It was an exceptional event by any standards, yet even more so when one realises that the Mediterranean monk seal has been considered extinct in Spain and the Balearic Islands for more than half a century.
In what may turn out to be a pivotal moment in the species’ future recolonisation of the Balearics, a confirmed sighting of a single Mediterranean monk seal was made in the marine reserve of Isla del Toro, Mallorca, at 11.30 hrs on 15 June.
The sighting was made – and photographed – by a diver from Palma, Alvaro Garí. This is the third such observation in recent weeks, though the only one to have been confirmed by photographic means.
The monk seal has been extinct in the Balearic Islands since the 1950s. Scientists, conservationists and government officials are keen to see the return of the species, and have implemented various conservation measures to prepare for or encourage a return, including the establishment of protected areas and a range of educational and public outreach programmes [see Reversible absence, TMG 11 (1): June 2008].
Experts are now travelling to the site to investigate the sighting further, and evaluate possible courses of action.
With this individual likely to be a vagrant rather than a Balearic resident born and bred, speculation will doubtless focus on its origins (Algeria? Morocco? Sardinia?), as well as means of ensuring its protection.
We shall be carrying further reports from Mallorca as soon as they become available.
Further info
Un equipo de buceadores fotografía en Mallorca una foca que podría ser monje, después de 50 años. Libertad Balear, 18.06.2008. no longer online
Monk seal spotted off coast of Mallorca. Iberia Nature, 17.06.2008.
¿Es esto una extinta foca monje? El Pais, 17.06.2008.