Mediterranean Monk seal

one of first sightings of monk seal in strait of gibraltar, 2012


threats

several causes provoked dramatic population decrease on time: on 1 hand, commercial hunting (especially during roman empire , middle ages) and, during 20th century, eradication fishermen, used consider pest due damage seal causes fishing nets when preys on fish caught in them; and, on other hand, coastal urbanization , pollution. currently, entire population estimated less 600 individuals scattered throughout wide distribution range, qualifies species endangered. current sparse population 1 more serious threat species, has 2 key sites can deemed viable. 1 aegean sea (250–300 animals in greece, largest concentration of animals in gyaros island, , 100 in turkey); other important subpopulation western saharan portion of cabo blanco (around 200 individuals may support small, growing, nucleus in desertas islands – approximately 20 individuals). there may individuals using coastal areas among other parts of western sahara, such in cintra bay. these 2 key sites virtually in extreme opposites of species distribution range, makes natural population interchange between them impossible. other remaining subpopulations composed of less 50 mature individuals, many of them being loose groups of extremely reduced size – less 5 individuals. consequently, there low genetic variability.

a colony of mediterranean monk seals on cabo blanco, 1945

cabo blanco, in atlantic ocean, largest surviving single population of species, , remaining site still seems preserve colony structure. in summer of 1997, disease killed more 200 animals (two-thirds of population) within 2 months, extremely compromising species viable population. while opinions on precise causes of epidemic remain divided, cause morbilivirus or toxic algae bloom.

conservation

in aegean sea, greece has allocated large area preservation of mediterranean monk seal , habitat. greek alonissos marine park, extends around northern sporades islands, main action ground of greek mom organisation. mom involved in raising awareness in general public, fundraising helping of monk seal preservation cause, in greece , wherever needed. greece investigating possibility of declaring monk seal breeding site national park, , has integrated sites in natura 2000 protection scheme. legislation in greece strict towards seal hunting, , in general, public aware , supportive of effort preservation of mediterranean monk seal.

one of largest groups among foundations concentrating efforts towards preservation of mediterranean monk seal mediterranean seal research group (akdeniz foklarını araştırma grubu) operating under underwater research foundation (sualtı araştırmaları derneği) in turkey (also known sad-afag). group has taken initiative in joint preservation efforts foça municipal officials, phone, fax, , email hotlines sightings.