Monachus monachus

Mediterranean Monk Seal

2.0–2.4 meter
25–30 år
Hotad
Om

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.

Storlek

2.0–2.4 meter

Vikt

250–400 kg

Livslängd

25–30 år

Status

Hotad

Var du hittar dem

Bästa dykplatser

Foça, Turkey (designated Protection Area)Kaş Kekova, TurkietBodrum Peninsula, TurkietNorthern Sporades, GreklandDesertas Islands, Madeira

Dyktips

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.

Bästa säsong

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

Livsmiljö

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

Föda

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

Roliga fakta

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

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