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
