Premium
The M editerranean monk seal M onachus monachus : status, biology, threats, and conservation priorities
Author(s) -
Karamanlidis Alexandros A.,
Dendrinos Panagiotis,
Larrinoa Pablo Fernández,
Gücü Ali Cemal,
Johnson William M.,
Kiraç Cem O.,
Pires Rosa
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
mammal review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.574
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2907
pISSN - 0305-1838
DOI - 10.1111/mam.12053
Subject(s) - endangered species , geography , fishing , predation , archipelago , ecology , range (aeronautics) , habitat , conservation status , fur seal , fishery , biology , seal (emblem) , nest (protein structural motif) , archaeology , materials science , composite material , biochemistry
The M editerranean monk seal M onachus monachus is the most endangered seal species. In this review we summarize the status, ecology, and behaviour of the M editerranean monk seal, and identify the main threats that currently affect the species and the conservation priorities for securing its survival. Once abundant throughout the B lack S ea and M editerranean, as well as off the A tlantic coasts of northwestern A frica and M acaronesia, the M editerranean monk seal has recently suffered dramatic declines, both in abundance and geographical range. It is now estimated that fewer than 700 individuals survive in three or four isolated subpopulations in the eastern and western M editerranean, the archipelago of M adeira and the C abo B lanco area in the northeastern A tlantic O cean. Mediterranean monk seals are coastal marine mammals. When resting and pupping on land, individuals generally seek refuge in inaccessible marine caves; this behaviour is, in part, believed to be an adaptation to increased disturbance by humans. Larger aggregations or colonies of the species can now be found only at C abo B lanco in the A tlantic O cean and on the island of G yaros in the eastern M editerranean. The main threats to the survival of the M editerranean monk seal are habitat deterioration; deliberate killing, mainly by fishermen; and accidental entanglement and drowning in fishing gear. Limited availability of food sources and stochastic and unusual events have occasionally also contributed to M editerranean monk seal mortality. Based on a common consensus among scientists and conservationists, the main conservation priorities for the monk seal are: habitat protection; mitigating negative interactions between seals and fisheries; scientific research and monitoring of local seal populations; education and public awareness campaigns; and rescue and rehabilitation of wounded, sick, and orphaned seals.