Mediterranean Monk Seal

Basic Information

The Mediterranean Monk Seal is on of the most endangered animals in the whole world. There is only 400-500 of them left and their numbers are still declining. They once were widespread through the Mediterranean and Black seas, and off of the north-western coast of Africa. Now there are some scattered colonies in the Aegean Seas and off the southern coast of Turkey in Mediterranean Sea. There is also scattered populations off of the western coasts of the Sahara and Desertas Islands.

Characteristics of The Mediterranean Monk Seal

Adults have a brown or grey coat, that can become paler under the surface of water. Newborns have woolly yellow or white spot on there stomachs that can help determine the sex. Males have a distinct white patch on there belly, older males while still having a white patch their coats are much darker and can sometimes even be black. The average male can be 240 centimeters in length and 315 kilograms in weight, while a female is an average of 238 centimeter in length and 300 kilograms in weight. Newborns are only 16-18 kilograms.

Fun Facts

1)The first known description of a Mediterranean Monk Seal was written by Aristotle

2) The head of a Mediterranean Monk Seal was on one of the first coins in 500 BC

Information From: http://www.arkive.org/mediterranean-monk-seal/monachus-monachus/image-G112703.html

Photo Credit: Hellio and Van Ingen/ www.photoshot.com