Mediterranean monk seals make remarkable return from brink of extinction

·

Once critically endangered, Mediterranean monk seal populations are making a strong recovery due to dedicated conservation efforts, abc.net.au, has reported.

Nearly half of the world’s estimated 800 monk seals now live in Greek waters. The extensive coastline and secluded sea caves provide ideal habitats for mothers to raise their young. These seals, the only species in the Mediterranean, are known for their large eyes, whiskers, and agility in water.

Panagis is one of dozens of monk seals rescued and rehabilitated by the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, known as MOm.

Panagis was found orphaned near Cyprus, weighing just 15 kilograms. Locals alerted authorities, and MOm arranged his transfer to Athens. After three months of care, he now weighs over 40 kilograms and is nearly ready to return to the wild.

Once hunted and viewed as pests by fishermen for damaging nets and stealing fish, monk seals suffered severe population declines due to habitat destruction and human aggression. They were classified as “critically endangered” by the IUCN.

Dr. Alexandros Dendrinos of MOm describes them as “one of the rarest species of seal and marine mammal in the world.” Protecting them requires safeguarding the broader marine ecosystem.

MOm has treated around 40 seals at its Athens-based rehabilitation centre. Once healthy and able to hunt, seals are tagged and released back into the wild.

“This year, we had a really pleasant surprise,” said Dr. Dendrinos. A female seal they released four years ago was seen nursing her own pup.

Thanks to conservation, the species’ status improved from “critically endangered” to “vulnerable” in 2023.

Source: abc.net.au

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet TIFANY: The Greek Australian artist making waves in RnB

Are you looking for your new favourite Greek artist who combines unique sounds of RnB, house and EDM music?

Heirs of a Greek inheritance: Most common problems to deal with

There are many people of Greek descent all over the world whose parents or other close relatives had properties in Greece.

Niki Louca shares her family favourite Indokaridopita (coconut cake) recipe

It is a cake her aunty Panayiota used to make often in years gone by, and one she hasn’t had for a long time.

Naz Vardar to give Melbourne seminar on shaping Vlach identity

The focus lies on the story of a Vlach priest navigating his way within the local Vlach community in Manastir (Bitola).

Out from the White Tower’s shadow: A subversive guide to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki isn’t trying to impress you, and that’s exactly why it does. Its people carry the kind of warmth that isn’t put on for tourists.

You May Also Like

On This Day: Melina Mercouri calls for the Parthenon Marbles to be returned to Greece

On July 29, 1982, then-Culture Minister in Greece, Melina Mercouri, addressed the World Conference on Cultural Policies by UNESCO in Mexico.

Dracopoulos family hit hard by closure of only aged care home in remote NSW town

The Dracopoulos family have been hit hard by closure of the only aged care home in the remote NSW town of Bombala.

Alex Hawke MP: The Hellenic Chair in Global Diasporas will benefit all Australians

Alex Hawke MP celebrated the final stages of appointment of a Hellenic Senior Lecturer in Global Diasporas in association with the GCM.