The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is currently classified under the subfamily Monachinae in the Monachini (Monk seals) subgroup and is considered one of the most primitive and ancient forms of this lineage.
According to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species’ global status has improved from "Endangered" to "Vulnerable (VU)", but it is still classified as "Endangered (EN)" in the Eastern Mediterranean. Today, there are fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the world: 400–600 are in the Eastern Mediterranean, about 350 in the Cabo Blanco (Cap Blanc) colony, and fewer than 30 in the Madeira Archipelago. Currently, the number of Mediterranean monk seals has been estimated at 76–140 individuals, including 42–120 mature individuals in Türkiye.
Threats to the Mediterranean monk seal include habitat destruction, human intrusion into coastal caves (their main habitats), accidental entanglement and drowning in fishing gear, intentional killings, disease outbreaks, reduced food availability due to overfishing and illegal fishing, and marine pollution. Particularly, human-induced pressures on coastal caves can cause seals to abandon these sites, sometimes even leaving behind their pups. Contributing factors include tourism, diving activities, construction, and overall human disturbance.
Why "Monk" Seal?
These seals tend to live alone or in small groups in isolated coastal caves, away from humans, resembling the solitary and secluded lifestyle of monks. Additionally, their round heads and the shape/color of their necks resemble a monk’s hooded robe.
About the Mediterranean Monk Seal
Genetic and morphological studies suggest that Monachus monachus diverged from its closest relatives—the Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi) and the now-extinct Caribbean monk seal (Neomonachus tropicalis)—between 3 to 6 million years ago. The formation of the Isthmus of Panama around 3 million years ago likely played a role in this divergence.
Historically, the species had a wide range: across the entire Mediterranean, Black Sea, and parts of the North Atlantic—from Cabo Blanco (Cap Blanc) to Morocco and Northern Spain, including the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands. However, overhunting for skin, blubber, and meat, especially during the Roman Empire and the 20th century, led to drastic population declines.
Today, three subpopulations remain: in the Eastern Mediterranean (especially along the coasts of Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, and Albania), in the Madeira Archipelago, and between Western Sahara and Mauritania (notably Cabo Blanco). Observations have also been made in Croatia, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, and Montenegro, but breeding has not been confirmed in those areas. In Spain, eDNA studies suggest presence, but sightings are lacking. The species is extinct in the Black Sea, and only a few individuals exist in the Sea of Marmara.
Once considered Critically Endangered, the species was reclassified as Endangered globally in 2015, and this status was extended to the Eastern Mediterranean population in 2019. Conservation efforts in the past decade have shown signs of recovery.
Physiological Traits
Adults are 2.3–2.8 meters in length and weigh 240–300 kg, while newborns are 80–100 cm and 15–26 kg. Pups are born with a dark brown-black “lanugo” coat. This coat includes a lighter, yellowish-white patch on the belly, unique in shape and location to each individual and used to determine the pup’s sex. This patch is unique to the Mediterranean monk seal.
Sexual dimorphism is observed, with physical differences between males and females becoming more apparent with age. Adult males are generally black with a light patch on the belly, while females are brown or gray with lighter undersides and may bear scars from mating. They have short, stiff fur—the shortest among Pinnipeds.
Unlike many marine mammals, they split time between land and sea. Due to human pressure and habitat loss, they now prefer coastal caves over beaches for resting, birthing, and rearing young.
Births in Madeira and the Eastern Mediterranean mostly occur in October–November, while in Cabo Blanco, births happen year-round. Pups are usually born on secluded platforms inside caves. Sexual maturity is reached at 3 years (females in Cabo Blanco), 6 years (Madeira), and 4–6 years (males). Mating occurs in water, and the single pup is nursed for 4–5 months.
They are opportunistic feeders, mainly preying on octopus, bony fish (especially Sparidae), and crustaceans. They can dive up to 200 meters and travel up to 290 km in three months.
Is the Mediterranean Monk Seal Protected in Türkiye?
Yes. In addition to international agreements (Barcelona, Bern, CBD, CITES), national laws protect the species:
- According to Article 8 under the section “Other Location Prohibitions” in the Second Part titled “Location Prohibitions” of the Communiqué on the Regulation of Commercial Fishing of Aquatic Products No. 5/1 (Communiqué No: 2020/20) pursuant to the Fisheries Law No. 1380, the habitats of the species are protected with the provision: It is prohibited to use light, dive by any means, enter by swimming or by any marine vessel, wait at the entrance, or anchor in coastal caves with underwater or surface entrances inhabited by the Mediterranean monk seal."
- In accordance with the Animal Protection Law No. 5199, it is essential to protect endangered species and their habitats.
- According to the Wildlife Protection Law No. 4915 and the decision of the Central Hunting Commission, the hunting and killing of the Mediterranean monk seal has been strictly prohibited since 1977.
- Under the Decree Law on Special Environmental Protection (SEPA) Areas, it is mandatory to protect the habitats of the Mediterranean monk seal.
- According to the National Parks Law No. 2873, all human activities, including fishing, are prohibited and controlled in the shores of National Parks, which is of great importance for the protection of the species’ habitat.
- Under the Environmental Law No. 2872, the basic principles related to environmental protection, improvement, and prevention of pollution have been established and enforced.
What Does the Mediterranean Conservation Society Do?
Since 2016, the Mediterranean Conservation Society has been monitoring and protecting seals along ~710 km of Turkish coastline using camera traps and real-time camera systems. They aim to determine seasonal patterns, individual identification, and threats faced in caves.
In 2017, they discovered a cave nearly suitable for seal reproduction and added an artificial platform, which was first used by a juvenile in 2019. This platform is still in use today.
The Society implemented Turkey's first real-time remote monitoring system in a Gökova cave in 2019, reducing human-seal encounters and improving individual identification.
Nine seal caves between Gökova and Kaş are now monitored. From 2017–2021, 18 individuals were identified in Gökova alone, three of which were reproductive caves.
With support from the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, the Society also conducts awareness campaigns and education programs for students and local communities.
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