Monachus monachus
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.
Størrelse
2.0–2.4 meter
Vekt
250–400 kg
Levetid
25–30 år
Status
Truet
Turkey's Foça district is named a 'Special Environmental Protection Area' specifically for monk seals
They can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes while foraging
Monk seals give birth in sea caves, often on small internal beaches above the waterline
Ancient Greeks and Romans frequently depicted monk seals in their art and coins
They are one of only two remaining monk seal species – the Caribbean monk seal went extinct in the 1950s
Utforsk våre liveaboard-ekspedisjoner til de beste dykkedestinasjonene