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Pinniped Species
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Bearded Seal -
Caribbean Monk Seal -
Crabeater Seal -
Caspian Seal -
Gray Seal -
Harbor Seal -
Harp Seal -
Hawaiian Monk Seal -
Hooded Seal -
Leopard seal -
Mediterranean Monk Seal -
Northern Elephant Seal -
Ribbon Seal -
Ringed Seal -
Southern Elephant Seal -
Spotted Seal -
Weddel Seal
All
x
- – No known individuals remaining.
- – Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range.
- – Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- – High risk of extinction in the wild.
- – High risk of endangerment in the wild.
- – Likely to become endangered in the near future.
- – Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a higher risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.
- – Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction.
- – Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.
Mediterranean Monk Seal
- – No known individuals remaining.
- – Known only to survive in captivity, or as a naturalized population outside its historic range.
- – Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
- – High risk of extinction in the wild.
- – High risk of endangerment in the wild.
- – Likely to become endangered in the near future.
- – Lowest risk. Does not qualify for a higher risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.
- – Not enough data to make an assessment of its risk of extinction.
- – Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.
Mediterranean monk seals have a widespread range throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the east Atlantic Ocean along Northwest Africa coastline.
These seals have a rounded head with an extended, broad muzzle. Their color ranges from brownish to grayish with a lighter underside. Their front flippers are relatively short while their hind-flippers are slender.
Fish, rays, octopus and squid.
These seals can be found in warm waters and are considered to be shy and solitary.
Mediterranean monk seals become sexually mature at 2-6 years of age and males defend an area of water for successful breeding. Females will give birth year-round but the season peaks September-November. Mothers and pups develop a strong bond and the pups typically are weaned at 4 months but can occasionally stay for 4 years.
They are considered “Critically Endangered”. In 1992 an island off Greece established an area protected for monk seals called the National Marine Park of Alonnisos. They are the most endangered of all pinnipeds.
All monk seal species are sensitive to change; therefore, human encroachment has prevented them from being by their natural habitat. Fishermen have also targeted them for their meat, oil, hide and attempted to reduce competition for fish, squid and octopus.
They have the shortest hair of all the pinnipeds.
