The Mediterranean monk seals are now amongst the rarest mammals on earth.
Scientific name
Monachus monachus
Description:
The colour of the seals' coat varies from light grey to a speckled darker grey and lighter on the belly and neck. They are 2-3.5 meters long and weigh up to 340 kg.
Voice:
a hoarse bark, but also higher tones
Behaviour and Habitat:
At marine sites with undisturbed sandy or rocky beaches or cliffs or grottos. They feed on octopus, crabs, fish etc.
Reproduction:
Mating occurs mostly in the autumn. The pup (twins are rare) is born after 9-10 months, being about 1m in length.
Threats:
Habitat destruction, pollution of sea waters, deliberate killing by fishermen, disturbance from recreational divers, tourists.
