The Mediterranean monk seals are now amongst the rarest mammals on earth.
Monachus monachus
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.
a hoarse bark, but also higher tones
At marine sites with undisturbed sandy or rocky beaches or cliffs or grottos. They feed on octopus, crabs, fish etc.
Mating occurs mostly in the autumn. The pup (twins are rare) is born after 9-10 months, being about 1m in length.
Habitat destruction, pollution of sea waters, deliberate killing by fishermen, disturbance from recreational divers, tourists.