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Are Mediterranean Monk Seals, Monachus monachus, Being Left to Save Themselves from Extinction?
G Notarbartolo di Sciara1, S Kotomatas2
1Tethys Research Institute, Acquario Civico, Milano, Italy.
Advances in Marine Biology
|October 25, 2016
Summary
Mediterranean monk seals show signs of recovery, down-listed by the IUCN. Continued conservation efforts are vital for this endangered marine mammal
Area of Science:
- Marine Mammal Conservation
- Endangered Species Recovery
- Mediterranean Ecosystems
Background:
- Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) are critically endangered, extirpated from most of their historical range.
- Once widespread, breeding populations now persist only in the northeastern Mediterranean (Greece, Turkey, Cyprus).
- Historical declines are attributed to direct killing and habitat encroachment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current status and recovery potential of Mediterranean monk seals.
- To identify factors contributing to localized signs of recovery.
- To inform future conservation strategies for this endangered marine mammal.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical distribution and population trends.
- Analysis of factors influencing seal decline and recovery.
- Evaluation of past and present conservation initiatives.
Main Results:
- Mediterranean monk seals recently down-listed from Critically Endangered to Endangered by IUCN, indicating localized recovery signs.
- Past conservation efforts were hampered by implementation failures, lack of coordination, and insufficient socioeconomic consideration.
- Local conservation efforts by civil society and societal changes in Greece show promise, alongside the role of inaccessible habitats as refuges.
Conclusions:
- Despite down-listing, the Mediterranean monk seal remains endangered, necessitating ongoing conservation action.
- Local-scale conservation initiatives, incorporating lessons learned and community involvement, are crucial for survival.
- Successful strategies can serve as a model for recovering monk seal populations across their former range.
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