Monachus monachus

Mediterranean Monk Seal

2.0–2.4 metriä
25–30 vuotta
Erittäin uhanalainen
Tietoa

Mediterranean Monk Seal

The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the world's most endangered marine mammals, with fewer than 700 individuals remaining. Turkey's remote Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines harbour some of the species' most important breeding colonies, particularly in sea caves along the Bodrum, Foça, and Kaş peninsulas. These shy, solitary animals seek out undisturbed caves with underwater entrances for resting and pupping.

Koko

2.0–2.4 metriä

Paino

250–400 kg

Elinikä

25–30 vuotta

Suojelutila

Erittäin uhanalainen

Missä niitä löytää

Parhaat sukelluskohteet

Foça, Turkey (designated Protection Area)Kaş Kekova, TurkkiBodrum Peninsula, TurkkiNorthern Sporades, KreikkaDesertas Islands, Madeira

Sukellusvinkit

Encounters are extremely rare and should never be pursued. If you spot a monk seal while diving, remain still and keep a distance of at least 15 metres. Do not enter known haul-out caves. Flash photography is prohibited. Report sightings to local conservation authorities – every observation contributes to population monitoring.

Paras kausi

May to October for best water visibility; pupping season September–November

Elinympäristö

Rocky coastlines, sea caves with underwater entrances, and remote islands in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic

Ravinto

Fish (grouper, eel, flatfish), octopus, squid, and crustaceans – hunting mainly at dusk and dawn
Tiesitkö?

Hauskoja faktoja

1

Turkey's Foça district is named a 'Special Environmental Protection Area' specifically for monk seals

2

They can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes while foraging

3

Monk seals give birth in sea caves, often on small internal beaches above the waterline

4

Ancient Greeks and Romans frequently depicted monk seals in their art and coins

5

They are one of only two remaining monk seal species – the Caribbean monk seal went extinct in the 1950s

Aloita seikkailusi

Valmis sukeltamaan tämän eläimen kanssa?

Tutustu liveaboard-retkiimme parhaisiin sukelluskohteisiin