Category: Mediterranean News

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Mediterranean monk seal predation by a white shark

Recent Publications

Pujol, Juan A. 2015. Un antiguo caso de predación de foca monje mediterránea adulta, Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779) por tiburón blanco, Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus, 1758) en las Islas Baleares, España. Bol. R. Soc. Esp. Hist. Nat. 109: 71-74. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/296467824_Un_antiguo_caso_de_predacion_de_foca_monje_mediterranea_adulta_Monachus_monachus_Hermann_1779_por_tiburon_blanco_Carcharodon_carcharias_Linnaeus_1758_en_las_Islas_Baleares_Espana]

Abstract
In 1906, a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) was accidental [sic] trapped in Ciutadella (Balearic Islands). In its stomach was found an adult Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), being the first chronological case of predation between both species in the Mediterranean sea.

Resumen
En 1906 un ejemplar de tiburón blanco (Carcharodon carcharias) fue atrapado accidentalmente en la almadraba de Ciudadela (Islas Baleares). En su estómago fue encontrado un adulto de foca monje mediterránea (Monachus monachus), constituyendo cronológicamente el primer caso de predación entre ambas especies en el Mediterráneo.

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The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus in Cyprus

by Melina Marcou, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Republic of Cyprus

Monitoring Programme and Surveys

Monk seal surveys had previously been carried out in Cyprus in 1997, 2005-2006 and 2011. These surveys, along with the sighting records, identified a small number (<10) of monk seals still inhabiting the seas around Cyprus. A number of caves were examined along the coastline of Cyprus during the surveys for existence of suitable monk seal habitats. According to the findings, sea caves located in Akamas area and Cape Greco area, both areas part of the Natura 2000 network, are likely to be suitable monk seal habitats. In addition, sea caves in the Limassol and Xylofagou areas were recorded and the presence of the monk seals was confirmed. Continue reading “The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus in Cyprus”

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Death of the monk seal known as “Half”

by Rosa Pires, Parque Natural da Madeira Service
Metade in the Desertas Islands in 2001.
Metade in the Desertas Islands in 2001.

Last March the Natural Park of Madeira (SPNM) received information that a dead monk seal had been discovered near Ribeira Brava, a village on the south coast of the island.

SPNM staff investigated and, with the help of some local people, found the body. It turned out to be “Metade” (“Half”), the adult male that was found in 2013 with a deep wound to his neck. Continue reading “Death of the monk seal known as “Half””

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Rare seal makes unexpected third visit to Israel

Media Watch, Ynetnews, 15 April 2015

Endangered seal swims to Israel from Lebanon to hunt some fish; photographs reveal that this is the third visit by the same seal since 2010.

Israeli naval lookouts spotted something unusual on Monday off the coast at Rosh HaNikra – a highly endangered Mediterranean monk seal, which has become a rare sight in local waters. [More]

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Pregnant monk seal found dead in Lebanon

The death of a pregnant Mediterranean monk seal has been reported in Beirut near the “Cave of seals” at Raouche Beach. The discovery is thought to have taken place last week, on 31 March 2015. A locally performed necropsy did not reveal any signs of foul play, though it is not yet known how comprehensive the procedure was.

Despite being considered extinct in Lebanon since the 1950s, rare sporadic sightings in more recent years have raised hopes of the monk seal’s return.

Further information is available on Lebanon’s Green Area website.