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Once widespread throughout the Black and Mediterranean Seas and the coasts of north Africa, the Endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus has disappeared throughout most of its original range. In Cyprus evidence suggests that the species became effectively extinct at the end of the 20th century. Following an increase of seal sightings around the island, a monitoring programme was established in 2009 to evaluate the status of the species. During 2009–2018, using field surveys, photographs from camera traps and an information network, we recorded an increasing number of seal sightings, and the birth of several pups, indicating the permanent presence of the species on the island. This is the first recorded re-establishment of a Mediterranean monk seal population in an area of its former range following near eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean monk seals (MMS) are among the most endangered marine mammals on Earth. We screened mitochondrial variability (control region [CR1] and mitogenomes) of the species through a 180‐yr timeframe and extended by 20% (n = 205) the number of samples from a previous investigation, including historical specimens from 1833 to 1975. Although we detected two new, rare CR1 haplotypes, genetic diversity remained extremely low. Fully resolved haplotype median network and rarefaction analysis both suggested low probability for further unscreened haplotypes. There was no clear phylogeographic structure across the 12 marine subdivisions covered by the species' range. Haplotypes previously considered diagnostic of the extant North Atlantic and eastern Mediterranean populations had their distributions extended into the western Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, respectively, by both historical and recent samples. Our study suggests that MMS have been genetically depauperate since at least the mid‐19th century, and that the massive 1997 die‐off in Western Sahara (North Atlantic) could have caused local haplotype extinctions. Our results support the hypothesis of past metapopulation dynamics across the species range, where the current segregation into geographically distant and genetically depauperate breeding populations (i.e., North Atlantic and eastern Mediterranean Sea) derives from the combined effects of historical extinctions, genetic drift on small breeding groups, and persistently low levels of genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halting biodiversity loss is one of the major conservation challenges of our time and science-based conservation actions are required to safeguard the survival of endangered species. However the establishment of effective conservation strategies may be hampered by inherent difficulties of studying elusive animals. We used analysis of control region sequences to obtain baseline information on the genetic diversity and population structure and history of the elusive and critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal that will help define an effective conservation strategy for the species. We analyzed 165 samples collected throughout the entire extant range of the species and identified 5 haplotypes. Based on levels of genetic diversity (haplotypic diversity: 0.03; variable sites: 0.6%) the Mediterranean monk seal appears to be one of the most genetically depauperate mammals on Earth. We identified three genetically distinct monk seal subpopulations: one in the north Atlantic [Cabo Blanco vs. Aegean Sea ( F ST = 0.733; P = 0.000); Cabo Blanco vs. Ionian Sea ( F ST = 0.925; P = 0.000)] and two in the Mediterranean, one in the Ionian and another one in the Aegean Sea (Ionian vs. Aegean Sea F ST = 0.577; P = 0.000). Results indicate a recent divergence and short evolutionary history of the extant Mediterranean monk seal subpopulations. Based on the results we recommend continuation of the monitoring efforts for the species and systematic collection of genetic samples and storage in dedicated sample banks. On a management level we argue that, based on genetic evidence, it is justified to manage the Atlantic and Mediterranean monk seal subpopulations as two separate management units. In Greece, the existence of two subpopulations should guide efforts for the establishment of a network of protected areas and identify the monitoring of habitat availability and suitability as an important conservation priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the ecology and behaviour of endangered species is essential for developing effective management and conservation strategies. We used stable isotope analysis to investigate the foraging behaviour of critically endangered Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) in Greece. We measured carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (expressed as δ13C and δ15N values, respectively) derived from the hair of deceased adult and juvenile seals and the muscle of their known prey to quantify their diets. We tested the hypothesis that monk seals primarily foraged for prey that occupy coastal habitats in Greece. We compared isotope values from seal hair to their coastal and pelagic prey (after correcting all prey for isotopic discrimination) and used these isotopic data and a stable isotope mixing model to estimate the proportion of coastal and pelagic resources consumed by seals. As predicted, we found that seals had similar δ13C values as many coastal prey species and higher δ13C values than pelagic species; these results, in conjunction with mean dietary estimates (coastal=61 % vs. pelagic=39 %), suggest that seals have a diverse diet comprising prey from multiple trophic levels that primarily occupy the coast. Marine resource managers should consider using the results from this study to inform the future management of coastal habitats in Greece to protect Mediterranean monk seals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades (NMPANS) in Greece is one of the few areas worldwide dedicated to the protection of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). The impacts of the establishment of this protected area on the local monk seal population have been thoroughly documented for the last 20 y; in contrast, little is known of the socioeconomic impacts from the establishment of the park on the residents of the island of Alonissos. The aim of this study was to record, using a methodological approach based on Social Impact Assessment, the attitudes of residents and visitors of Alonissos and to assess the social and economic impacts generated by the establishment and management of the NMPANS. The majority of the residents of Alonissos acknowledged the importance of the marine park in promoting the public image of the island, a fact they believed had not yet resulted in major improvements to their livelihood. They believed that the establishment of the park had led to considerable economic losses to the local fishing industry and expressed concerns on the effects of the park on the local human social structure and traditions. Positive effects were detected primarily from the tourism sector. Visitors to Alonissos valued the area for its natural beauty but were disappointed by the lack of coordinated effort to promote these natural resources. Based on the findings of this study, we conclude that the NMPANS has been generally successful in meeting its biodiversity goals but considerably less effective in attaining basic measures of socioeconomic success. If the population's socioeconomic expectations from the establishment of the park are to be fulfilled, the newly established management body of the park must improve communication and establish working collaborations with the local population of Alonissos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important that all aspects of the life history and behavior of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) are documented to ensure effective management and conservation of this critically endangered species. Little is known about either airborne or underwater vocalizations for this species. Field research and rehabilitation of Mediterranean monk seal pups by MOm (MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal) provided opportunistic video recordings of the airborne sounds of this species. This study is the first to report acoustic features of airborne vocalizations from eight wild adult females and six of their pups, short-term recordings of a sick pup, and longer-term recordings of three rehabilitating pups. Although sample sizes are small, every effort was made to garner the most acoustic information from these recordings. The aims of this study were to document the acoustic properties and types of aerial vocalizations from wild and rehabilitating Mediterranean monk seals and to compare the acoustic features of their sound repertoire to the airborne vocalization characteristics of other monachids. Audio-tracks were spectrographically analyzed using six frequency and five time variables with Spectrogram software. Through examination of real-time spectrograms and audibly distinguishable characteristics, this study classified four airborne vocalization types (bark, snort, scream, and chirp) for adult females. Three aerial vocalization types (bark, gaggle, and squawk) were documented from pups. The bark was the most common vocalization type from wild and rehabilitating pups. Wild adult female Mediterranean monk seal vocalizations ranged in frequency from 438 to 3,050 Hz and consisted of 1 to 6 components within a series with a total duration from 42 to 8,171 ms. Airborne vocalization types of rehabilitating pups ranged in frequency from 269 to 1,584 Hz and consisted of 1 to 11 components within a series with a total duration from 88 to 12,006 ms. the frequency and time variables were highly correlated. Principle Component Analysis (PCA), using nine variables, produced a 3-factor model that explained 98.8% of the variability in the acoustic features of the whole repertoire. A more parsimonious, 3-factor PCA model, using only six variables, still explained a high percentage of variability (81.5%). These results indicated that collecting only two frequency measurements (beginning frequency and first harmonic interval) and four time measurements (number of components within a series, total duration, component duration, and the component interval) is sufficient to distinguish among species-specific vocalizations. Results of this acoustical analysis are from a small number of Mediterranean monk seals, and further acoustic research is warranted to record adult males, and to increase the sample sizes of vocalizations from wild adult females and pups. In addition, more recordings of ill, stressed, and captive monk seals are needed. Lastly, vocalizations of wild Mediterranean monk seals should be studied at the other two main population sites (i.e., Archipelago of Madeira and Cabo Blanco region), at other times of the year, and outside of the breeding season to provide a better understanding of the overall vocal behavior of this species. The preliminary analyses presented herein hold promise that with sufficient data on acoustic features of airborne vocalizations researchers could acoustically monitor wild Mediterranean monk seals and determine their sex, pup age, and perhaps their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean monk seal is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is in urgent need of effective conservation measures. Following a steep decline in the 20th century, the National Park Service of Madeira initiated efforts to protect the species in the archipelago of Madeira, including habitat protection, scientific research and public awareness. The aim of this study was to analyse data collected during a monitoring project (1988-2005) to assess the conservation status of the species and identify priority conservation actions for the future. The study recorded the presence of the species at key pupping sites in a strictly protected area at the Desertas Islands, increased sightings in recent years around the main island of Madeira, an increase in the number of pups born, and low mortality. The population in the archipelago of Madeira is currently estimated to be 20-30 adults. These findings suggest that the species remains Critically Endangered in the area but that its conservation situation has improved because of the implementation of effective conservation actions. Conservation priorities identified include protecting suitable monk seal habitat at Madeira, investigating seal-fisheries interactions, increasing environmental education, and strengthening regional legislation for the protection of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean monk seal gives birth almost exclusively in coastal caves. Given its critical conservation status, the identification and protection of such sites is important for the survival of the species. From 1990 to 2004 we collected data on physical and environmental variables and monitored pupping events in thirty-four coastal caves in Greece. We modeled the probability of cave occupancy as a function of the properties of each cave. Model selection and model averaging enabled us to rank the variables that influenced use of potential pupping sites. Environmental variables related to cave seclusion, substrate, and degree of protection from wind and wave action were the most important among them. The relative importance and directions of these relationships confirm the long-standing assumption that Mediterranean monk seals require sheltered pupping sites, far from sources of human disturbance and thus are progressively limited to isolated parts of the country's coastline. We used cross-validation to examine the predictive ability of our analysis and quantified the sensitivity of our predictions to the degree of extrapolation. We conclude that, although more data are required, the model is capable of predicting occupancy for caves close to the middle of the environmental space examined in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the priority actions identified for saving the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal are gaining basic biological information on movements and behavior, and rescuing and rehabilitating wounded, stranded, and orphaned pups. On 22 May 2004 a rehabilitated monk seal juvenile was fitted with a satellite tag, released in the National Marine Park of Alonnisos, Northern Sporades, Greece, and monitored for 167 d. Postrelease, the seal remained close to the islands of the park and within the 200-m isobath. Throughout the monitoring period, the seal reduced time hauled out, while 95-percentile dive duration and depth gradually increased. The overall maximum depth of 123 m recorded in this study is the greatest depth ever recorded for the species. These results confirm the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program carried out on the particular animal and provide additional support for the continuation of the rehabilitation program as a conservation measure for the species. We demonstrate that satellite tracking of rehabilitated seals is a valuable research and conservation tool, even for a species that commonly uses shoreline caves for resting, molting, and parturition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine mammal and fishery interactions have increased concurrently with human population growth and subsequent increases in demand for fisheries products. As a result, populations of marine mammals and the livelihood of coastal fishermen have both been adversely affected. Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) are among the most endangered marine mammals in the world that have been impacted by fisheries. The aim of this study was to understand the nature and assess the magnitude of monk seal-fisheries interactions in the Archipelago of Madeira and to propose a set of conservation measures to mitigate them. Information on interactions was collected during questionnaire surveys conducted at the main fishing port of Madeira, where approximately 14% of all the fishermen and 59% of all fishing vessels in the Archipelago were interviewed. Most fishermen (91%) believed that fish stocks were declining in their region, but few (1%) considered the monk seal to be the principal reason for this negative trend. Furthermore, only 30% of the fishermen interviewed had experienced monk seal-fishing gear interactions. These interactions occurred mainly in summer, in the morning, at depths between 0 to 50 m and below 100 m, and affected mainly hand-lines for demersal species. At the same time, no records of entangled monk seals in fishing gear were reported. Compared to other areas in the species' range, the intensity of potentially negative monk seal-fisheries interactions in the Archipelago of Madeira is lower, and they do not currently constitute a threat to the survival of the species. We believe that this is due to the fact that the use of fishing nets in the region has been banned, and fishers have switched to alternative, less harmful fishing methods. Proposed conservation actions should include promoting environmental awareness, the production of a "Good Fishing Conduct" manual, and the increase in surveillance and enforcement of fishing regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]