen sometimes suffer losses as a result of seals damaging their nets and going after their catch. This conflict often leads to killing the monk seals.
Diet
Fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.
