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82-518: Monachus monachus Neomonachus schauinslandi † Neomonachus tropicalis Monk seals are earless seals of the tribe Monachini . They are the only earless seals found in tropical climates. The two genera of monk seals, Monachus and Neomonachus , comprise three species: the Mediterranean monk seal , Monachus monachus ; the Hawaiian monk seal , Neomonachus schauinslandi ; and

164-612: A broad and diverse diet due to foraging plasticity , which allows them to be opportunistic predators that feed on a wide variety of available prey. Tiger sharks , great white sharks , and Galapagos sharks are all predators of the Hawaiian monk seal. Mediterranean monk seals are diurnal and feed on a variety of fish and mollusks , primarily octopus, squid, and eels , up to 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg) per day. They are known to forage mostly at depths of 150 to 230 feet (46 to 70 m), but some have been observed by NOAA submersibles at

246-496: A colony structure. In the summer of 1997, more than 200 animals or two-thirds of its seal population were wiped out within two months, compromising the species' viable population . While opinions on the precise causes of this epidemic remain divided between a morbillivirus or, more likely, a toxic algae bloom , the mass die-off emphasized the precarious status of a species already regarded as critically endangered throughout its range. Numbers in this all-important location started

328-552: A creek in Manavgat District in Turkey 's southern Antalya Province . According to the scientists involved in local projects to protect the animals, this was the first ever documented sighting of a monk seal swimming in a river. Possible reasons for the animal's appearance included better opportunities for hunting, as well as higher salinity levels due to lower water levels. On 26 April 2016, two monk seals were spotted at

410-577: A depth of 500 feet (150 m). They prefer hunting in wide-open spaces, enabling them to use their speed more effectively. They are successful bottom-feeding hunters; some have even been observed lifting slabs of rock in search of prey. They have no natural predators. Very little is known of the Mediterranean monk seal's reproduction. They are thought to be polygynous , with males being very territorial where they mate with females. Although no breeding season exists, since births take place year round,

492-519: A dramatic population decrease over time: on one hand, commercial hunting (especially during the Roman Empire and Middle Ages) and during the 20th century, eradication by fishermen, who used to consider it a pest due to the damage the seal causes to fishing nets when it preys on fish caught in them; and on the other hand, coastal urbanization and pollution. Currently, its entire population is estimated to be less than 600 individuals scattered throughout

574-512: A few hours on the beach in Jaffa near Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel's Nature and Park Authority has been monitoring since then this seal dubbed "Yulia", estimated at twenty years of age, spotted by eastern Mediterranean researchers in recent years in Turkey and Lebanon, where she is known as "Tugra". International consultation assessed that she is in normal molt to shed her winter coat, mostly relaxing on

656-701: A monk seal was spotted and videotaped while seated on a sunlounger in Samos Island, Greece. On 24 July 2021, a previously rescued and rehabilitated monk seal nicknamed "Kostis" was found dead in the waters of the Cycladic islands. MOm, the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal reported that the seal had been executed at close range with a spear gun. Additionally, MOm pledged

738-544: A peak occurs in October and November. This is also the time when caves are prone to wash out due to high surf or storm surge , which causes high mortality rates among pups, especially at the key Cabo Blanco colony. Pups make first contact with the water 2 weeks after their birth and are weaned around 18 weeks of age; females caring for pups go off to feed for an average of 9 hours. Most individuals are believed to reach maturity at 4 years of age. The gestation period lasts close to

820-574: A seal colony on an island in the southwestern Aegean Sea. Soon after, it showed signs of weakness and it was taken to a rehabilitation centre to try to save it. The aim is to release it back into the wild as soon as it is strong enough. In April 2011, a monk seal was spotted near the Egyptian coast after long absence of the species from the nation. On 24 June 2011, the Blue World Institute of Croatia filmed an adult female underwater in

902-911: A short, broad, and flat snout, with long nostrils that face forward. It has a relatively small, flat head with large, black eyes, eight pairs of teeth, and a short snout with the nostrils on top of the snout and vibrissae on each side. The nostrils are small, vertical slits, which close when the seal dives under water. Additionally, their slender, torpedo-shaped body and hind flippers allow them to be very agile swimmers. Adult males are 300 to 400 pounds (140 to 180 kg) in weight and 7 feet (2.1 m) in length, while adult females tend to be, typically, slightly larger, at 400 to 600 pounds (180 to 270 kg) and 8 feet (2.4 m) in length. When monk seal pups are born, they weigh 30 to 40 pounds (14 to 18 kg) and are 40 inches (1.0 m) in length. As they nurse for about 6 weeks, they grow considerably, eventually weighing between 150 and 200 pounds (68 and 91 kg) by

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984-464: A slow-paced recovery ever since. A small but incipient (up to 20 animals by 2009) sub-population in the area had started using open beaches. In 2009, for the first time in centuries, a female delivered her pup on the beach (open beaches is the optimal habitat for the survival of pups, but had been abandoned due to human disturbance and persecution in past centuries). Only by 2016 the colony had recovered to its previous population (about 300 animals). This

1066-522: A tourist harassing a seal. The whole event was filmed. Less than a month later on 25 August 2014 this female monk seal was found dead in the Mrtvi Puć bay near Šišan , Croatia . Experts said it was natural death caused by her old age. In 2012, a Mediterranean monk seal, was spotted in Gibraltar on the jetty of the private boat owners club at Coaling Island . In the week of 22–28 April 2013, what

1148-686: A wide distribution range, which qualifies this species as endangered. Its current very sparse population is one more serious threat to the species, as it only has two key sites that can be deemed viable. One is the Aegean Sea (250–300 animals in Greece, with the largest concentration of animals on Gyaros, and some 100 in Turkey); the other important subpopulation is the Western Saharan portion of Cabo Blanco (around 200 individuals which may support

1230-554: A year. However, monk seals of the Cabo Blanco colony may have a gestation period lasting slightly longer than a year. Mediterranean monk seals generally live to be 25 to 30 years old. Hawaiian monk seals are polygynous. The breeding season takes place throughout the year, excluding the fall, but peaks during April and May. Shark attacks cause a high pup mortality, from 19% to 39%. Pups are thought to be weaned around 6 weeks and reach sexual maturity at 3 years. Their typical lifespan

1312-731: A year. However, it is believed to be common among monk seals of the Cabo Blanco colony to have a gestation period lasting slightly longer than a year. Mediterranean monk seals are diurnal and feed on a variety of fish and mollusks , primarily octopus , squid , and eels , up to 3 kg per day. Although they commonly feed in shallow coastal waters, they are also known to forage at depths up to 250 meters, with an average depth varying between specimens. Monk seals prefer hunting in wide-open spaces, enabling them to use their speed more effectively. They are successful bottom-feeding hunters; some have even been observed lifting slabs of rock in search of prey. The habitat of this pinniped has changed over

1394-647: A young monk seal was spotted at the coast of Karavostasi in Cyprus , only to be found dead at the same area a few days later. On 15 March 2019, a monk seal was spotted and photographed by a group of citizens at a marina in Kuşadası . On 20 July 2019, a monk seal was spotted in Protaras bay area in Cyprus . On 27 January 2020, a young monk seal was recovered dead from Torre San Gennaro in Apulia. On 15 December 2020,

1476-445: A €18,000 bounty for any evidence that "will lead to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the killing of the seal, known as Kostis." On 24 April 2023, a large monk seal was spotted at Korakonisi, Zakynthos in Greece. It stayed on the surface for around a minute observing onlookers and then dived and was not seen again on that day. On 12 May 2023, a healthy adult female monk seal was observed and photographed resting for at least

1558-575: Is Pliophoca etrusca , from the late Pliocene of Italy. The Hawaiian monk seal, as the name suggests, lives solely in the Hawaiian archipelago . Monk seals migrated to Hawaii between 4–11 Mya through an open-water passage between North and South America called the Central American Seaway. The Isthmus of Panama closed the seaway 3 Mya. The species may have evolved in the Pacific or Atlantic, but in either case, came to Hawaii long before

1640-516: Is 25 to 30 years. Not much is known of the Caribbean monk seal's reproduction. They likely bore a single pup every two years. Their gestation period, lactation period, and sexual maturity age are unknown. In the 19th century, many seals were killed by whalers and sealers for meat, oil, and skin. U.S. military forces hunted them during World War II, while occupying Laysan Island and Midway Island . Human disturbances have had immense effects on

1722-525: Is a morbilivirus or a toxic algae bloom . In the Aegean Sea , Greece has allocated a large area for the preservation of the Mediterranean monk seal and its habitat. The Greek Alonissos Marine Park , that extends around the Northern Sporades islands, is the main action ground of the Greek MOm organisation. MOm is greatly involved in raising awareness in the general public, fundraising for

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1804-527: Is a recent adaptation, most likely due to the rapid increase in human population, tourism, and industry, which have caused increased disturbance by humans and the destruction of the species' natural habitat. Because of these seals' shy nature and sensitivity to human disturbance, they have slowly adapted to try to avoid contact with humans completely within the last century, and, perhaps, even earlier. The coastal caves are, however, dangerous for newborns, and are causes of major mortality among pups when sea storms hit

1886-840: Is believed to have been a monk seal was viewed in Tyre, southern Lebanon; photographs have been reported among many local media. A study by the Italian Ministry of the Environment in 2013 confirmed the presence of monk seals in marine protected area in the Egadi Islands . In September and October 2013, there were a number of sightings of an adult pair in waters around RAF Akrotiri in British Sovereign Base waters in Cyprus. In November 2014, an adult monk seal

1968-418: Is commonly used as a region of mitochondrial DNA for determining phylogenetic relationships between organisms, due to its sequence variability. It is considered to be most useful in determining relationships within families and genera . Comparative studies involving cytochrome b have resulted in new classification schemes and have been used to assign newly described species to a genus as well as to deepen

2050-497: Is generally black, and brown or dark gray in females. Pups are about 3.3 feet (1 m) long and weigh around 33–40 pounds (15–18 kg), their skin being covered by 0.4-to-0.6-inch (1.0 to 1.5 cm) fur, usually dark brown or black. On their bellies, a white stripe occurs, which differs in color between the two sexes. This hair is replaced after 6–8 weeks by the usual short hair adults carry. The Hawaiian monk seal (whose Hawaiian name means "the dog that runs in rough waters") has

2132-471: Is known of this seal's reproduction. As of 2020, it is thought that there are roughly 500 pairs of monk seals remaining in the world. Scientists have suggested that they are polygynous , with males being very territorial where they mate with females. Although there is no breeding season since births take place year-round, there is a peak in September, October, and November. Although mating will take place in

2214-541: Is one more serious threat to the species, as it only has two key sites that can be deemed viable. One is the Aegean Sea (250–300 animals in Greece, with the largest concentration of animals in Gyaros island, and some 100 in Turkey); the other important subpopulation is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the Western Saharan portion of Cabo Blanco (around 270 individuals which may support the small, but growing, nucleus in

2296-448: Is the timing of high surf around the areas of breeding, creating a threat to young pups. As well, if a female determines that her environment is not a safe one, she can initiate an abortion, indirectly lowering the population. Because of smaller populations there is an increase in genetic events such as inbreeding and lack of genetic variation. During other months of the year, pups have an estimated survival rate of 71%. In 2008, lactation

2378-674: Is unknown. This earless seal 's historical range extended from the northern Atlantic coastline of Western Africa east to the Black Sea , including all offshore islands within the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands , Madeira , Desertas , Porto Santo , and as far west as the Azores . Vagrants could be found as far south as The Gambia and the Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) islands, and as far north as Portugal to Northern Spain and

2460-515: The Bay of Biscay to the coast of Brittany . Several causes provoked a dramatic population decrease over time: on one hand, commercial hunting (especially during the Roman Empire and Middle Ages) and, during the 20th century, eradication by fishermen, who used to consider it a pest due to the damage the seal causes to fishing nets when it preys on fish caught in them; and, on the other hand, coastal urbanization and pollution. Some seals have survived in

2542-638: The Cabo Blanco area in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It is believed to be the world's rarest pinniped species. This is the only species in the genus Monachus . This species of seal grows from approximately 80 centimetres (2.6 ft) long at birth up to an average of 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) as adults, females slightly shorter than males. Males weigh an average of 320 kilograms (710 lb) and females weigh 300 kilograms (660 lb), with overall weight ranging from 240–400 kilograms (530–880 lb). They are thought to live up to 45 years old;

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2624-483: The Caribbean monk seal , Neomonachus tropicalis , which became extinct in the 20th century. The two surviving species are now rare and in imminent danger of extinction. All three monk seal species were classified in genus Monachus until 2014, when the Caribbean and Hawaiian species were placed into a new genus, Neomonachus . Monk seals have a slender body and are agile. They have a broad, flat snout with nostrils on

2706-712: The Desertas Islands – approximately 30–40 individuals ). There may be some individuals using coastal areas among other parts of Western Sahara, such as in Cintra Bay . These two key sites are virtually in the extreme opposites of the species' distribution range, which makes natural population interchange between them impossible. All the other remaining subpopulations are composed of less than 50 mature individuals, many of them being only loose groups of extremely reduced size – often less than five individuals. Other remaining populations are in southwestern Turkey and

2788-480: The Foça municipal officials, as well as phone, fax, and email hotlines for sightings. Mediterranean monk seal The Mediterranean monk seal ( Monachus monachus ) is a monk seal belonging to the family Phocidae . As of 2015 , it is estimated that fewer than 700 individuals survive in three or four isolated subpopulations in the Mediterranean, (especially) in the Aegean Sea , the archipelago of Madeira and

2870-703: The Ionian Sea (both in the eastern Mediterranean). The species status is virtually moribund in the western Mediterranean, which still holds tiny Moroccan and Algerian populations, associated with rare sightings of vagrants in the Balearic Islands , Sardinia , and other western Mediterranean locations, including Gibraltar. In Sardinia the Mediterranean monk seal was last sighted in May 2007 and April 2010. The increase of sightings in Sardinia suggests that

2952-622: The Middle Ages and has always been threatened with eradication by fishermen. As of 2022, it is estimated and agreed upon that not more than 600-700 Mediterranean monk seals remain, concentrated primarily along the coasts of Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece. The Hawaiian monk seal appears to be faring somewhat better; the 2021 monk seal population count by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) numbered 1,570 animals, an encouraging increase from 1,453 seals in 2019. This marked

3034-607: The Sea of Marmara , but the last report of a seal in the Black Sea dates to 1997. Monk seals were present at Snake Island until the 1950s, and several locations such as the Danube Plavni Nature Reserve  [ ru ] and Doğankent were the last known hauling-out sites post-1990. Nowadays, its entire population is estimated to be less than 700 individuals widely scattered, which qualifies this species as endangered. Its current very sparse population

3116-502: The harbor seal ( Phoca vitulina ), another earless seal. Much like elephant seals , they shed their hair and the outer layer of their skin in an annual molt. The Mediterranean monk seal has a short, broad, and flat snout, with very pronounced, long nostrils that face upwards. The flippers are relatively short, with small, slender claws. The monk seal's physique is ideally suited for hunting its prey: fish , octopus , lobster , and squid in deep-water coral beds. The fur coats of males

3198-481: The tribe Monachini. The tribe was first conceived by Victor Blanchard Scheffer in his 1958 book Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses: A Review of the Pinnipedia . The two genera of monk seals, Monachus and Neomonachus , comprise three species: the Mediterranean monk seal ( Monachus monachus ), the Hawaiian monk seal ( Neomonachus schauinslandi ), and the Caribbean monk seal ( N. tropicalis ), which became extinct in

3280-579: The 18th century. There are eight pairs of teeth in both jaws. Believed to have the shortest hair of any pinniped, the Mediterranean monk seal fur is black (males) or brown to dark grey (females), with a paler belly, which is close to white in males. The snout is short broad and flat, with very pronounced, long nostrils that face upward, unlike their Hawaiian relative , which tend to have more forward nostrils. The flippers are relatively short, with small slender claws. Monk seals have two pairs of retractable abdominal teats, unlike most other pinnipeds. Very little

3362-517: The 20th century. All three monk seal species were classified in genus Monachus until 2014, when comparison of the species' mitochondrial cytochrome b DNA sequences led biologists to place the Caribbean and Hawaiian species in a new genus, Neomonachus . Fossils of the Mediterranean and Caribbean species are known from the Pleistocene . The time of divergence between the Hawaiian and Caribbean species, 3.7 million years ago (Mya), corresponds to

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3444-414: The Atlantic Ocean, is the largest surviving single population of the species, and the only remaining site that still seems to preserve a colony structure. In the summer of 1997, a disease killed more than 200 animals (two-thirds of its population) within 2 months, extremely compromising the species' viable population . While opinions on the precise causes of this epidemic remain divided, the most likely cause

3526-719: The HINWR, and the Battle of Midway National Memorial , thus creating the largest marine protected area in the world and affording the Hawaiian monk seal further protection. NOAA cultivated a network of volunteers to protect the seals while they bask or bear and nurse their young. NOAA is funding considerable research on seal population dynamics and health in conjunction with the Marine Mammal Center . From NOAA, several programs and networks were formed. Community programs such as PIRO have helped to improve community standards for

3608-474: The Hawaiian monk seal. The program also creates networks with the native Hawaiians on the island to network more people in the fight for conservation of the seals. The Marine Mammal Response Network is partnered with NOAA and several other government agencies that deal with land and marine wildlife. To raise awareness of the species' plight, on June 11, 2008, a state law designated the Hawaiian monk seal as Hawaii 's official state mammal. Several causes provoked

3690-664: The MOM Hellenic Society had located a new colony of seals on a remote beach in the Aegean Sea. The exact location was not communicated so as to keep the site protected. The society was appealing to the Greek government to integrate the part of the island on which the seals live into a marine protected area . On 8 March 2011, the BBC Earth news reported that a pup seal had been spotted on 7 February while monitoring

3772-801: The Northwest Hawaiian Islands as a critical habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal. The designation prohibited lobster fishing in the northwest Hawaiian Islands and Laysan Island. In 2006, a Presidential proclamation established the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument , which incorporated the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve , the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge ,

3854-411: The average life span is thought to be 20 to 25 years old and reproductive maturity is reached at around age four. The monk seals' pups are about 1 metre (3.3 ft) long and weigh around 15–18 kilograms (33–40 lb), their skin being covered by 1–1.5 centimeter-long, dark brown to black hair. On their bellies, there is a white stripe, which differs in color and shape between the two sexes. In females

3936-500: The body of a female monk seal known to have been resident there for some time. Further investigations revealed that she was pregnant with a pup. On 13 August 2015, ten monk seals were spotted in Governor's Beach, Limassol , Cyprus . On 6 January 2016, a monk seal climbed aboard a parked boat in Kuşadası . On 10 April 2016, a monk seal was spotted and photographed by a group of foreign exchange students and local bio-engineers in

4018-446: The caves are often along remote or rugged coastlines. Scientists have confirmed this is a recent adaptation, most likely due to the rapid increase in human population, tourism, and industry, which have caused increased disturbance by humans and the destruction of the species' natural habitat. Because of these seals' shy nature and sensitivity to human disturbance, they have slowly adapted to try to avoid contact with humans completely within

4100-679: The caves. The Mediterranean monk seal can be found in the Mediterranean Sea off of Croatia , Cyprus , Greece , and Turkey , as well as the North Atlantic Ocean off of Mauritania and Western Sahara . It may be locally-extinct (extirpated) in and around Albania , Corsica , Egypt , France , Italy , Libya , Malta , Monaco , Montenegro , southern Spain (and the Balearic Islands ), and Tunisia . Its status in Algeria , Israel , Lebanon , Morocco and Syria

4182-733: The closing of the Central American Seaway by the formation of the Isthmus of Panama . The divergence between Mediterranean seals and the New World clade was dated to 6.3 Mya ago. Fossils of a Pliocene species of monk seal, Eomonachus belegaerensis , have been found in Taranaki region of New Zealand. This could possibly place the origins of the group in the Southern Hemisphere. The only other fossil monk seal

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4264-542: The coasts of Tel Aviv , Israel . When zoo veterinarians arrived to help the seal, it had slipped back into the waters. Members of the Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center arrived at the scene and tried to locate the injured mammal, but with no success. This was the first sighting of the species in the region since Lebanese authorities claimed to have found a population of 10–20 other seals on their coasts 70 years earlier. In addition,

4346-684: The first Polynesians . When monk seals are not hunting or eating, they generally bask on the beaches; Hawaiian monk seals tend to bask on sandy beaches and volcanic rock of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands . The habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal has changed over the years. Prior to the 20th century, they had been known to congregate, give birth, and seek refuge on open beaches. Since sealing had ended, they have left their former habitat and now only use sea caves for such behavior. More often than not, these caves are rather inaccessible to humans due to underwater entries, and because

4428-494: The first time the Hawaiian monk seal's population exceeded 1,500 in 20 years; their numbers have been recorded and observed to increase approximately 2% each year from 2013-2021. Some of this successful growth is undoubtedly due to numerous rescue-and-release operations and the relocating of weaned pups to quieter beaches (with lower numbers of predatory sharks and less human interactions), enabling more seals to mature naturally and safely. The name "monk seal" (German Münchs-Robbe )

4510-462: The helping of the monk seal preservation cause, in Greece and wherever needed. Greece is currently investigating the possibility of declaring another monk seal breeding site as a national park, and also has integrated some sites in the NATURA 2000 protection scheme. The legislation in Greece is very strict towards seal hunting, and in general, the public is very much aware and supportive of the effort for

4592-649: The intentional discarding of debris from ships at sea. Monk seals have one of the highest documented rates of entanglement of any pinniped species. In 1909, Theodore Roosevelt created the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge (HINWR), which is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service . Throughout the 1980s, the National Marine Fisheries Service completed various versions of an environmental impact statement that designated

4674-543: The last century, and perhaps, even earlier. The coastal caves are, however, dangerous for newborns, and are causes of major mortality among pups when sea storms hit the caves. Caribbean monk seals were found in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the west Atlantic Ocean. They probably preferred to haul out at sites (low sandy beaches above high tide) on isolated and secluded atolls and islands, but occasionally visited

4756-730: The mainland coasts and deeper waters offshore. This species may have fed in shallow lagoons and reefs. Monk seals are part of the family Phocidae (earless seals), the members of which are characterized by their lack of external ears, the inability to rotate the hind flippers under the body, and shed their hair and the outer layer of their skin in an annual molt . Monk seals as a whole vary minutely in size, with all adults measuring on average 8 feet (2.4 m) and 500 pounds (230 kg). They exhibit sexual dimorphism , in that male Mediterranean monk seals are slightly larger than females, while in Hawaiian monk seals, females are larger. Its white belly, gray coat, and slender physique distinguish it from

4838-491: The monk seal's small population, the effects of disease could be disastrous. Entanglement can result in mortality, because when the seals get trapped in marine debris such as fishing nets, they cannot maneuver or reach the surface to breathe. Marine fisheries can potentially interact with monk seals by direct and indirect relationships. Directly, the seal can become snared by fishing equipment, entangled in discarded debris, and even feed on fish refuse. International law prohibits

4920-462: The municipal baths area of Paphos , Cyprus . On 18 October 2016, a monk seal was captured on video around Gulf of Kuşadası . On 3 November 2016, a monk seal was spotted at the coast of Gialousa in Cyprus . On 13 June 2017, a specimen was spotted and photographed by a group of fishermen off the coasts of Tricase in the south of Italy. In early 2018 a mother and her pup were spotted around Paphos Harbour in Cyprus . In November 2018,

5002-833: The northern Adriatic, off the island of Cres and a specimen of unverified sex on 29 June 2012. On 2 May 2013 a specimen was seen on the southernmost point of Istrian peninsula near the town of Pula . On 9 September 2013, in Pula a male specimen swam to a busy beach and entertained numerous tourists for five minutes before swimming back to the open sea. In summer 2014 sightings in Pula have occurred almost daily and monk seal stayed multiple times on crowded city beaches, sleeping calm for hours just few meters away from humans. To prevent accidents and preserve monk seal, local city council acquired special educational boards and installed on city beaches. Despite clear instructions, an incident occurred with

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5084-607: The paler and more yellowish younger seals. Caribbean monk seals were also known to have algae growing on their pelages, giving them a slightly greenish appearance, which is similar to Hawaiian monk seals. Hawaiian monk seals mainly prey on reef-dwelling bony fish , but they also prey on cephalopods and crustaceans . Juveniles and subadults prey more on smaller octopus species, such as Octopus leteus and O. hawaiiensis (nocturnal octopus species), and eels than do adult Hawaiian monk seals. Adult seals feed mostly on larger octopus species such as O. cyanea . Hawaiian monk seals have

5166-438: The petB and petD genes. Cytochrome b/b6 non-covalently binds two heme groups, known as b562 and b566. Four conserved histidine residues are postulated to be the ligands of the iron atoms of these two heme groups. The heme groups are key parts of the internal electron transfer pathway and indispensable to the functioning of the two quinol oxidizing complexes. Two units of b/b6 also form a quinol entry pathway. Cytochrome b

5248-437: The populations of the Hawaiian monk seal. They tend to avoid beaches where they are disturbed; after continual disturbance, the seals may completely abandon the beach, thus reducing habitat size, subsequently limiting population growth. For instance, large beach crowds and beach structures limit the seal's habitat. The WWII military bases in the northwestern islands were closed, but minimal human activities can be enough to disturb

5330-632: The preservation of the Mediterranean monk seal. One of the largest groups among the foundations concentrating their efforts towards the preservation of the Mediterranean monk seal is the Mediterranean Seal Research Group ( Akdeniz Foklarını Araştırma Grubu ) operating under the Underwater Research Foundation ( Sualtı Araştırmaları Derneği ) in Turkey (also known as SAD-AFAG). The group has taken initiative in joint preservation efforts together with

5412-630: The seal occasionally inhabits the Central Eastern Sardinian coasts, preserved since 1998 by the National Park of Golfo of Orosei . Colonies on the Pelagie Islands ( Linosa and Lampedusa ) were destroyed by fishermen, which likely resulted in local extinction. Cabo Blanco, in the Atlantic Ocean, is the largest surviving single population of the species, and the only remaining site that still seems to preserve

5494-539: The seal was also sighted a couple of weeks later in the northern kibbutz of Rosh Hanikra . In April 2010, there was a report of a sighting off the island of Marettimo , in the Egadi Islands off the coast of Italy , in Trapani Province . In November 2010, a Mediterranean monk seal, supposedly aged between 10 and 20, had been spotted in Bodrum , Turkey. On 31 December 2010, the BBC Earth news reported that

5576-488: The section of beach that has been fenced off for her, and occasionally going into the water. On 5th of July 2024, a monk seal was spotted in Malta after an absence of 30 years. Cytochrome b Cytochrome b/b6 is an integral membrane protein of approximately 400 amino acid residues that probably has 8 transmembrane segments . In plants and cyanobacteria, cytochrome b6 consists of two protein subunits encoded by

5658-604: The small, but growing, nucleus in the Desertas Islands – roughly 20 individuals). Some individuals may be using coastal areas along other parts of Western Sahara, such as in Cintra Bay . These two key sites are virtually in the extreme opposites of the species' distribution range, which makes natural population interchange between them impossible. All the other remaining subpopulations are composed of less than 50 mature individuals, many of them being only loose groups of extremely reduced size – often less than five individuals. Consequently, low genetic variability exists. Cabo Blanco, in

5740-438: The species. The current population is only around 1,400 individuals. The Hawaiian monk seal has the lowest level of genetic variability among the 18 pinniped species, allegedly due to a population bottleneck caused by intense hunting in the 19th century. This limited genetic variability reduces the species's ability to adapt to environmental pressures and limits natural selection , thus increasing their risk of extinction. Given

5822-441: The stripe is usually rectangular in shape whereas in males it is usually butterfly shaped. This hair is replaced after six to eight weeks by the usual short hair adults carry. Adults will continue to molt annually, causing their color vibrancy to change throughout the year. Pregnant Mediterranean monk seals typically use inaccessible undersea caves while giving birth, though historical descriptions show they used open beaches until

5904-429: The time they are weaned , while the mother loses up to 300 pounds (140 kg). Caribbean monk seals had a relatively large, long, robust body, and could grow to nearly 8 feet (2.4 m) in length and weighed 375 to 600 pounds (170 to 272 kg). Males were probably slightly larger than females, which is similar to Mediterranean monk seals. Like other monk seals, this species had a distinctive head and face. The head

5986-424: The top. Monk seals are polygynous , and group together in harems . They feed mainly on bony fish and cephalopods , but they are opportunistic. The skin is covered in small hairs, which are generally black in males and brown or dark gray in females. Monk seals are found in the Hawaiian archipelago , certain areas in the east Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea (such as Cabo Blanco and Gyaros island), and formerly in

6068-410: The tropical areas of the west Atlantic Ocean. All species experienced overhunting by sealers . The Hawaiian monk seal experienced population drops in the 19th century and during World War II , and the Caribbean monk seal was exploited since the 1500s until the 1850s, when populations were too low to hunt commercially. The Mediterranean monk seal has experienced both commercial and illegal hunting since

6150-434: The understanding of evolutionary relationships. Mutations in cytochrome b primarily result in exercise intolerance in human patients; though more rare, severe multi-system pathologies have also been reported. Single-point mutations in cytochrome b of Plasmodium falciparum and P. berghei are associated with resistance to the anti-malarial drug atovaquone . Human genes encoding cytochrome b proteins include: Cyt b

6232-455: The water, females will give birth and care for the pups on beaches or underwater caves. The use of underwater caves may have begun in order to make predatory actions almost impossible as these caves are difficult to access. Because they will stay with the pups to nurse and protect, they use their stored fat reserves to nurse. Data analysis indicates that only 29% of pups born between September and January survive. One cause of this low survival rate

6314-457: The years. In ancient times, and up until the 20th century, Mediterranean monk seals had been known to congregate, give birth, and seek refuge on open beaches. In more recent times, they have left their former habitat and now only use sea caves for these activities. Often these caves are inaccessible to humans. Frequently their caves have underwater entries and many caves are positioned along remote or rugged coastlines. Scientists have confirmed this

6396-463: Was made possible by a recovery plan financed by Spain. Also in 2016, a new record of births was set for the colony (83 pups). However, the threat of a similar incident, which could severely reduce or wipe out the entire population, remains. In June 2009, there was a report of a sighting off the island of Giglio , in Italy. On 7 January 2010, fishermen spotted an injured Mediterranean monk seal off

6478-566: Was reported in an open beach, the first such record since 1945, which could suggest the seal could begin feeling increasingly safe to return to open beaches for breeding purposes in Cabo Blanco. Pups make first contact with the water two weeks after their birth and are weaned at around 18 weeks of age; females caring for pups will go off to feed for an average of nine hours. Most female individuals are believed to reach maturity at four years of age unto which they will begin to breed. Males begin to breed at age six. The gestation period lasts close to

6560-510: Was reportedly seen inside the port of Limassol , Cyprus . A female monk seal, called Argyro by the locals, was repeatedly seen on beaches of Samos island in 2014 and 2015, and two were reported in April 2016. In 2017, Argyro was shot and killed. On 7 April 2015, a large floating "fish" was reported near Raouche, Beirut in Lebanon , and collected by a local fisherman. This turned out to be

6642-439: Was rounded with an extended, broad muzzle. The face had relatively large, wide-spaced eyes, upward-opening nostrils, and fairly big whisker pads with long, light-colored, and smooth whiskers. When compared to the body, the animal's foreflippers were relatively short with little claws and the hindflippers were slender. Their coloration was brownish and/or grayish, with the underside lighter than the dorsal area. Adults were darker than

6724-686: Was suggested by naturalist Johann Hermann , who claimed that the seal was popularly known as moine (French for "monk") in Marseilles , and speculated that the seal looks from behind like a monk wearing a cape and hood. ringed seal Baikal seal Caspian seal spotted seal harbor seal grey seal ribbon seal harp seal hooded seal bearded seal Weddell seal leopard seal crabeater seal Ross seal southern elephant seal northern elephant seal Mediterranean monk seal Hawaiian monk seal †Caribbean monk seal Monk seals are earless seals (true seals) of

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