Mediterranean Monk Seal

## Description

The Mediterranean monk seal is an endangered species of earless seal and is believed to be the world's rarest pinniped species. Its skin is covered in small hairs, which are black (males) or brown to dark grey (females); the fur is paler on the belly, being close to white in males. The snout is short broad and flat, with very pronounced, long nostrils that face upward, unlike their Hawaiian relative, which tend to have more forward nostrils. The flippers are relatively short, with small slender claws.

## Distribution

Mediterranean monk seals occur in three or four isolated subpopulations in the Mediterranean, (especially) in the Aegean Sea, the archipelago of Madeira, and the Cabo Blanco area in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The habitat of these seals has changed over the years. In ancient times, and up until the 20th century, Mediterranean monk seals congregated, gave birth, and seek refuge on open beaches. In more recent times, they have left their former habitat and now only use sea caves for these activities. Often these caves are inaccessible to humans. Most of their caves have underwater entries and are often positioned along remote or rugged coastlines.

## Behavior

Mediterranean monk seals are generally solitary and diurnal; they and spend their day foraging, basking, sleeping, and hauling out. They prefer to feed in shallow coastal waters but may also forage at depths up to 250 meters. Monk seals prefer hunting in wide-open spaces, enabling them to use their speed more effectively. They are successful bottom-feeding hunters and some individuals have even been observed lifting slabs of rock in search of prey. Mediterranean monk seals don't migrate long distances and are relatively sedentary, however, when food is scarce adults may travel considerable distances.

## Diet

Mediterranean monk seals are carnivores (piscivores). They feed on a variety of fish and mollusks, primarily octopus, squid, and eels.

## Reproduction

It is suggested that Mediterranean monk seals are polygynous, with males being very territorial where they mate with females. The breeding season occurs year-round with the peak of births in September, October, and November. Females give birth to a single pup after the gestation period that lasts 11 months. At birth pups are about 1 meter (3.3 ft) long and weigh around 15-18 kilograms (33-40 lb); their skin is covered by 1-1.5 centimeter-long, dark brown to black hair. They make the first contact with the water 2 weeks after their birth and are weaned at around 18 weeks of age. Most females are believed to reach maturity at 4 years of age while males begin to breed at age of 6 years.

## Population

### Population threats

Mediterranean monk seals have been threatened for centuries. In the past, they were hunted for their skin and persecuted by fishermen, who used to consider these animals pests due to the damage they cause to fishing nets when they prey on fish caught in them. Currently, Mediterranean monk seals suffer from pollution, climate change, entanglement in fishing nets, lack of food sources due to overfishing, and human disturbances. They have left their former habitat and now use only caves. Scientists have confirmed this is a recent adaptation, most likely due to the rapid increase in the human population, tourism, and industry, which have caused an increased disturbance by humans and the destruction of the species' natural habitat. Because of these seals' shy nature and sensitivity to human disturbance, they have slowly adapted to try to avoid contact with humans completely within the last century, and, perhaps, even earlier. The coastal caves are, however, dangerous for newborns, and are causes of major mortality among pups when sea storms hit the caves.

### Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Mediterranean monk seal is about 600-700 individuals. The largest subpopulation is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and consists of 350-450 individuals including 300-400 individuals in Greece and about 100 individuals in Turkey. The second largest subpopulation is located in the Cabo Blanco area and consists of about 220 individuals. The third subpopulation is located in the archipelago of Madeira and consists of about 40 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing.

## Fun Facts

Monk seals exist in three species: the Mediterranean monk seal, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the Caribbean monk seal, which became extinct in the 20th century.

Monk seals are the only earless seals found in tropical climates.

The Mediterranean monk seal is believed to have the shortest hair of any pinniped.

Mediterranean monk seals swim so agile swimmers that they are able to outmaneuver a shark.

Mediterranean monk seals consume up to 3 kg of food per day.

Mediteraanean monk seals have no natural predators.