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869 Featured Specimen
Mediterranean monk seal

Details

Mediterranean monk seal

Monachus monachus

Size
2.1–2.4 m · 240–400 kg
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Sociality
Loose group
Lifespan

Mediterranean monk seal is a rare seal of the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic that breeds in quiet coastal caves. Fishing conflict, coastal development, and tourism disturbance pressure small populations.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
Atlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearcticPalearctic

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses rocky coasts, sea caves, and coastal waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Madeira region. Main habitat types in this guide are coast, ocean.

Appearance

Typical length 210-240 cm, weight 240 kg-400 kg. A rounded head, short muzzle, dark coat, and pale belly patches mark this large seal.

Behavior

It is diurnal and often found in loose groups. It rests on secluded shores or caves and forages through coastal waters.

Feeding

It is carnivorous. Fish, octopus, squid, and crustaceans are caught.

Reproduction

Females give birth to single pups in caves or quiet beaches, where storms can be dangerous.

Notes

Its limited range makes protection and habitat management important. Fishing conflict, coastal development, and tourism disturbance pressure small populations.