What is a Mediterranean monk seal? The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is a marine mammal with a unique appearance. It can reach lengths of 215 to 275 centimeters (7 to 9 feet), weighing around 235 to 300 kilograms (518 to 661 pounds). Adult male Mediterranean monk seals usually have a black fur coat with a white ventral patch, while adult females have a brown or grey coat with a lighter belly.
This seal species is known for its large, round, expressive eyes, as well as the long whiskers on its muzzle. Mediterranean monk seals have elongated, streamlined, and flexible bodies with strong, paddle-like flippers, making them well adapted for swimming in water. They have prominent, v-shaped nostrils on top of their snouts, useful for breathing at the surface of the water.
These seals are found around the eastern Mediterranean and the northeast Atlantic oceans.
How many Mediterranean monk seals are left? Mediterranean monk seals are an endangered species. There are only around 400 mature individuals left, though their population is reportedly increasing.
Why is the Mediterranean monk seal endangered? The Mediterranean monk seal’s range has been limited by human encroachment and habitat degradation. Humans have built infrastructure, including roads, hotels, houses, and power plants, along coasts, which has degraded breeding grounds and safe spaces for seal pups.
Tourism is one of the biggest threats to the survival of this seal species. For instance, in areas where diving has become popular, there has been a decline in pupping activity. Vessel strikes also injure or kill Mediterranean monk seals.
Angelshark
What is an angelshark? The angelshark (Squatina squatina) has a wide, flat body, resembling a ray or a skate. They’re usually a grey or brown colour, which is useful for camouflaging on the seabed. They have two dorsal fins, as well as pectoral fins, which help to distinguish them from rays and skates. Angelsharks have wide mouths full of sharp teeth, helping them capture prey such as fish and crustaceans.
The angelshark is found in the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, around the Canary Islands, and around the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland, though its historical range is larger. Its presence is uncertain in many regions it once inhabited.
How many angelsharks are left? Angelsharks are critically endangered. While exact numbers aren’t known, it’s reported that the population is decreasing.
Why is the angelshark endangered? There are several factors contributing to the endangered status of angelsharks. They have historically been targeted by the commercial fishing industry for their meat and fins, which has been a significant cause of their population decline. They’re also often unintentionally caught as bycatch in other fishing gear, including trawl nets and longlines. As the species has a slow reproductive rate, they are more susceptible to overfishing.
Balearic shearwater
What is a Balearic shearwater? The Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) is a medium-sized, long-winged seabird that breeds exclusively in Spain’s Balearic Islands. During the breeding season, it can also be found foraging on the Iberian peninsula as well as in Algeria and Morocco. After the breeding season, the species moves to the coasts of southwestern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, France, and the UK. Despite their scientific name, they are not closely related to Atlantic puffins.
How many Balearic shearwaters are left? The Balearic shearwater is critically endangered, and there are only about 19,000 individual birds remaining. Its population is reportedly decreasing in number.
Why is the Balearic shearwater endangered? Currently, the greatest threat to Balearic shearwaters is bycatch—the accidental catching of these birds by fishermen. Bycatch is sadly an issue that affects many animals around the world, including marine mammals and turtles. Predation by introduced species—including rats, cats, and genets—is also an issue. Acute pollution events like oil spills also threaten this species. Oil spills can remove the natural waterproof coating from a seabird’s feathers. When they are no longer waterproofed, these birds may experience effects like hypothermia.
What is being done to protect endangered species?
There are various initiatives in place at international and European level to protect endangered species. The European Union’s new Nature Restoration Law, for example, intends to restore ecosystems and habitats of species on land and in water by setting binding targets for member states.
IFAW is actively committed to the protection of endangered species in Europe and around the world, and they need your help. Preserving biodiversity is vital for animals, people, and the planet.
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