Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Monachus monachus
- Common name
- Mediterranean monk seal
- Category
- Marine mammals
- Family
- Phocidae
- Genus
- Monachus
- Size
- 200–280 cm
- Depth
- 0–200 m
- IUCN status
- Endangered (EN)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, solitary
- Ocean zones
- Eastern Pacific, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Monachus monachus reaches 2.8 m and 300 kg. Seal (Phocidae) Mediterranean and East Atlantic (Madeira, Desertas, Mauritania) with fusiform body gray-brown to brown-gray with lighter belly, rounded head with large expressive black eyes, white whiskers. Lives from 0 to 200 m on rocky coasts with marine caves used for rest and birthing. IUCN Endangered, global population estimated at only 700 individuals in 2020 (one of the most endangered marine mammals). Extremely rare dive encounters, moments of intense emotion (Greece, Turkey, Madeira). Strict protection, approach forbidden.
Photo of Mediterranean monk seal
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Mediterranean monk seal?
- Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) reaches 200–280 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Mediterranean monk seal?
- Mediterranean monk seal is found between 0–200 m deep.
- Is the Mediterranean monk seal dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Mediterranean monk seal?
- IUCN status: Endangered (EN).
- Where can you find the Mediterranean monk seal?
- Found in: Eastern Pacific, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Similar species
- Tursiops truncatus - Common bottlenose dolphin
- Stenella frontalis - Atlantic spotted dolphin
- Delphinus delphis - Common dolphin
- Globicephala macrorhynchus - Short-finned pilot whale
- Physeter macrocephalus - Sperm whale
- Balaenoptera physalus - Fin whale
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137081)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2434779)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia