Mediterranean Monk Seal 
Mediterranean Monk Seal
Mediterranean Monk Seal
Scientific Name:
Monachus monachus
Group:
Mammals
Status/Date Listed as Endangered:
EN-US FWS: June 2, 1970
CR-IUCN: 2008
Area(s) Where Listed As Endangered:
Mediterranean Sea, Northwest African Coast and Black Sea
 
Advertisement
 

The Mediterranean monk seal is a close relative of the Caribbean monk seal and is one of the rarest animals in the world. Adult seals measure about 7.8 feet in length on average and can weigh up to 690 lb. Males are slightly larger than females. Their smooth coats are generally brown or gray on the back and lighter on the belly and they resemble robes of Franciscan friars, giving them the name, "monk seals." There is also a white patch that appears on their bellies, and other irregular light patches are not uncommon.

Mediterranean monk seals prefer to live on coastal areas in groups or "colonies." They appear to be social and have been seen in groups from 20 to 300 seals. The seals have also been found in caves resting or mating. The cave usage seems to be in response to human disturbance. They prefer to be active and feed during the day, feeding on a variety of marine organisms, including eels, tuna, sardines, and also octopuses. Mating occurs from September to November and the seals prefer to mate in the water. Females give birth to only one pup and may not give birth to another for two more years. The bond between the mother and pup is said to be strong and they remain together for up to three years.

The Mediterranean monk seal species was nearly wiped out due to hunting for its skin in the 1800s. Today, the main threats are killing by fishermen who consider the seals competitors for fish, accidental entanglement in fishing gear, human disturbance, and habitat loss. This species is now protected by law by many countries.




Wikipedia Article

This article is only an excerpt. If it appears incomplete or if you wish to see article references, visit the rest of its contents here.
Wikipedia Article
Copyright Notice: This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Mediterranean monk seal".

Featured Article

The Seven Sea Turtle Species of the World
Sea turtles are graceful saltwater reptiles, well adapted to life at sea. Unlike turtles on land, sea turtles cannot retract their legs and head. But with streamlined bodies and flipper-like limbs, they are graceful swimmers able to navigate across the oceans of the world.

Here, we look at the seven species that can be found today, all of which are said to have been around since the time of the dinosaurs.

Read More...


Advertisement


Endangered Species of Our Planet

Donate, Adopt, Get Involved

EEC Conservation Directory
Donate

Mailing List

Would you like to receive a notice and link when the new Creature Feature is posted?

Enter your e-mail address below:

 

Fun & Games

Are you inspired by endangered animals? Check out our games and coloring pages! More to come soon.
color endangered creatures
play hangman