Mediterranean seal

Mediterranean seal

This is one of the rarest and most endangered marine mammals on the planet. Globally,its population does not exceed 700 individuals. Nowadays they are usually found in the northeastern Mediterranean, particularly along the Greek coast, including the N.M.P.Z.

The monk seal is considered to be a coastal species that rarely leaves the coast. It feeds on fish, lobsters and octopuses. Historical sources indicate that monk seals are aggregated on open beaches to rest and breed. Nowadays, human activity has forced seals to nest in inaccessible coastal caves. In the Greek Seas, the birthing period starts in August and ends in December. Each female gives birth to only one pup, and the nursing period lasts for 3-4 months. In the Mediterranean Monk Seal, sexual maturity is attained in both sexes at an age of about 4 years and longevity is at least 20 years.

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